Chapter 4: Exploring Magnets

Science • Class 6

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Chapter Analysis

Beginner18 pages • English

Quick Summary

The chapter 'Exploring Magnets' introduces students to the basic concepts of magnetism, including the properties of magnetic and non-magnetic materials, the polarity of magnets, and the behavior of magnets through various experiments and activities. It explains the concept of magnetic poles, how magnets can attract and repel each other, and the use of a magnetic compass for finding directions. The chapter also discusses the fun and practical applications of magnets in everyday life.

Key Topics

  • Properties of magnets
  • Magnetic and non-magnetic materials
  • Poles of magnets
  • Magnetic compass and finding directions
  • Attraction and repulsion between magnets
  • Applications of magnets

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the basic properties of magnets.
  • Differentiate between magnetic and non-magnetic materials.
  • Identify the poles of a magnet.
  • Use a magnetic compass to find directions.
  • Demonstrate the principle of attraction and repulsion between magnets.
  • Explore practical applications of magnets in everyday life.

Questions in Chapter

Fill in the blanks (i) Unlike poles of two magnets ___ each other, whereas like poles ___ each other. (ii) The materials that are attracted towards a magnet are called ___. (iii) The needle of a magnetic compass rests along the ___ direction. (iv) A magnet always has ___ poles.

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State whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F). (i) A magnet can be broken into pieces to obtain a single pole. [ ] (ii) Similar poles of a magnet repel each other. [ ] (iii) Iron filings mostly stick in the middle of a bar magnet when it is brought near them. [ ] (iv) A freely suspended bar magnet always aligns with the north-south direction. [ ]

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Reshma bought three identical metal bars from the market. Out of these bars, two were magnets and one was just a piece of iron. How will she identify which two amongst the three could be magnets (without using any other material)?

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You are given a magnet which does not have the poles marked. How can you find its poles with the help of another magnet which has its poles marked?

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A bar magnet has no markings to indicate its poles. How would you find out near which end its North pole is located without using another magnet?

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If the earth is itself a magnet, can you guess the poles of earth’s magnet by looking at the direction of the magnetic compass?

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While a mechanic was repairing a gadget using a screwdriver, the steel screws kept falling down. Suggest a way to solve the problem of the mechanic based on what you have learnt in this chapter.

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Two ring magnets X and Y are arranged as shown in Figure 4.16. It is observed that the magnet X does not move down further. What could be the possible reason? Suggest a way to bring the magnet X in contact with magnet Y, without pushing either of the magnets.

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Three magnets are arranged on a table in the form of the shape shown in Figure 4.17. What is the polarity, N or S, at the ends 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 of the magnets? Polarity of one end (5) is given for you.

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Additional Practice Questions

Explain how you can make your own magnetic compass using household items.

easy

Answer: To make a simple magnetic compass, you need a bowl of water, a cork, and a needle. Magnetize the needle by repeatedly stroking it in one direction with a magnet. Insert the needle through the cork and let it float on the water. The needle will align itself along the north-south direction, thus acting as a compass.

Why do magnets only rest along the North-South direction when suspended freely?

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Answer: Magnets align themselves along the North-South direction due to the magnetic field of the Earth, which itself acts like a giant magnet. The magnetic field forces the magnet to align along its field lines.

Design an experiment to show the interaction between like and unlike poles of a magnet.

easy

Answer: Take two bar magnets and label their poles North and South. Bring the North pole of one magnet close to the South pole of the other and observe the attraction. Next, bring the North poles of both magnets together and observe the repulsion. This experiment demonstrates the fundamental property of magnets that like poles repel and unlike poles attract.

Discuss the role of magnets in a modern device or appliance.

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Answer: Magnets play a crucial role in the functioning of various modern devices. For example, in a refrigerator, magnets are used in the door seal to ensure it closes tightly, maintaining the internal temperature. Hard drives in computers use magnetic disks to store data, and speakers use magnets to convert electrical energy into sound.

What are the safety precautions one should take while handling magnets?

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Answer: While handling magnets, keep them away from electronic devices like mobile phones and laptops as they can interfere with the device's functioning. Avoid placing them near magnetic strips like those in credit cards. Ensure magnets are stored in pairs with unlike poles facing the same direction and with a soft material in between to preserve their strength.