Why Is Magnetizing Steel a Physical Change?

Magnetization simply aligns the existing iron atoms in a certain way due the effect of a magnetic field on their dipole characteristics. It does not change the chemical composition or structure of the iron atoms in any way.

Is magnetizing steel a physical change?

Other examples of physical changes include magnetizing and demagnetizing metals (as is done with common antitheft security tags) and grinding solids into powders (which can sometimes yield noticeable changes in color).

Why is steel a physical change?

A steel blank is repeatedly heated and hammered which changes the hardness of the steel, its flexibility and its ability to maintain a sharp edge. Many physical changes also involve the rearrangement of atoms most noticeably in the formation of crystals.