Reply To: Error in text re magnetic fields going through iron
Are you using a horseshoe magnet or a button or bar magnet? When I wrote this, I had in mind a horseshoe magnet. The iron between the poles effectively “short circuits” the magnetic field so that the paperclip on the opposite side will not stick. On the other hand, if you are using a very strong horseshoe magnet, the field may not be totally short circuited and some sticking of the paperclip on the opposite side may be observed.
If you are using a button or bar magnet, however, there is only one pole touching the can and the field around that pole is conducted through. (It is like what happens in hanging a “chain” of paperclips from a magnet.)
Please let us know if this solves the problem. If not, please ask again.
Bernie Nebel