What do you think would happen to the screwdriver if it was stroked with the magnet in the opposite direction? Would it stay magnetized? Explain your answer.

When a screwdriver, which can be magnetized, is stroked with a magnet, the orientation and alignment of the magnetic domains within the screwdriver change, typically aligning in the direction of the stroke. When the screwdriver is stroked with the magnet in the opposite direction, a few things can happen:

1. Destabilization of Domains: The magnetic domains that were aligned with the initial stroke may become destabilized and start to realign in the new direction of the stroke. This can result in a partial demagnetization of the screwdriver.

2. Reversing Magnetization: If the strength of the magnet and the number of strokes in the opposite direction is sufficient, it may reverse the magnetization of the screwdriver. In this case, the screwdriver would not only lose its magnetism but may also become magnetized in the opposite direction.

3. Retaining Some Magnetism: It is also possible that the screwdriver retains some level of magnetism, depending on factors such as the material's coercivity (the ability to withstand being demagnetized) and the strength of the opposing magnetic field.

In summary, stroking the screwdriver with a magnet in the opposite direction can either demagnetize it, reverse its magnetization, or leave it partially magnetized depending on the strength and direction of the magnet as well as the material properties of the screwdriver itself. Hence, it may or may not stay magnetized after such action.