Chapter 4: Exploring Magnets
Magnets can pull iron without touching it, point the way north, and push each other apart. In this chapter we test which materials magnets attract, find a magnet's poles, use a magnet to find directions, and explore attraction and repulsion.
In this chapter you will
- sort magnetic and non-magnetic materials
- find the poles of a magnet
- find directions with a magnet and make a compass
- explain attraction and repulsion
Topics
- Magnetic and Non-magnetic Materials NCERT 4.1
Magnets attract iron, nickel, cobalt (and steel). These are magnetic materials.
- Poles of a Magnet NCERT 4.2
Every magnet has two poles, N and S, where its pull is strongest.
- Finding Directions NCERT 4.3
A freely hanging magnet always rests pointing north–south.
- Attraction and Repulsion NCERT 4.4
Like poles repel; unlike poles attract.
- Fun with Magnets NCERT 4.5
Magnets are used in many everyday things, from pencil boxes to maglev trains.
Key words
- Magnetic material
- a material attracted by a magnet (iron, nickel, cobalt)
- Poles
- the ends of a magnet, where the pull is strongest
- Compass
- a freely turning magnetic needle that shows directions
- Attraction
- pulling together
- Repulsion
- pushing apart
Summary
- Magnets attract iron, nickel and cobalt; these are magnetic materials.
- Every magnet has a north and a south pole.
- A freely suspended magnet rests north–south; a compass uses this.
- Like poles repel and unlike poles attract; repulsion is the sure test of a magnet.