Intriguing Trial to Determine if Your Morning Cereal Exhibits Magnetic Properties
Are you ready to turn your breakfast table into a science lab? Discover the magnetic properties hidden in your cereal bowl with this easy and fun experiment.
Did you know that some cereals might be more magnetic than a piece of iron ore? It's all due to the iron content added to fortify the cereals, providing a significant portion of the daily recommended iron intake.
To perform this cereal science project, gather a few cereals with different iron content, a bowl of water, a strong magnet, and some patience. Here's a list of cereals and their average iron content per serving:
- Frosted Mini-Wheats and Total Whole Grain Cereal: 18 milligrams
- Cheerios, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, and Special K Red Berries: Approximately 11 to 13 milligrams
- All-Bran, Cocoa Puffs, and Fruity Pebbles: Less than 5 milligrams
Float a few pieces of each cereal in a bowl of water for a clear view. Hold the magnet over the cereal without touching it. If the cereal is fortified with a significant amount of iron, it should slowly follow the movement of the magnet.
The magnet's attraction to the cereal is due to the iron fortification, which is often in the form of elemental iron powder. Cereals like Frosted Mini-Wheats and Total Whole Grain tend to have higher iron content due to fortification, making them more magnetic compared to cereals like Cheerios, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Special K Red Berries, All-Bran, Cocoa Puffs, and Fruity Pebbles.
To ensure accurate results, use a magnet that is as strong and long as possible to reach the cereal easily. This trick will help you determine if your cereal is magnetic and how much iron it contains.
So next time you're enjoying your breakfast, you might find yourself conducting a simple science experiment, turning your morning routine into a learning experience. Happy experimenting!
[1] Nutritionix.com (2021). Cereal Nutrition Facts. [online] Available at: https://www.nutritionix.com/food/cereal
[2] MyFitnessPal.com (2021). Cereal Nutrition Facts. [online] Available at: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/search/cereal
This easy and fun experiment demonstrates the magnetism of certain cereals, revealing their iron content. By using a strong magnet to attract the magnetic cereals, you can learn about science, education, and self-development, making your breakfast a learning experience. For instance, cereals like Frosted Mini-Wheats and Total Whole Grain show higher levels of magnetism due to their increased iron fortification.
