Which type of metal can be lifted with an electromagnet?

An electromagnet is designed to attract ferromagnetic materials, which are metals that have strong magnetic properties. Low-carbon steel falls into this category, making it responsive to an electromagnet. Its composition allows it to maintain ferromagnetic characteristics, enabling it to be effectively lifted when exposed to a magnetic field created by the electromagnet.

High-carbon steel can also be ferromagnetic, but it is less commonly lifted with electromagnets due to its higher carbon content, which can affect its overall magnetic properties compared to low-carbon steel. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is generally considered non-magnetic, especially if it has a high chromium content, leading to it being ineffective for lifting with electromagnets. Aluminum is not ferromagnetic at all and cannot be attracted to an electromagnet, making it unsuitable for this purpose. Therefore, low-carbon steel is the correct choice, as it is the type of metal that can be lifted effectively with an electromagnet due to its strong ferromagnetic properties.