EXPLORING MAGNETS
CLASS - 6 , CHAPTER – 4, EXTRA QUESTION ANSWER
2 Marks (≈30 words each)
Q1. What is a magnet?
Ans. A magnet is an object that can attract certain metals like iron, nickel, and cobalt due to its
magnetic field. It has two poles – North and South.
Q2. Name two natural and two artificial magnets.
Ans. Natural magnets: Lodestone, Magnetite.
Artificial magnets: Bar magnet, Horseshoe magnet.
Q3. What is a magnetic field?
Ans. Magnetic field is the region around a magnet where its magnetic force can be felt, strongest
near the poles.
Q4. What materials are attracted by magnets?
Ans. Magnets attract magnetic materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt but do not attract substances
like wood, plastic, or aluminium.
Q5. What happens when like poles of two magnets are brought close?
Ans. Like poles of two magnets repel each other, producing a force that pushes them apart.
3 Marks (≈50 words each)
Q1. State the properties of a magnet.
Ans. Magnets have the following properties:
1. They attract magnetic materials like iron.
2. They have two poles – North and South.
3. Like poles repel, unlike poles attract.
4. Magnetic force is strongest at the poles.
Q2. How can you find the poles of a bar magnet?
Ans. Suspend a bar magnet freely with a thread. It will align itself in a north-south direction. The
end pointing towards geographic north is the North pole, and the opposite end is the South pole.
Q3. Explain the use of a magnetic compass.
Ans. A magnetic compass is a device with a magnetised needle that always points north-south. It
helps in navigation and finding directions on land or at sea.
Q4. Why are magnets stored with keepers?
Ans. Magnets are stored with soft iron strips called keepers across their poles to prevent loss of
magnetism and to maintain their strength for a longer period.
Q5. Differentiate between natural and artificial magnets.
Ans. Natural magnets occur in nature (e.g., lodestone) and have weak, irregular shapes. Artificial
magnets are man-made, stronger, and shaped as bars, horseshoes, or discs for practical use.
5 Marks (≈80 words each)
Q1. Describe an experiment to show that like poles repel and unlike poles attract.
Ans. Take two bar magnets. Bring the north pole of one close to the north pole of the other –
they push apart, showing repulsion. Now bring the north pole of one close to the south pole of
the other – they pull together, showing attraction. This proves that like poles repel each other and
unlike poles attract. This property is used in many devices like electric motors and magnetic
locks.
Q2. Explain how to make a magnet by the stroke method.
Ans. Take an iron bar and a bar magnet. Place one pole of the bar magnet at one end of the iron
bar and stroke it in one direction only. Lift the magnet after each stroke and repeat several times.
This aligns the iron’s internal particles, making it a magnet. Avoid stroking back and forth, as it
may cancel magnetism. The ends where stroking starts and ends become opposite poles.
Q3. Write the uses of magnets in daily life.
Ans. Magnets are widely used in:
1. Magnetic compasses for navigation.
2. Refrigerator doors for sealing.
3. Speakers and microphones for sound production.
4. Magnetic strips in credit cards.
5. Magnetic cranes to lift scrap metal.
6. Electric motors and generators.
7. Toys and educational kits.
Magnets are essential in industries, electronics, and medical devices like MRI machines.