* Ferrous Steel: Steel containing iron is attracted to a magnet. This is because iron is a ferromagnetic material, meaning it has strong magnetic properties.

* Stainless Steel: Some stainless steels are magnetic, while others are not. The presence of chromium and nickel in stainless steel can make it non-magnetic.

Here's a breakdown:

* Magnetic Stainless Steels: These contain a higher percentage of iron and less chromium and nickel. They are often used in applications where magnetic properties are desired, such as in certain types of tools and appliances.

* Non-Magnetic Stainless Steels: These contain a higher percentage of chromium and nickel. They are commonly used in applications where magnetic properties are undesirable, such as in food preparation and medical equipment.

To determine if a specific steel is magnetic, you can use a magnet to test it. If the magnet sticks to the steel, it is magnetic. If it doesn't stick, it is non-magnetic.