Magnetism

Yes, the magnet will attract the nail. Metals such as iron, nickel, and cobalt are attracted to magnets, but most metals are not attracted to magnets. Items such as glass, plastic, and wood are also not attracted to magnets. Two magnets must have oppositely charged poles to attract one another. These are labeled north and south.

Magnetism comes from moving electrons; it comes from electricity and from stacking the electrons of a metallic object (iron, cobalt, or nickel) Magnets are polar. One pole has an excess of electrons, and one pole has fewer. These poles stack themselves within the magnet. The atoms stack themselves. If you cut the magnet in half, you would have two magnets, because the poles are still stacked within the object. The polarity in maintained.

Additional Resources

Electromagnets

Electromagnets are temporary magnets. They become magnetic when a current of electricity runs through a wire. They can be used to generate electricity when a magnet is run back and forth in front of them.