What occurs when a metal nail is struck with a magnet?

When a metal nail is struck with a magnet, it becomes magnetized temporarily, which aligns certain domains in the material. This process does not usually lead to permanent magnetization because the metal, often iron, is not a permanent magnet by nature, and the magnetic alignment can be disrupted easily by movement or heat.

The intensity and duration of the magnetism will depend on factors such as how long the magnet is held against the nail and the strength of the magnet. This temporary magnetization means that while the nail retains some magnetic properties for a time after being struck, it is not transformed into a permanent magnet. With continued exposure to heat or other physical forces, the magnetism can diminish. This context highlights that while the magnetic properties are imparted to the nail, they are not enduring.