A magnet will therefore not stick to them. This does not mean these metals cannot be separated. In recycling, non-ferrous metals such as aluminium and copper are often separated using a different principle: eddy currents. A magnet does not hold these metals, but a changing magnetic field can cause them to move.. Explain one of the common misconceptions that magnets can attract all metals. Learn what causes magnetism within a material and why non-magnetic materials are magnetic
There are three types of metals that interact with magnetic fields. Ferromagnetic metals are strongly attracted to magnets. Paramagnetic metals are also attracted by a magnetic field, but the force of attraction is significantly weaker. In the presence of a strong magnet, diamagnetic metals induce a weak opposing magnetic field.. Here is a list of magnetic metals. Also, see which metals are non-magnetic and whether there are magnetic nonmetals.