Making a temporary magnet is a fascinating scientific process you can do at home. You'll need only a paperclip (which will become your temporary magnet) and a refrigerator magnet. You'll also want a piece of metal such as a nail to test out your magnet. Rub the magnet against the paperclip using a quick motion. Move it in the same direction, like dealing cards, rather than back and forth. Repeat that motion fifty times, as quickly as you can. Congratulations! You've made a temporary magnet, provided you've followed these directions.

Question

Making a temporary magnet is a fascinating scientific process you can do at home. You'll need only a paperclip (which will become your temporary magnet) and a refrigerator magnet. You'll also want a piece of metal such as a nail to test out your magnet. Rub the magnet against the paperclip using a quick motion. Move it in the same direction, like dealing cards, rather than back and forth. Repeat that motion fifty times, as quickly as you can. Congratulations! You've made a temporary magnet, provided you've followed these directions.

What might make this process fail?
using a metal object other than a nail to test out the magnet
testing out the magnet several days after making it
rubbing the paperclip against the magnet too rapidly

Answer 1

All of the mentioned factors could potentially make the process fail. Another factor that could make the process fail is using a magnet that is not strong enough.