Why are paper clips attracted to magnets?

Question

Do they have opposite charges?

Answer 1

It doesn't have to do with charges, because that refers to the electric force. The magnetic force is totally different.

Magnets are polarized, which means they have two opposite poles... a north pole, and a south pole. The separation of these poles creates a force that will act on anything that is magnetic. Iron is a very common magnetic metal, and paper clips are made of mostly iron. So when a paper clip gets near the right end of a magnetic, its magnetic force will pull the paperclip towards it.

Answer 2

They contain iron (Steel).