Finding Directions
Class 6 Science · Chapter 4: Exploring Magnets · NCERT Curiosity section 4.3
Learn
Tie a thread to the middle of a bar magnet and let it hang freely, away from iron objects. It turns, wobbles and finally stops. Turn it gently and let go: it always stops pointing north–south!
The end that points to the north is the magnet's north pole; the other end, pointing south, is its south pole. This is how the poles got their names.
A compass is a small magnetic needle that can turn freely inside a case marked N, E, S, W. Travellers, sailors and pilots have used compasses for hundreds of years to find their way. Once you know north: facing north, east is on your right and west on your left.
You can make your own compass! Make a magnet from a sewing needle by stroking it with one pole of a magnet many times in the same direction. Push it through a small piece of cork and float it in a bowl of water: it turns to point north–south.
Explore: put the steps for making a magnet in order.
- Order the steps.
Remember
- A freely hanging magnet always rests pointing north–south.
- A compass needle is a small magnet; it helps us find directions.
Quick check
A freely hanging bar magnet comes to rest. In which direction does it point?
- North–south
- East–west
- Any direction
- Up–down
Answer
North–south. A freely suspended magnet always rests north–south. A compass uses this.
Think about it
Zoya's compass points in a strange direction when she uses it near her steel cupboard. Why?
One answer
The steel (iron) cupboard attracts the magnetic needle and pulls it away from north–south. A compass must be used away from iron objects and other magnets.
Practice
Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.