A magnet can hold a piece of paper to the door of a refrigerator. How does the magnet stick without touching the door?

Question

a
The magnetic field of the magnet can act at a distance, and influence the metal of the door through the paper.
b
The magnet induces a magnetic field in the paper.
c
Friction attracts the paper to the magnet.
d
Gravity attracts the magnet to the door.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

a The magnetic field of the magnet can act at a distance, and influence the metal of the door through the paper.

The magnet, even though it is separated from the door by the paper, can still exert its magnetic field and interact with the ferromagnetic material (typically steel) in the refrigerator door. This interaction allows the magnet to hold the paper against the door.