EXPLORING MAGNETS
• Short answer type questions
[Link] how a magnetic compass works.
A magnetic compass contains a small magnetic needle that can move freely. The needle
always points in the North-South direction because the Earth acts like a giant magnet. The
compass needle gets affected by the Earth’s magnetic field and aligns itself in that direction.
A compass is very useful for finding directions during travel.
2. Differentiate between magnetic and non-magnetic materials. Give
examples.
Magnetic Materials Non-Magnetic Materials
These materials are attracted by These materials are not attracted by
magnets. magnets.
They show magnetic properties They do not show magnetic
properties
Magnets can attract them easily. Magnets cannot attract them.
Examples: Iron, nickel, cobalt Examples: Wood, plastic, glass,
cardboard
3. Why does a freely suspended magnet align to North-South direction?
A freely suspended magnet always comes to rest in the North-South direction because the
Earth behaves like a giant magnet. The Earth has its own magnetic field, which affects the
magnet. Due to this magnetic field, one end of the magnet points towards the North and the
other towards the South.
4. How can magnets be used to find direction?
Magnets can help us find directions because a freely suspended magnet always points in the
North-South direction. A magnetic compass works on this principle. By observing the
direction of the compass needle, we can easily identify North, South, East, and West
directions.
5. What would happen when you break a magnet into pieces?
When a magnet is broken into smaller pieces, each piece becomes a complete magnet with its
own North pole and South pole. The magnetic poles always exist in pairs and cannot be
separated. Therefore, even the broken pieces behave like small magnets.
6. How does the Earth act like a magnet?
The Earth acts like a giant magnet because it has a magnetic field around it. This magnetic
field attracts magnetic materials and affects magnets and compass needles. Due to the Earth’s
magnetic field, a freely suspended magnet always points in the North-South direction.
7. Describe the relationship between Earth’s magnetic field and a compass.
A compass works because of the Earth’s magnetic field. The compass contains a small
magnetic needle that can move freely. The Earth’s magnetic field causes the needle to align
in the North-South direction. This helps people find directions while travelling.
Long Answer Type Questions
1. Describe an experiment to show the magnetic properties of different
materials.
The following experiment shows the magnetic properties of different materials:
Aim: To identify which materials are attracted to a magnet and which are not.
Materials Needed: A bar magnet, objects made of different materials (such as a pencil eraser,
paper clip, metal spoon, plastic cup, coin, etc.), and an observation sheet
Procedure:
• Gather some objects made of different materials, such as wood, plastic, metal, glass
and rubber.
• Before testing, predict which objects you think will be attracted to the magnet and
note • these predictions in the given table.
• Hold the magnet and bring it near each object one at a time. Observe whether the .
object is attracted to the magnet or not.
Observations: We observed that some objects were attracted by the magnet while some were
not. Objects made of iron or steel got attracted, whereas objects made of plastic, wood,
rubber, wax, and glass did not get attracted.
Conclusion : Through this activity, we discovered that some objects were attracted to the
magnet and clung to it, while others were not
2. What are the uses of magnets in daily life? Give some examples.
Magnets are very useful in our daily life. They are used in magnetic compasses to find
directions. Magnets are also used in refrigerator doors so that the doors remain tightly closed.
They are used in speakers, electric bells, toys, cranes, and pencil boxes.
Large magnets are used in cranes to lift heavy iron objects in factories and scrap yards. Small
magnets are also used in cupboard doors and bags. Thus, magnets are important in many
machines and household objects.
3. Explain the concept of magnetic attraction and repulsion using diagrams.
Every magnet has two poles — North pole and South pole. Magnets either attract or repel
each other depending on the poles brought close together.
• Unlike poles attract each other.
• Like poles repel each other.
Attraction:
N→←S
When the North pole of one magnet is brought near the South pole of another magnet, they
attract each other.
Repulsion:
N←→N
When the North pole of one magnet is brought near the North pole of another magnet, they
repel each other. The same happens with two South poles.
Thus, magnetic attraction and repulsion depend on the type of poles facing each other.
4. How can you create a simple compass? Explain the process.
The following process shows how to create a basic compass :
Aim: To create a basic compass using a magnetised needle and observe how it aligns itself
with the Earth's magnetic field.
Materials Needed: A cork (or a small piece of foam). an iron sewing needle, a bar magnet, a
glass bowl, Water, and some iron filings or steel pins (for testing)
Procedure:
• Place the iron needle on a flat, wooden surface
• Take one end of the bar magnet and rub it along the needle from one end to the other
in one direction.
• Bring the iron filings or steel pins near the needle. If the filling or the pins are
attracted to the needle, the needle has successfully become a magnetised.
• Insert the magnetised needle through the middle of the cork, horizontally.
• Float the cork in a bowl of water, ensuring the needle stays above the water surface.
• Observe the rotation of needle.
Observations: . The needle will rotate and eventually come to rest, aligning itself in a
particular direction . This is because the magnetised needle interacts with the Earth's
magnetic field, just like a real compass.
Conclusion: By magnetising a needle and allowing it to float freely, we can create a simple
compass that aligns with the Earth’s magnetic field showing North-South direction. This is
how ancient navigators used early compasses made from magnetised materials to find
directions
5. How do sailors use magnets for navigation?
Sailors use magnetic compasses for navigation while travelling in the sea. A compass
contains a magnetic needle that always points towards the North-South direction because of
the Earth’s magnetic field.
By observing the direction shown by the compass, sailors can identify the correct path and
travel safely. Compasses are very useful during cloudy weather or at night when the Sun and
stars cannot be seen clearly.