Can a needle be magnetized with silk?

Question

I've often heard that "static electricity caused by rubbing a needle on silk or other material will magnetize the needle" as I found on a web page. I've seen it in movies and it was just on a "Millionaire" episode. But holding a metal needle would not permit much static build up and I'm not certain how static electricity would lead to magnetism. If this works, what is the physics involved?

Answer 1

Electrons in the steel will literally be brushed off onto the silk. The needle becomes positively charged. If you float the needle in water (another neat trick) or suspend it in oil (easier, since oil is denser) the needle will align with earth's magnetic field and point north-south.

You don't need to worry about your fingers discharging too much static electricity unless they are wet or sweaty, or it is very humid.

Answer 2

google magnetism