Fun with Magnets

Class 6 Science | CBSE NCERT Curriculum

This chapter explains magnetic and non-magnetic materials, poles of a magnet, finding directions using a magnet, making magnets, attraction and repulsion between magnets, and the compass.

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Quick Revision: Fun with Magnets

  • Magnetite: A natural magnet discovered in ancient Greece (named after shepherd Magnes or place Magnesia).
  • Magnetic Materials: Materials attracted by a magnet - iron, nickel, cobalt.
  • Non-Magnetic Materials: Materials not attracted by a magnet - wood, plastic, glass, paper, rubber.
  • Poles of Magnet: Regions near ends where magnetic force is maximum. Every magnet has two poles - North (N) and South (S).
  • Direction Finding: A freely suspended magnet always comes to rest in North-South direction.
  • Compass: Device with magnetized needle that rotates freely to show North-South direction.
  • Making a Magnet: Single touch method - stroke iron bar with one pole of magnet repeatedly in same direction.
  • Attraction and Repulsion: Opposite poles attract (N-S), similar poles repel (N-N or S-S).
  • Magnetic Properties Lost: Magnets lose properties when heated, hammered, or dropped.
  • Storage: Bar magnets stored in pairs with unlike poles together, soft iron pieces across ends. Horseshoe magnet with iron keeper across poles.
  • Keep Away: Magnets should be kept away from mobiles, TVs, computers, CDs, cassettes.

Chapter Summary: Fun with Magnets

Magnets are substances that attract magnetic materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt. Natural magnets (magnetite) were discovered in ancient Greece. Artificial magnets come in various shapes - bar, horseshoe, cylindrical. Materials attracted to magnets are magnetic; those not attracted are non-magnetic.

Every magnet has two poles - North (N) and South (S) - where magnetic force is strongest. A freely suspended magnet always aligns in the North-South direction, a property used in compasses for navigation. Opposite poles attract each other, while similar poles repel. Magnets can be made by stroking an iron bar with a magnet in one direction. Magnets lose their properties when heated, hammered, or dropped, so they must be stored properly with keepers.