Question

A student is investigating magnetic fields. The student places four different objects near identical magnets and observes what happens. The student records her observations in the table below.



Using data from the table, which argument can the student make about magnetic fields?

(4 points)
Responses

The effect that a magnetic field has on an object depends on the distance to the object.
The effect that a magnetic field has on an object depends on the distance to the object.

The effect that a magnetic field has on an object depends on the material of the object.
The effect that a magnetic field has on an object depends on the material of the object.

The effect that a magnetic field has on an object depends on the mass of the object.
The effect that a magnetic field has on an object depends on the mass of the object.

The effect that a magnetic field has on an object depends on the type of magnet used.
The effect that a magnetic field has on an object depends on the type of magnet used.
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Answer 1

The effect depends on the material of the object.

Reason: the magnets were identical and placed the same way, yet only objects made of magnetic materials (e.g., iron/steel) were attracted while nonmagnetic materials (e.g., plastic, wood, copper) were not. Mass and magnet type were constant, so the differing response is due to the objects' material (whether they are magnetic/ferromagnetic).