Question

In hospitals, MRI machines use magnets so powerful that everyday objects can become deadly projectiles. Why does this happen with some metals—but not others?


Question 1
Student Instructions:

Watch the video without taking notes the first time.

Watch it a second time and focus on:

How do different metals behave

What happens inside vs. outside the magnetic field

Why safety matters

Q1: In the video demonstration, which object is shown being pulled strongly toward the magnet when brought close to it?

(2 points)
Responses

The copper bar held in front of the magnet
The copper bar held in front of the magnet

All three objects behave the same way
All three objects behave the same way

The steel scissors that move quickly toward the magnet
The steel scissors that move quickly toward the magnet

The aluminum plate that is released near the magnet
The aluminum plate that is released near the magnet
Question 2
Q2: What happens to the aluminum plate when it is released inside the magnetic field near the MRI magnet?(2 points)
Responses

It sticks to the magnet immediately
It sticks to the magnet immediately

It falls at the same speed as it does outside the magnetic field
It falls at the same speed as it does outside the magnetic field

It falls very slowly, as if moving through a thick fluid
It falls very slowly, as if moving through a thick fluid

It rises upward toward the magnet
It rises upward toward the magnet
Question 3
Q3: Based on the video, which safety rule is most critical in an MRI room, and why?(1 point)
Responses

Allow only non-ferromagnetic metals near the MRI because they fall more slowly in the magnetic field
Allow only non-ferromagnetic metals near the MRI because they fall more slowly in the magnetic field

Keep all loose metal objects out of the MRI room because ferromagnetic items can be pulled in and become dangerous projectiles
Keep all loose metal objects out of the MRI room because ferromagnetic items can be pulled in and become dangerous projectiles

Turn off the MRI magnet when metal objects are nearby to prevent attraction
Turn off the MRI magnet when metal objects are nearby to prevent attraction

Secure metal objects to the floor so they cannot move toward the magnet

Answer 1

Q1: The steel scissors that move quickly toward the magnet

Q2: It falls very slowly, as if moving through a thick fluid
- (Eddy currents in the conductive aluminum create a magnetic braking effect.)

Q3: Keep all loose metal objects out of the MRI room because ferromagnetic items can be pulled in and become dangerous projectiles