Iron filings arrange in a specific pattern around a magnet due to the influence of the magnet’s magnetic field. The behavior of iron filings in the presence of a magnetic field is governed by the magnetic properties of iron.

Iron is a ferromagnetic material, which means it can be magnetized and retains its magnetization once exposed to a magnetic field. In the presence of a magnet, the individual iron filings become temporary magnets themselves. They align with the direction of the magnetic field, attempting to minimize their energy by aligning with the field lines.

As a result, the iron filings form chains or clusters that trace the shape of the magnetic field lines. This arrangement provides a visual representation of the magnetic field around the magnet. The pattern observed with the iron filings helps illustrate the direction, strength, and spatial distribution of the magnetic field lines, offering a tangible way to study and understand magnetic fields.