Fun with

Magnets
CHAPTER 4
Introduction
The most popular legend accounting for the discovery of magnets is that of an elderly Cretan shepherd
named Manges. He was herding his sheep in an area of Northern Greece called Magnesia, about 4000 years
ago. Suddenly both, the nails in his shoes and the metal tip of his staff became firmly stuck to the large,
black rock on which he was standing. He dug up the Earth and found the source of attraction that was
lodestone (lode = lead or attract). It contains magnetite, a natural magnetic material. This type of rock was
subsequently named magnetite, after either Magnesia or Manges himself.
A magnet is a material which has an ability to attract objects made of metals like iron, nickel, cobalt and
their alloys.

Magnets were believed to have magical healing power. Queen of

Greece, Cleopetra used to sleep on a block of magnetite.

Some insects, birds and fishes have extremely small magnets in their bodies.

Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Materials

The materials which are affected by magnets are called magnetic materials. Those materials which are not
affected by magnets are called non-magnetic materials. Iron, nickel and cobalt are magnetic materials while
copper, zinc, gold and silver etc., are non-magnetic materials.
To identify magnetic and non-magnetic materials.
Collect as many objects around you as possible, such as fork,
eraser, needle, scale, thread, metal cap, coin, can, iron scrub. You
can add more objects to the list.
Hold a magnet in your hand and bring each object near it. Observe whether the object is attracted by
the magnet or not. Note down your observation in given chart.

Name of object Eraser Fork Needle Plastic Thread Iron Coin Can Metal cap
scale scrub
Material of object Rubber Iron
Attracted/Repelled
No Yes
(Yes/No)
zz Observations : The materials which get attracted towards a magnet are magnetic and the materials
which are not attracted towards a magnet are non-magnetic.

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54 | FUN WITH MAGNETS Class 6 | Physics
Natural and Man-Made Magnets
Naturally occurring magnet, i.e., lodestone is called natural magnet. It cannot be given a desired shape as
may be required for a particular use.

Scientists have been able to find methods of making magnets from pieces of iron. These man-made
magnets are known as artificial magnets. Man-made magnets can be temporary or permanent depending
on the methods of manufacturing used. Temporary magnets attract magnetic materials only for sometime.
Permanent magnets always remain magnetic unless they are severely damaged. Permanent magnets are
made from alloys containing one or more magnetic substances. Alnico, an alloy of aluminium, nickel and
cobalt is used to make powerful permanent magnet.
zz Shape of artificial magnets : Artificial magnets are made in many different shapes, like a bar magnet,
a cylindrical-shaped magnet, a dumbbell-shaped magnet, a horseshoe magnet, a ring-shaped and a
needle-shaped magnet.

N S
Bar magnet

N
N S

Cylindrical magnet Horseshoe magnet

S
N
Button magnet
U-shaped magnet Ring magnet

Poles of Magnet
Every magnet has two 'poles' at its two ends where
the force of attraction is the strongest, i.e., North pole
S N
and South pole. If iron filings (fine particles of iron)
are sprinkled over a bar magnet, most of the filings
stick to the two ends of the bar with very few particles
sticking to the middle portion. North pole and south pole of a magnet

Physics | Class 6 FUN WITH MAGNETS | 55

 1 How do you distinguish between a magnet and
an iron piece if they look identical?

Ans.: To distinguish between a magnet and an iron of the first one, then, it implies that the another
piece, hold one of them horizontally, and bring one is a magnet while first one is ordinary iron
one end of another one very close to first one's and vice-versa.
centre. If end of another one sticks to the centre

Properties of Magnets

Magnets exert their influence through various media

The effect of magnet works through air, water and even through some solid things.
An object very near to the magnet experiences more force as compared to an object
kept a little away. The area around magnet in which its effect can be experienced is
called magnetic field.

The freely suspended magnet always comes to rest in the

North-South direction
One end of the magnet always points towards the North. It is called the North seeking
pole or the North pole of the magnet and the end which points towards the South
is called the south seeking pole or the South pole of the magnet.

Magnetic poles cannot be isolated

It was found that if we cut a magnet into two parts, we cannot isolate the North and the South poles. Each
piece has its own North and South pole. Poles always exist in pairs.

Like poles repel, unlike poles attract each other

Two bar magnets kept on a table end to end either stick to each other with a lot of force, or it will be
difficult to bring them together so that they
touch each other. This is because the North
pole of one magnet attracts the South pole of
the other magnet. On the other hand, North S N S N S N N S

pole of one magnet strongly repels the North

pole of the other magnet. Thus, we can say
that unlike poles attract each other and like Unlike pole attraction Like pole repulsion
poles repel each other.

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56 | FUN WITH MAGNETS Class 6 | Physics
 2 Ram bought some badges that he stuck on the
door of his refrigerator. He observed that when he
brought the badges close to the door of the refrigerator,
iron, which is a magnetic material. The badges
there was a force that was pulling them towards it.
must be having a small piece of magnet attached
Why was this happening?
to them that was attracting the iron door of the
Ans.: The door of a refrigerator is made up of refrigerator.

Experimental Investigation
Suspend a bar magnet (magnet A) freely using
a copper wire stirrup. Slowly bring the north
pole of another bar magnet (magnet B) near the
North pole of the suspended magnet. What do
you observe? Do the two poles attract or repel
each other? Now bring the North pole of magnet
B near the south pole of the suspended magnet.
Write your observations.

Repulsion is a sure test for magnetism.

To test if a metal bar is a magnet or not.

Bring one pole of a magnet close to the ends of a metal bar, one
end at a time. If one end is attracted and the other is repelled,
the metal bar is a magnet. If both ends are attracted, the metal bar is not a magnet.

3 Which property of magnets is being used for

every magic activity?

Ans.: A magnet is an object that attracts some

metals like iron, nickel, etc. This ability of magnet magnetic field. Magnets exert their influence
to attract or repel magnetic materials is called through various materials. So, the property of
magnetism. The area around a magnet in which attraction and repulsion of magnetic material
the effect of magnet can be experienced is called is used in magic activity.

The Earth's Magnetism

The Earth itself behaves like a huge bar magnet with its magnetic poles near the geographical North and
South poles.

Physics | Class 6 FUN WITH MAGNETS | 57

In a freely suspended magnet, therefore, the North pole points towards the geographical North pole since
it is attracted by the earth's magnetic South pole. Similarly, the South pole of the suspended magnet is
attracted by the earth's magnetic North pole and, therefore, points towards the geographical South pole.

Magnetic South pole

Geographical North pole

S
N
N

S S

N
Magnetic North pole

Geographical South pole

Freely suspended magnet

s
The increased use of electricity in modern appliances is causing
a continuous shift in the position of the magnetic poles of the
Earth.

The Magnetic Compass

It is an instrument which always points to the North direction. It is
used to find directions. In a compass, there is a small circular box.
A small piece of magnet or needle is allowed to rotate freely inside
a small circular box. Since it is a magnet, it comes to rest only in
North-South direction. In a compass, red painted point is North and
another is South.

To make a simple magnetic compass

Place the magnet on a cork and float the cork in a
trough of water. Make sure that there is no magnet Bar magnet Water
or magnetic material placed nearby. Your compass is
ready now. You will notice that it comes to rest only in
North-South direction. Take it to different places and
check whether it always points to North or not.

Cork floating in water

Methods of Making Your own Magnet

A piece of iron can be magnetized using a magnet by the following methods.

Stroking Method
zz It is the simplest method of making a magnet by stroking.

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58 | FUN WITH MAGNETS Class 6 | Physics
 Making magnets
Take a piece of iron and place it on a table. Then stroke
it with one pole of a bar magnet in one direction only.
Without lifting the bar magnet, move it along the length
of the iron piece till you reach the other end. Now lift the
bar magnet and bring the same pole to the same point of
the iron piece from which you began. Move the bar magnet
again along the piece in the same direction, in the same
manner, as you did before. Repeat this process 30-40 times.
Bring some iron objects near the iron piece to check
whether it is magnetised or not.

4 Bhaskar took a bar magnet and moved it

lengthwise along a bar of iron many times. He
then brought a few iron pins close to the iron bar. Ans.: The iron pins would have stuck to the
What would have happened and why? iron bar. This is because Bhaskar magnetised
the iron bar with the bar magnet.

Using Electricity
zz An electric current can change an iron nail into an electromagnet. Electromagnets are examples of
temporary magnets. When electric current is passed through a coil wound around a steel, the steel
rod behaves like a magnet. However, as soon as the electric current is stopped, the steel rod stops
behaving like a magnet. Often an electromagnet is wrapped around a core of iron, which increases
the strength of the electromagnet.

Making electromagnets
You will need an iron nail about 7-8 cm long, about 2 m of
insulated copper wire, a new torch cell, paper clips and an
insulating tape.
Remove the insulation for about 2 cm at each end of the wire.
Wind the wire tightly around the nail, leaving 15 cm of wire
free at each end. Tape one end of the wire to the bottom
of the cell. Tape the other end of the wire to the top of the
cell. Now, sprinkle a few paper clips around nail. You will
observe that the iron nail behaves like an electromagnet.

Uses of Magnet
Magnets are used for a variety of purposes these days. Some of these are as follows:
zz In electric motors, used in fans etc. and in bicycle and automobile dynamos for making electricity.
zz In self closing pencil boxes, pin holders, etc.
zz In fancy stickers and decorations to be fixed on refrigerators and steel almirahs.
zz To separate iron or magnetic substances from non-magnetic substances in industries.
zz In credit, debit and ATM cards and in audio/video cassettes.

Maglev trains have developed by America. They have no wheels.

The trains are pulled by magnetic force acting on the rails. This can
move them very fast.

Physics | Class 6 FUN WITH MAGNETS | 59

Precautions While Handling Magnets
Certain precautions should be taken while handling magnets, otherwise they lose their magnetic power.
Some of the precautions are as follows:
zz Never hit or beat a magnet with anything.
zz They should not be hammered or dropped from a height.
zz Never heat a magnet.
zz Keep magnet away from things like television, radio, transistors, tape recorders, remote control,
computers, etc.
zz Storing a magnet : When magnets Magnetic keeper Magnetic keeper
are not in use, they should be stored
properly. Magnets tend to become N S
weaker after sometime, if their
Piece of wood
poles are left free. To avoid this, bar
magnets should always be stored in S N
N S Magnetic keeper

pairs between soft iron pieces called

keepers. In between the keepers, they should always be placed in pairs and their poles should be in
opposite direction to each other. U-shaped magnet needs only one keeper to store it.

When a magnet loses its power by dropping, hammering and

heating, it is called demagnetised.

CONCEPT MAP

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60 | FUN WITH MAGNETS Class 6 | Physics
zz Magnetite is a natural magnet.
zz Magnets are used to separate magnetic substances from non-magnetic substances.
zz The magnetic poles of a magnet always exist in a pair.
zz The power of a magnet is stored (concentrated) at its poles only.
zz The magnetic power is almost negligible at its centre.
zz Magnetic compass are being used as direction finders by navigators, sailors and pilots.
zz A magnet when suspended freely from its centre, it always comes to rest with its poles pointing in
the North-South direction.
zz Like poles repel and unlike poles attract each other.
zz Repulsion, not attraction, is a sure test of magnetism.
zz An electromagnet, which is a temporary magnet, is created when electric current is passed through a
wire coiled around a steel rod. It ceases to act like a magnet after the current is turned off.
zz Earth itself is a huge magnet. Its North pole behaves like the magnetic South pole and its South pole
behaves like the magnetic North pole.
zz Dropping, heating and hammering can make a magnet demagnetised.
zz Magnets can be stored in keepers.

Physics | Class 6 FUN WITH MAGNETS | 61

 SOLVED EXAMPLES
1. State three examples of each. Keeper
(a) Magnetic material
N S
(b) Non-magnetic material. Bar magnet Wooden block
Ans.: (a) Magnetic materials : iron, nickel, cobalt, Bar magnet
etc. S N
(b) Non-Magnetic materials : wood, brass, Keeper
paper, etc.
2. Differentiate between an artificial magnet 7. What are the poles of a magnet? How are
and a natural magnet. they different from the other regions of a
Ans.: Natural magnet is a natural occurring substance magnet?
found in the Earth's crust, i.e., magnetite Ans.: The two ends of a magnet are called its poles
(consists of oxides of iron). e.g., lodestone. and are named as North-pole (N) and South-
An artificial magnet is made by using electrical pole (S). The magnetic strength of a magnet
or mechanical methods. They are made by is greater at its poles than at any other region
magnetic substances, i.e., iron, cobalt, nickel of the magnet. So, they are different from the
other regions of the magnet.
and their alloys. e.g., bar magnet.
8. How would you classify the objects as
3. Draw the shapes of different types of artificial
magnetic or non-magnetic if you are given
magnets.
with a bar magnet?
Ans.: Ans.: Touch the bar magnet with the given objects
and lift it up. Magnetic objects will stick
to the ends of the bar magnet whereas the
non-magnetic objects will remain as they are.
9. Before the invention of the compass, sailors
used to find directions. Explain?
Ans.: Before the invention of the compass, sailors
used stars to find directions. As the Sun rises
4. Why does a compass needle get deflected in the east, one can easily identify the east.
when brought near a bar magnet? The west lies opposite to the east. If one
Ans.: A compass needle gets deflected when brought stands facing the east, then, the north will
near a bar magnet because the bar magnet be on his/her left side and the south will be
exerts a magnetic force on the compass which on the right. During the night, one can see
is itself a tiny pivoted magnet and is free to the Pole star in the sky which is positioned
move in the horizontal plane. exactly above the north pole of the Earth to
5. Why are magnetic keepers used to store magnets? identify directions.
Ans.: Magnetic keepers are used to store magnets 10. Encircle the odd one out. Give reason for your
to prevent them from getting demagnetised. choice.
6. How can you store a U-shaped magnet and a bar (a) Glass, cotton, Nickel, Copper
magnet to prevent them from demagnetisation? (b) Magnetite, Bar magnet, Dumbbell-shaped
Ans.: U-shaped magnet : A piece of soft iron, i.e., magnet, Horseshoe magnet.
keeper is placed across the two poles of the Ans.: (a) Glass, Cotton, Nickel , Copper
U-shaped magnet. Nickel is a magnetic substance whereas the
B a r m a g n e t : Tw o U-shaped
others are non-magnetic.
magnet
keepers are placed
across the poles of a pair (b) Magnetite , Bar magnet, Dumbbell-shaped
of bar magnet and are magnet, Horseshoe magnet
separated by a wooden Magnetite is an iron ore which is a natural
block. Keeper magnet while the others are artificial magnets.

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62 | FUN WITH MAGNETS Class 6 | Physics
 NCERT SECTION
1. Fill in the blanks in the following. then the East-west direction can also be
(i) Artificial magnets are made in different determined.
shapes such as , and (vii) False. Rubber is not attracted to a magnet.
. So, it is not a magnetic material.
(ii) The materials which are attracted towards 3. It was observed that a pencil sharpener
a magnet are called . gets attracted by both the poles of a magnet
(iii) Paper is not a material. although its body is made of plastic. Name a
(iv) In olden days, sailors used to find direction material that might have been used to make
by suspending a piece of . some part of it.
(v) A magnet always has poles. Ans.: The blade of the pencil sharpener is made
Ans.: (i) Artificial magnets are made in different of iron. Iron gets attracted by the poles of a
shapes such as bar magnet, horse-shoe magnet as it is a magnetic material.
magnet and cylindrical magnet. 4. Column I shows different positions in which
(ii) The materials which are attracted towards one pole of a magnet is placed near that of
a magnet are called magnetic materials. the other. Column II indicates the resulting
(iii) Paper is not a magnetic material. action between them for each situation. Fill
(iv) In olden days, sailors used to find direction in the blanks.
by suspending a piece of bar magnet. Column I Column II
(v) A magnet always has two poles.
N-N
2. State whether the following statements are
N- Attraction
true or false.
(i) A cylindrical magnet has only one pole. S-N
(ii) Artificial magnets were discovered in -S Repulsion
Greece. Ans.:
(iii) Similar poles of a magnet repel each
Column I Column II
other.
(iv) Maximum iron filings stick in the middle N-N Repulsion
of a bar magnet when it is brought near N- S Attraction
them. S-N Attraction
(v) Bar magnets always point towards
North-South direction. S -S Repulsion
(vi) A compass can be used to find East-West 5. Write any two properties of a magnet.
direction at any place. Ans.: Two properties of a magnet are as follows:
(vii) Rubber is a magnetic material. (i) Magnets attract objects made of magnetic
Ans.: (i) False. A magnet always has two poles materials like iron.
independent of its shape.
(ii) Like magnetic poles repel each other while
(ii) False. Natural magnets were discovered in
Greece. unlike magnetic poles attract each other.
(iii) True. Like poles repel each other while 6. Where are poles of a bar magnet located?
unlike poles attract each other. Ans.: Poles of a bar magnet are located at both the
(iv) False. Maximum iron filings stick at the ends of bar magnet.
ends of a bar magnet when it is brought North pole (N) and the South pole (S) of a
near them.
bar magnet are shown in the figure.
(v) T r u e . B a r m a g n e t s p o i n t t o wa r d s
North – South direction, when they are N S
freely suspended. 7. A bar magnet has no markings to indicate its
(vi) True. A magnetic compass points towards poles. How would you find out near which
North-South direction, if it is known, end is its north pole located?

Physics | Class 6 FUN WITH MAGNETS | 63

Ans.: A freely suspended bar magnet always comes Once we know North direction, we can easily
to rest in the North-South direction. find out the other directions. e.g., if North is
The geographical North facing end of the upwards, South will be downwards, East will
magnet is its north pole and the geographical be on right hand side and West will be on left
south facing end is its South pole. hand side.
10. A magnet was brought from different directions
West
towards a toy boat that has been floating in
S N
water in a tub. Affect observed in each case
South North is stated in column I. Possible reasons for the
observed affects are mentioned in column II.
Match the statements given in column I with
East
those in column II.
Hence, the unknown poles of a bar magnet Column I Column II
can be marked by suspending it freely by a
Boat gets attracted Boat is fitted with a
string. towards the magnet. magnet with North
8. You are given an iron strip. How will you pole towards its head.
make it into a magnet? Boat is not affected by Boat is fitted with a
Ans.: 'Touch and stroke' method can be used to the magnet. magnet with South
make an iron strip into a magnet. For this, pole towards its head.
a bar magnet is required. The bar magnet Boat moves towards Boat has a small magnet
the magnet if North fixed along its length.
is moved along the length of the iron strip
pole of the magnet is
starting from one end to the other end. brought near its head.
Boat moves away from Boat is made of
the magnet when magnetic material.
North pole is brought
near its head.
Boat floats without Boat is made of
changing its direction. non-magnetic material.
Ans.:
Column I Column II
Then, the bar magnet is lifted from the other
end and brought to the starting point again Boat gets attracted Boat is made of
with the same pole of the magnet. On repeating towards the magnetic material.
magnet.
the process for about 30 - 40 times, the iron
Boat is not affectedBoat is made of
strip will become a bar magnet with two poles.
by the magnet. non-magnetic
9. How is a compass used to find directions? material.
Ans.: A compass always points towards the North- Boat moves towards Boat is fitted with a
South direction. The arrow of the compass the magnet if North magnet with South pole
needle indicates its North pole. The arrow pole of the magnet towards its head.
always points in the North direction. is brought near its
head.
North
West Boat moves away Boat is fitted with a
from the magnet magnet with North
when North pole pole towards its head.
West
South East
North
is brought near its
head.
South
East Boat floats without Boat has a small magnet
changing its fixed along its length.
Compass
Compass direction.

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 EXERCISE
Multiple Choice Questions 10. A magnet can induce magnetism in
(a) brass (b) aluminium
Level - 1 (c) glass (d) steel

1. Which of the following is a magnetic material? 11. A small piece of ore is called a magnet.
(a) Copper (b) Nickel (a) copper (b) iron
(c) silver (d) nickel
(c) Aluminium (d) Silver
12. Which magnet is used in a compass?
2. The force that a magnet exerts on iron is called
(a) Bar magnet
(a) gravitational force (b) frictional force
(b) Electromagnet
(c) magnetic force (d) none of these.
(c) Magnetic needle
3. Magnetite is made of mainly a chemical called (d) Horse-shoe magnet
(a) calcium oxide (b) iron oxide
13. Heating a magnet leads to
(c) sulphur dioxide (d) all of these.
(a) demagnetisation
4. A magnet has poles. (b) increase in magnetic strength
(a) two (b) three (c) no change
(c) one (d) four (d) both (a) and (b).
5. Unlike poles and like poles each 14. The electromagnets used to make electric
other. doorbells are
(a) repel, attract (b) attract, attract (a) horse-shoe magnets
(c) attract, repel (d) repel, repel (b) bar magnets
6. A freely suspended magnet comes to rest in (c) cylindrical shaped magnets
the direction. (d) round shaped magnets.
(a) North-South (b) North-East 15. The force by which objects tend to push each
(c) South-North (d) North-West other is called
7. The substances that are attracted by a magnet are (a) repulsion (b) attraction
(a) non-magnetic substances (c) either repulsion or attraction
(b) magnetic substances (d) none of these
(c) both (a) and (b) 16. The force by which objects tend to pull each
(d) neither (a) nor (b). other is called
(a) attraction (b) repulsion
8. The instrument which is used to identify the
(c) both (a) and (b) (d) neither (a) nor (b).
geographical directions is
(a) manometer 17. In a bar magnet, magnetic strength is
(b) barometer (a) more at both ends of the magnet
(c) periscope (b) more in the middle of the magnet
(c) same throughout the magnet
(d) magnetic compass.
(d) none of these.
9. Which of the following is used to identity north
18. Which of the following is not a magnetic
direction?
material?
(a) Pole star (b) Sirius
(a) Iron (b) Nickel
(c) Orion (d) Ursa minor
(c) Cobalt (d) Copper

Physics | Class 6 FUN WITH MAGNETS | 65

19. The end of the magnet which points towards 30. Steel is an alloy of .
geographic north is called pole whereas (a) iron (b) aluminium
the end of the magnet which points towards (c) cobalt (d) all of these
geographic south is called pole.
(a) north, south (b) south, north Level - 2
(c) north, east (d) south, east 31. Which of the following gets attracted towards
20. Which of the following instruments use magnet? a magnet?
(a) Tape recorders (b) ATM cards (a) Book (b) Comb
(c) Microphones (d) All of these (c) Silver spoon (d) Iron ring
21. The magnetic north pole of the Earth is near 32. is the surest test of magnetisation.
the (a) Rotation (b) Repulsion
(a) geographical north pole (c) Attraction (d) All of these
(b) geographical south pole 33. Which of the following gets demagnetised when
(c) neither (a) nor (b) a powerful magnet is kept near it?
(d) sometimes (a) and sometimes (b). (a) Compact disc (b) Cellphone
22. The magnetic south pole of the Earth is near (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None of these
the 34. Which of the following do not get demagnetised
(a) geographical north pole when a powerful magnet is kept near it?
(b) geographical south pole (a) Microphones
(c) neither (a) nor (b) (b) Glass tumblers
(d) sometimes (a) and sometimes (b). (c) Audio and video tapes
23. Magnetite is . (d) All of these
(a) an electromagnet (b) a natural magnet 35. Magnetic force is when two magnets are
(c) an artificial magnet (d) not a magnet kept far apart.
24. The phenomenon of the attraction of a substance (a) increased
(b) decreased
by a magnet is called
(c) first decreased, then increased
(a) magnetic field (b) magnetic pole
(d) none of these
(c) magnetism (d) none of these.
36. Which of the following is indicated by a magnetic
25. Artificial magnets can be made by
compass?
(a) chemical methods only
(a) Volcano (b) Altitude
(b) mechanical methods only
(c) Direction (d) Sea-level
(c) electrical methods only
(d) both (b) and (c). 37. When a magnet is placed on a wooden plate
with some iron nails spread on it, then
26. In ancient times, humans made crude navigational
(a) nails stick all around the magnet in a same
compass by using
manner
(a) steel (b) lodestone
(b) most of the nails stick at the centre of the
(c) alnico (d) soft iron
magnet
27. Parts of magnet which are concentrated in (c) most of the nails stick at the ends of the
attraction or repulsion are called magnet
(a) poles (b) corners (d) none of these.
(c) fields (d) borders 38. Temporary magnets are made of
28. Magnets can make objects move without touching (a) brass (b) lead
them by using (c) soil (d) soft iron
(a) magic (b) magnetic finger 39. Alnico is an alloy of
(c) magnetic force (d) none of these (a) Silver, Nickel, Cobalt
29. Magnetic force is a (b) Nickel, Aluminium, Copper
(a) contact force (b) non-contact force (c) Aluminium, Silver, Copper
(c) muscular force (d) none of these (d) Aluminium, Nickel, Cobalt

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66 | FUN WITH MAGNETS Class 6 | Physics
40. If you break a magnet into 6 pieces, how many 50. High-speed magnetic levitation trains run
north and how many south poles would there without touching the track, on the powers of
be in all? (a) electromagnets (b) bar magnets
(a) N = 6, S = 6 (b) N = 3, S = 3 (c) natural magnets (d) none of these.
(c) N = 12, S = 12 (d) N = 6, S = 12
41. Back of credit cards/ATM cards with metal strip Fill in the Blanks
is
(a) copper (b) gold 1. The magnets which are not natural are known
(c) magnet (d) none of these. as magnets.
42. How many keepers does a horseshoe magnet 2. The points where the power of the magnet is
need for its storage? the strongest are called .
(a) 1 (b) 2 3. Two south poles each other.
(c) 5 (d) 8
4. is used for navigation.
43. A substance consisting of a coil of wire with an
iron core and is only magnetized when electric 5. Materials that are not attracted by magnets are
current flows through it is called known as materials.
(a) permanent magnet (b) electromagnet 6. Electromagnets are made by passing
(c) battery (d) bar magnet. through them.
44. If one stands facing the east, then north will 7. Loss of magnetism is known as .
be on his/her side and south will be on
8. is made of Aluminium, Nickel and Cobalt.
the
(a) left, right (b) right, left 9. The pole of a freely suspended magnet
(c) both (a) and (b) can be possible points towards the geographical north pole.
(d) can't be explained 10. The strips of magnetic material used to store
45. Artificially designed electromagnets are much magnets safely are called .
than natural magnets.
(a) stronger (b) weaker True or False
(c) cheaper (d) none of these
1. Attraction is the sure test of a magnetism.
46. Magnets now-a-days are made of
2. Magnetite is an artificial magnet.
(a) iron (b) steel
(c) both (a) and (b) (d) copper 3. Different magnets have different number of
poles.
47. Which of the following is true about magnets?
(a) Every magnet has only two poles. 4. Magnets should be stored in pairs with their
(b) Different types of magnets have different opposite poles lying side by side.
number of poles. 5. Hammering strengthens the magnetic properties.
(c) Poles of the magnet can be isolated. 6. Permanent magnets are made of soft iron.
(d) Both (a) and (c) are true.
7. Magnetic force acts from a distance.
48. Magnets was found in a place called
8. Magnets should be kept away from all the
(a) Malaysia (b) Magnesia
electronic devices.
(c) Mexico (d) Denmark
9. Alloys are used to make magnets to decrease
49. When an iron rod is put inside a current carrying
wire, the strength of the electromagnet their magnetic strength.
(a) increases (b) decreases 10. Temporary magnets behave like magnets only
(c) remains same (d) becomes zero. in the magnetic field produced by a permanent
magnet or an electric current.

Physics | Class 6 FUN WITH MAGNETS | 67

Match the Following 1. Assertion : Magnetite is an electromagnet.
Reason : Artificial magnets are stronger than
In this section, each question has two matching natural magnets.
lists. Choices for the correct combination from 2. Assertion : We should not rub similar poles of
List-I and List-II are given as options (a), (b), (c) two magnets.
and (d) out of which one is correct. Reason : Rubbing of similar poles leads to
demagnetiation.
1. List-I List-II
(P) N - S 1. Repulsion 3. Assertion : Most of the iron filings stick to the
(Q) Heating 2. Alloy magnet at the ends.
(R) Alnico 3. Attraction Reason : Magnetic strength is maximum on
(S) S - S 4. Demagnetisation the poles of a magnet.
Code : 4. Assertion : We can never have an isolated north
P Q R S pole or south pole.
(a) 1 4 2 3 Reason : Unlike poles attract and like poles
(b) 3 4 2 1 repel each other.
(c) 3 4 1 2
5. Assertion : The region around a magnet where
(d) 2 3 4 1
its magnetic influence is felt is called
2. List-I List-II magnetic field.
(P) Magnetite 1. Direction finder Reason : Magnetic influence of a magnet is
(Q) Doorbell 2. Non-magnetic maximum at its centre.
(R) Compass 3. Iron ore
(S) Aluminium 4. Electromagnet 6. Assertion : Alloys of magnetic substances are
Code : used to make artificial magnets.
P Q R S Reason : Alloys make the magnets strong.
(a) 4 3 2 1 7. Assertion : Repulsion, not attraction is the
(b) 3 4 2 1 surest test of magnetism.
(c) 3 4 1 2
Reason : Like poles of magnets repel each
(d) 4 3 1 2
other.
3. List-I List-II
8. Assertion : A magnet can attract a copper wire.
(P) Poles of magnet 1. Magnetic material
(Q) Steel 2. Magnetic strength Reason : Copper is a non-magnetic material.
(R) A giant magnet 3. Magnetism 9. Assertion : Magnets should be placed in keepers.
(S) The property of 4. Core of the Earth Reason : Keepers prevent self-demagnet-
magnets isation of magnets.
P Q R S
(a) 2 1 4 3 10. Assertion : Doctors use an electromagnet to
(b) 2 1 3 4 remove particles of iron or steel
(c) 1 2 4 3 from a patient's eye.
(d) 1 2 3 4 Reason : An electromagnet is a temporary
magnet.
Assertion & Reason Type
Directions : In the following questions, a statement
Comprehension Type
of assertion is followed by a statement of reason. PA S S A G E -I : A magnetic field is described by
Mark the correct choice as : drawing the magnetic field lines. The magnetic field
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and reason
lines always begin from the north pole of magnet
is the correct explanation of assertion
and end on the south pole of the magnet. They do
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason
not intersect one another. They come closer to one
is not the correct explanation of assertion
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false another near the poles but they are widely separated
(d) If assertion is false but reason is true. at other places.

68
68 | FUN WITH MAGNETS Class 6 | Physics
1. The direction of magnetic field lines is 3. Earth is a huge electromagnet because of
(a) north to south (b) south to north (a) magnetic effect of current
(c) both (a) and (b) (d) neither (a) nor (b) (b) electric effect of current
2. The strength of magnetic field is weak at (c) magnet buried at its centre
(a) north pole (b) south pole (d) all of these.
(c) centre (d) both of the poles
3. The magnetic field lines
Subjective Problems
(a) intersect at right angles to one another
(b) intersect at an angle of 45° to one another Very Short Answer Type
(c) do not cross one another 1. Name the shapes of some artificial magnets.
(d) cross at an angle of 60° to one another.
2. What are magnetic substances?
PA S S A G E -I I : The magnetic field of a magnet is an
invisible field which is created by magnetism. The 3. Suggest some methods that are used for making
force for magnets to attract other objects is caused artificial magnets.
by moving electrons. Magnets are made by using 4. Write the name of an iron ore that shows
electrical and mechanical methods. A temporary
magnetic properties.
magnet can be made by passing electricity through
a coil. 5. Define magnetic induction.
1. Which of the following is a temporary magnet? 6. Name the device which is used for finding the
(a) Bar magnet directions and navigation.
(b) Horseshoe magnet 7. Write the properties of magnetic poles.
(c) Electromagnet 8. What is magnetism?
(d) North pole 9. Classify the following substances in magnetic
2. The invisible field surrounding a magnet is and non-magnetic substances:
called aluminium, wood, paper, iron, cobalt, brass,
(a) a magnetic field (b) the force field nickel
(c) an electromagnet (d) none of these 10. Name the materials which are used to make
3. Moving is the cause of magnets repelling permanent magnets.
or attracting each other or other objects.
(a) protons (b) electrons Short Answer Type
(c) molecules (d) neutrons 1. A magnetic needle is placed over a strong bar
PASSAGE-III : The Earth itself behaves as a magnet. magnet and made to move freely. In which
The shape of the earth's magnetic field resembles direction the magnetic needle will come to rest?
that of an imaginary bar magnet of length one-fifth 2. What are the different types of magnets? And
of earth's diameter. The axis of earth's magnetic where are the poles located?
field is inclined at an angle of about 15° with the
3. How can we find out near which end is south
geographical axis. The earth's magnetism is due
pole located in a bar magnet?
to the magnetic effect of current which is flowing
in the liquid core at the centre of the Earth. Thus, 4. What are the uses of electromagnets?
Earth is a huge electromagnet. 5. Distinguish between magnetic and non-magnetic
1. The axis of earth's magnetic field is inclined substances.
with the geographical axis at an angle of about 6. Write the causes of demagnetisation.
(a) 5° (b) 15° 7. What will happen if the north pole of a magnet
(c) 25° (d) 35° is brought near
2. The shape of the earth's magnetic field resembles (a) the south pole
that of an imaginary (b) the north pole of a freely suspended magnet?
(a) U-shaped magnet 8. Distinguish between permanent magnet and
(b) needle-shaped magnet temporary magnet.
(c) current-carrying circular coil 9. Is an electromagnet a temporary magnet or a
(d) bar magnet permanent magnet? Give reason.

Physics | Class 6 FUN WITH MAGNETS | 69

10. (a) Write the working principle of maglev train. Integer Answer Type
(b) Why is the magnetic strip used in the door
of the refrigerators? In this section, each question, when worked out,
11. How can you say that the power of a magnet will result in one integer from 0 to 9 (both inclusive).
is the strongest at the poles? 1. Write the number of magnetic objects in the
12. What happens if a magnet is broken into two following:
pieces? Iron, wood, plastic, cotton, paper, glass, stainless
13. The property of attraction cannot be used to steel.
test whether a given object is a magnet or not. 2. How many keepers does a bar magnet need
Give reason. for its storage?
14. It is suggested that electronic devices should 3. If a magnet is broken into 3 pieces, how many
be kept away from magnetic objects. Why? poles would there be in all?
15. Does an object kept near to the magnet experience 4. How many statements are true about a magnet?
more force as compared to an object kept a little (i) Different types of magnets have different
away? Give reason. number of poles.
(ii) We can never have an isolated north pole
Long Answer Type or south pole.
(iii) Magnetic force of a magnet is maximum
1. Suggest some ways to prevent demagnetisation
at its poles.
of magnets.
(iv) Repulsion is the surest test of magnetisation.
2. Explain, why a freely suspended magnet always
points in the north-south direction. 5. How many pairs of magnets attract each other
in the following cases?
3. Describe the construction and working of a
magnetic compass. N S N S N N
4. Describe a method of making artificial magnets. (a)
S S
5. What is a magnet? Explain its basic properties. S N N S (b)
(c)

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70
70 | FUN WITH MAGNETS Class 6 | Physics
 Fun with
Magnets
CHAPTER 4
Multiple Choice Questions 20. (d) : Magnet is used in tape recorders, ATM cards,
microphones, etc.
1. (b) : Nickel is a magnetic substance. 21. (b) : The magnetic north pole of the Earth is
2. (c) : The force that the magnet exerts on iron is pointed towards geographical south pole.
called magnetic force. 22. (a) : The magnetic south pole of the Earth is
3. (b) : Magnetite is made of mainly of a chemical pointed towards geographical north pole.
called iron oxide. 23. (b) : Magnetite is a natural magnet.
4. (a) : A magnet has always two poles. 24. (c) : The phenomenon of the attraction of a
5. (c) : Unlike poles attract and like poles repel each substance by a magnet is called magnetism.
other. 25. (d) : Artificial magnets are made by both mechanical
6. (a) : If a magnet is freely suspended, its north and electrical methods.
pole points towards the north and its south pole 26. (b) : Crude navigational compass was made by
points towards the south. using lodestone in ancient times.
7. (b) : The substances that are attracted by a magnet 27. (a) : Poles are the parts of magnet which exert
are known as magnetic substances. force.
8. (d) : Magnetic compass is used for finding directions 28. (c) : Magnetic force creates motion in the objects
and in navigation. without touching them.
9. (a) : Pole star is positioned exactly above the north 29. (b) : Magnetic force is a non-contact force.
pole of Earth and is used to identify directions. 30. (a) : Steel is an alloy of iron.
10. (d) : A magnet can induce magnetism in magnetic 31. (d) : Iron ring gets attracted towards a magnet as
substance only, i.e., steel. it is a magnetic material.
11. (b) : A small piece of iron ore is called a magnet. 32. (b) : O n l y r e p u l s i o n i s t h e s u r e s t t e s t o f
12. (c) : A magnetic needle is used in a compass. magnetisation.
13. (a) : A magnet loses its magnetism, i.e., demagnetised 33. (c) : Compact disc and cellphone has magnet inside
if it is heated above a certain temperature. them which get demagnetised when a powerful
14. (a) : The electromagnets used to make electric magnet is kept near them.
doorbells are horse-shoe magnets. 34. (b) : As it does not use magnet.
15. (a) : The force by which objects tend to push or 35. (b) : Greater the distance between two magnets,
move away from each other is known as repulsion. smaller will be the magnetic force between them.
16. (a) : The force by which objects tend to pull or 36. (c) : Magnetic compass is used to find directions.
come close to each other is known as attraction. 37. (c) : Nails stick at the ends of the magnet as
17. (a) : Strength of magnetic field is maximum at magnetic field is stronger at the ends (poles).
both ends of a bar magnet, i.e., poles. 38. (d) : Temporary magnets are made of soft iron.
18. (d) : Copper is a non-magnetic material. 39. (d) : Alnico is an alloy of aluminium, nickel and
19. (a) : The pole of the magnet pointing towards cobalt.
geographic north is called north pole whereas the 40. (a) : Number of poles in 1 magnet = 2 (1 N, 1 S)
pole pointing towards geographic south is called Number of poles in 6 magnets = 2 × 6 = 12
south pole. i.e., 6 N and 6 S

Physics | Class 6 FUN WITH MAGNETS | P13

41. (c) : Information is stored on the magnetic strip 6. (a)
on credit cards/ATM cards. 7. (b) : Magnetic substances are attracted towards
42. (a) : A horse-shoe magnet needs only one keeper magnets but not repelled. Repulsion is shown
across its poles. only when both are magnets and their like poles
43. (b) : Electromagnets are the temporary magnets are placed close to each other.
which consists of a coil of wire with an iron core. 8. (d) : A magnet cannot attract a copper wire as it
It is magnetised only when electric current pass is a non-magnetic material.
through it. 9. (a)
44. (a) 10. (b) : Magnetic strength of electromagnets is
45. (a) : Electromagnets are designed to increase the controlled by the amount of electric current
magnetic strength. flowing. Hence, doctor can optimize the instrument
46. (c) : Now-a-days, magnets are made by both iron according to the need of surgery.
and steel.
47. (a) : Every magnet has only two poles. Comprehension Type
48. (b) : Magnets are discovered in Magnesia in Greece. PASSAGE-I
49. (a) : Soft iron is used to increase the magnetic 1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (c)
strength of an electromagnet. PASSAGE-II
50. (a) : High-speed magnetic levitation trains run 1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (b)
on the powers of electromagnets.
PASSAGE-III
Fill in the Blanks 1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (a)

1. Artificial 2. Magnetic poles Subjective Problems

3. Repel 4. Magnetic compass
5. Non-magnetic 6. Current Very Short Answer Type
7. Demagnetisation 8. Alnico 1. Bar magnet, horseshoe magnet, ring-shaped magnet
9. North 10. Keepers and cylindrical-shaped magnet, etc.
2. The materials that are attracted by a magnet and
True or False can be converted into magnets are known as
magnetic materials. e.g., iron, nickel, cobalt, etc.
1. False : Not attraction, only repulsion is the sure
3. Single touch method, double touch method,
test of a magnetism.
electrical method, etc.
2. False : Magnetite is a natural magnet.
4. Magnetite is an iron ore that shows magnetic
3. False : Magnets have only two poles. properties.
4. True 5. The process of magnetising an unmagnetised iron
5. False : Soft iron is a magnetic material. piece by repeatedly bringing a magnet closer to
6. False 7. True it is known as magnetic induction.
8. True 9. False 6. Magnetic compass is used for finding directions
and navigation.
10. True
7. (i) Poles of a magnet always exist in pairs.
Match the Following (ii) Unlike poles attract and like poles repel each
other.
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (a) 8. The phenomenon of the attraction of a substance
by a magnet is called magnetism.
Assertion & Reason Type 9. Magnetic substances : iron, nickel and cobalt
1. (d) : Artificial magnets are stronger than natural Non-magnetic substances : aluminium, wood,
magnets. Magnetite is a natural magnet. paper and brass.
2. (a) 3. (a) 10. Alnico (Nickel + Aluminium + Cobalt) and alloys
such as steel (Iron + Carbon + Nickel + Aluminium
4. (b) : Magnets only exist in pairs of poles. They
+ Titanium) are used for making permanent
can not be isolated.
magnets.
5. (c) : Magnetic influence of a magnet is maximum
at its poles.

P14
14 | FUN WITH MAGNETS Class 6 | Physics
 Short Answer Type ii. The strength of a T h e s t r e n g t h o f a
1. The magnetic needle will S N permanent magnet temporary magnet can
come to rest with its pole cannot be changed. be changed by passing
in the opposite direction current through it.
relative to that of the strong 9. An electromagnet is a temporary magnet because
bar magnet. N S

Because opposite magnetic poles attract each

its magnetism is only for the duration of current
other and the magnetic needle is under the effect passing through it. So, the magnetism of an
of the bar magnet. electromagnet can be switched on or switched
2. Bar magnet - The poles are located at the ends of off as desired.
the bar. 10. (a) Maglev train works on the principle of
Horseshoe magnet - The poles are located at the magnetism. It floats above its track by strong
ends of 'U' shape. magnetic forces produced by computer
Cylindrical magnet - The poles are located at the controlled electromagnets.
two circular ends of the cylinder. (b) The magnetic strip is used in the door of the
3. Hang up the magnet refrigerators to keep it closed properly.
by a cotton thread so
11. Take some iron filings and spread them on a sheet
that it hangs freely.
When it comes to N
of paper. Roll a bar magnet over them and lift
S
rest, we note that the it up. You will notice that most of the iron clips
magnet is lying in stick near the poles of the magnet. So, we can say
north-south direction. that the power of the magnet is the strongest at
4. (i) For lifting heavy loads : Electromagnets are the poles.
used on cranes to lift heavy loads in scrap Poles

yards.
(ii) In hospitals : Electromagnets are used for
removing splinters of iron or steel from the
injured eye.
(iii) In instruments : Many instruments such as 12. If a magnet is broken into two pieces, each part
electric bell, loudspeakers, electric motors, becomes a magnet with two
etc., use electromagnets. poles, i.e., north pole and south S
S N
5. Magnetic substances : The substances attracted pole. Magnetic poles always
by a magnet and can be converted into magnets exist in pairs and an isolated S
are called magnetic substances. e.g. iron, nickel, N
pole, either north pole or south
N
cobalt, steel, etc.
Non-magnetic substances : The substances that are pole, cannot exist.
not attracted by a magnet are called non-magnetic 13. A magnet attracts magnetic materials and any
substance, e.g., rubber, plastic, wood, copper, etc. unmagnetised piece of magnetic material. Any
6. A magnet can be demagnetised by pole of a magnet also attracts the opposite poles
(a) heating, hammering, dropping from a height of other magnets. So, the property of attraction
or rough handling. cannot be used to test whether a given object is a
(b) keeping two magnets side by side with like magnet or not. But a magnet repels only a similar
poles next to each other. pole of another magnet. Hence, repulsion is the
7. (a) If the north pole of a magnet is brought near surest test of a magnet.
the south pole of another magnet, they will
get attracted towards each other. 14. Electronic devices should be kept away from the
(b) If the north pole of a magnet is brought near magnetic objects because they use magnet in them.
the north pole of another magnet, they will Keeping magnetic objects near electronic devices
repel each other. leads to demagnetisation which may erase all the
It is because like poles of a magnet repel each other important information stored in them.
and unlike poles of a magnet attract each other.
15. Yes, an object kept very near to the magnet
8. Permanent magnet Temporary magnet experiences more force as compared to an object
i. A permanent A temporary magnet kept a little away. It is so because the influence
magnet produces a c a n p r o d u c e ve r y of magnetic field is greater near the magnet. It
comparatively weak strong magnetic force. decreases as the distance from the magnet of an
force of attraction. object increases.

Physics | Class 6 FUN WITH MAGNETS | P15

 Long Answer Type Working : To find the direction of a place, the
magnetic compass is taken to that place. The
1. The following cautions must be taken to keep needle of the compass starts rotating till the
magnets safe : painted end reaches north marked on the compass.
(i) Magnets should not be heated, hammered or This indicates the direction in which the place is
dropped from a height. located.
(ii) Magnets should be kept away from all the
4. Single touch method : Place an iron needle on a
electronic devices such as televisions, mobile table. Hold it firmly and stroke it about 30 times
phones, ATM/Credit cards, etc. from one end to the other with one pole of a bar
(iii) Bar magnets should be stored in pairs with magnet. Do not lift the magnet while sliding it
their opposite poles lying side by side. They over the iron needle. After you reach the other end,
must be separated by a piece of wood and lift the magnet high and bring it back to the first
two pieces of soft iron called keepers should end. Now, test the needle to see if it has become
be place across their ends. a magnet. Suspend it freely. If you stroke with the
(iv) For a horseshoe magnet, a single keeper is north pole of the magnet, the end of the iron needle
placed across the poles. from which the stroking is started becomes the
2. The Earth itself behaves like a huge magnet. It north pole. The other end becomes the south pole or
is believed that earth's magnetism is due to the vice-versa.
magnetic effect of current flowing in the liquid
core at the centre of the Earth. The shape of
the earth's magnetic field resembles that of an
imaginary bar magnet. The south pole of this
bar magnet is near the geographical North pole, S
N
whereas the north pole of the bar magnet is near End 1 End 2
the geographical South pole. In a freely suspended N S
magnet, therefore, the north pole points towards 5. Any material that attracts iron objects is called a
the geographical North pole since it is attracted magnet. The two ends of a magnet are called its
by the earth's magnetic South pole. Similarly, the poles, i.e., the north pole (N) and south pole (S).
south pole of the suspended magnet is attracted South pole North pole
by the earth's magnetic North pole, and therefore,
points towards the geographical South pole.
Magnetic south Geographical North S N
pole pole The basic properties of a magnet are :
S
1. Unlike poles attract each other and like poles
repel each other.
2. Attractive property : The property by which a
magnet tends to attract some substances like
N iron, cobalt and nickel when brought near it
Geographical south Magnetic north is known as attractive property.
pole pole 3. Directive property : If a magnet is suspended
freely with a thread, then, it always aligns
3. Construction : A magnetic compass is a simple itself in the geographic north-south direction
device for finding directions. It consists of a magnetic when it comes to rest. This property of a
needle that can turn freely about its centre. The magnet is called a directive property.
needle is encased in a box with a transparent top.
The directions are either printed on a card placed Integer Answer Type
below the needle or marked on top of the box.
Usually, the north pole of the needle is painted 1. (1) : Only iron is a magnetic substance while
others are non-magnetic.
red or blue. The magnetised needle when comes
to rest indicates the north-south direction. 2. (2) : A bar magnet needs 2 keepers across its
poles.
3. (6) : 3-north poles and 3-south poles.
4. (3) : Only (ii), (iii) and (iv) are true.
5. (1) : Only in case (a), the magnets will attract
each other. Because like poles repel each other
and unlike poles attract each other.

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16 | FUN WITH MAGNETS Class 6 | Physics