What happens to a nail's magnetism over time?

A nail's magnetism may diminish over time primarily due to its exposure to various environmental factors. When a nail is magnetized, it typically has a temporary magnetism that can be influenced by heat, physical shock, or exposure to other magnetic fields. Over time, these factors can disrupt the alignment of the magnetic domains within the nail, leading to a gradual loss of its magnetism.

For example, if the nail were to be dropped or struck against a hard surface, the impact could jostle the magnetic domains enough to misalign them, causing the nail to lose its magnetic properties. Additionally, if the nail is exposed to high temperatures, the heat can also destroy the alignment of these domains, further contributing to its loss of magnetism. Hence, while a nail can initially be magnetized, it is subject to degradation and may lose that magnetism over time, aligning with the statement that it may lose its magnetism.