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Exploring Magnets

NCERT Class 6 · Science Based on NCERT Class 6 Science textbook · Free CBSE study kit

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Chapter Notes

Overview
This chapter introduces students to the fascinating world of magnets, starting from their historical use by sailors for navigation to modern-day applications. The big idea is that magnets have two poles (North and South), attract certain materials like iron, and a freely suspended magnet always points in the north-south direction, which is the principle behind the magnetic compass. Students will learn to identify magnetic and non-magnetic materials, understand attraction and repulsion between magnets, and even make their own compass.
Key Concepts (12)
Magnet
An object that attracts certain materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt.
e.g. The magnets used in pencil boxes to keep them closed.
Lodestone
A naturally occurring magnet discovered in ancient times.
e.g. Sailors in olden days used lodestones to find directions.
Artificial magnet
Magnets made by humans from pieces of iron or other materials.
e.g. Bar magnets, U-shaped magnets, and ring magnets found in school laboratories.
Magnetic materials
Materials that are attracted towards a magnet.
e.g. Iron, nickel, cobalt, and some of their combinations with other metals.
Non-magnetic materials
Materials that are not attracted towards a magnet.
e.g. Wood, plastic, glass, rubber, and cardboard.
Poles of a magnet
The two ends of a magnet where the magnetic attraction is strongest, called the North pole and the South pole.
e.g. When iron filings are sprinkled near a bar magnet, most stick near its ends (poles).
North pole of a magnet
The end of a freely suspended magnet that points towards the geographic North direction.
e.g. In a magnetic compass, the red end of the needle points North.
South pole of a magnet
The end of a freely suspended magnet that points towards the geographic South direction.
e.g. The opposite end of the compass needle points South.
Magnetic compass
A device with a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates the north-south direction.
e.g. A small circular box with a transparent cover, a needle mounted on a pin, and a dial marked with directions.
Attraction
The force that pulls two magnets or a magnet and a magnetic material towards each other.
e.g. Unlike poles (North and South) of two magnets attract each other.
Repulsion
The force that pushes two magnets away from each other.
e.g. Like poles (North-North or South-South) of two magnets repel each other.
Matsya-yantra
An ancient Indian device for navigation at sea, consisting of a magnetised fish-shaped iron piece kept in a vessel of oil.
e.g. It was used by Indian sailors long before the modern magnetic compass became widespread.
How It Works
Identifying magnetic and non-magnetic materials
  1. Collect a few objects made of different materials and a magnet.
  2. Predict which objects will stick to the magnet.
  3. Hold the magnet and bring it near each object one by one.
  4. Observe which objects stick to the magnet.
  5. Record observations in a table.
  6. Conclude: materials that stick are magnetic (e.g., iron), those that do not are non-magnetic (e.g., wood, plastic).
💡 Only iron, nickel, cobalt, and their alloys are magnetic — not all metals are magnetic.
Finding poles of a magnet using iron filings
  1. Spread some iron filings on a sheet of paper.
  2. Place a bar magnet over the filings.
  3. Tap the paper gently.
  4. Observe where the iron filings stick the most.
  5. Maximum filings stick near the ends — these are the poles.
💡 Iron filings do not stick uniformly; they concentrate at the poles.
Finding directions using a freely suspended magnet
  1. Tie a thread to the middle of a bar magnet and suspend it so it can rotate freely.
  2. Rotate the magnet gently and let it come to rest.
  3. Mark the positions of the ends on the ground.
  4. Repeat the rotation — the magnet always rests along the same line.
  5. This line is the north-south direction.
💡 A freely suspended magnet always rests in the north-south direction, not east-west.
Making a magnetic compass
  1. Take an iron sewing needle and a permanent bar magnet.
  2. Stroke the needle with one pole of the magnet from one end to the other, 30-40 times.
  3. Check if the needle attracts iron filings or pins — it is now magnetized.
  4. Pass the needle through a cork horizontally.
  5. Float the cork in a bowl of water so the needle stays above water.
  6. The needle will come to rest pointing north-south.
💡 Always use the same pole of the magnet and stroke in the same direction each time.
Attraction and repulsion between magnets
  1. Take two bar magnets (A and B) with poles marked.
  2. Place magnet A on round pencils so it can roll.
  3. Bring one end of magnet B near one end of magnet A without touching.
  4. Observe whether magnet A moves towards or away from magnet B.
  5. Repeat with the other end of magnet B.
  6. Conclusion: unlike poles attract, like poles repel.
💡 Repulsion is the only sure test to identify a magnet — attraction can happen with any magnetic material.
Testing if magnetic effect passes through materials
  1. Place a magnetic compass on a table and wait for the needle to rest.
  2. Bring a bar magnet near the compass and observe deflection.
  3. Place a piece of wood between the magnet and compass.
  4. Observe the needle — deflection still occurs.
  5. Repeat with cardboard, plastic, and glass sheets.
  6. Conclusion: magnetic effect acts through non-magnetic materials.
💡 Non-magnetic materials like wood, plastic, and glass do not block magnetic fields.
Exam Traps — Don't Make These Mistakes
⚠ All metals are magnetic
✗ All metals are attracted to a magnet.
→ Only iron, nickel, cobalt, and their alloys are magnetic. Metals like aluminium, copper, gold, and silver are non-magnetic.
✓ Only magnetic materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt are attracted to a magnet. Most other metals are non-magnetic.
⚠ Iron filings stick uniformly on a magnet
✗ Iron filings stick equally all over the magnet.
→ Iron filings stick maximum at the poles (ends) and very few in the middle.
✓ Iron filings stick mostly near the poles of a magnet, not uniformly all over.
⚠ A magnet can have a single pole if broken
✗ If you break a magnet into two pieces, one piece will have only a North pole and the other only a South pole.
→ Every piece of a broken magnet always has both North and South poles — poles always exist in pairs.
✓ It is impossible to obtain a magnet with a single pole. Even the smallest piece of a broken magnet has both North and South poles.
⚠ Attraction proves an object is a magnet
✗ If an object attracts a magnet, it must be a magnet.
→ A piece of iron (non-magnet) is also attracted to a magnet. Attraction does not confirm magnetism.
✓ Repulsion is the only sure test to identify a magnet. Attraction can occur between a magnet and any magnetic material.
⚠ A freely suspended iron bar points north-south
✗ A freely suspended iron bar always rests in the north-south direction.
→ Only a magnetized bar (magnet) rests in the north-south direction. An ordinary iron bar can rest in any direction.
✓ Only a freely suspended magnet rests along the north-south direction. An iron bar does not have this property.
Compare & Contrast
Attraction to a magnet
Magnetic materials
Non-magnetic materials
Magnetic materials (e.g., iron, nickel, cobalt) are attracted to a magnet, while non-magnetic materials (e.g., wood, plastic, glass) are not.
Interaction between magnetic poles
Attraction
Repulsion
Unlike poles (N-S) attract each other, while like poles (N-N or S-S) repel each other.
Direction they point when freely suspended
North pole of a magnet
South pole of a magnet
The North pole points towards the geographic North, while the South pole points towards the geographic South.
Exam Focus
Marks pattern: 2 MCQs (1 mark each), 1 Very Short Answer (1 mark), 1 Short Answer (3 marks), 1 Long Answer (5 marks)
Most asked: Properties of magnets (poles, attraction, repulsion) · Magnetic vs non-magnetic materials with examples · Freely suspended magnet always points north-south · Magnetic compass and its working · Like poles repel, unlike poles attract
Don't skip: Explain with an activity how a freely suspended magnet helps in finding directions.; Differentiate between magnetic and non-magnetic materials with examples.; Describe an experiment to show that like poles repel and unlike poles attract.; How will you identify which of three metal bars are magnets without using any other material?
One-Line Revision (read aloud before the exam)
  1. A magnet is an object that attracts materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt.
  2. Lodestone is a naturally occurring magnet discovered in ancient times.
  3. Artificial magnets are made by humans and come in shapes like bar, U-shaped, and ring magnets.
  4. Magnetic materials are attracted to a magnet; non-magnetic materials are not.
  5. Iron, nickel, and cobalt are magnetic materials; wood, plastic, and glass are non-magnetic.
  6. The poles of a magnet are the ends where the attraction is strongest.
  7. Every magnet has two poles: a North pole and a South pole.
  8. A freely suspended magnet always rests in the north-south direction.
  9. The magnetic compass uses a freely rotating magnetized needle to show directions.
  10. Unlike poles of two magnets attract each other.
  11. Like poles of two magnets repel each other.
  12. Repulsion is the only sure test to identify a magnet.
  13. If a magnet is broken, each piece still has both North and South poles.
  14. Magnetic effect can pass through non-magnetic materials like wood, plastic, and glass.
  15. To make a magnet, stroke an iron needle with a magnet in one direction many times.
  16. Magnets should be stored with unlike poles together and a piece of wood in between.
  17. Do not heat, drop, or hammer a magnet, and keep it away from mobile phones and remote controls.

MCQs — 10 Questions with Answers

Q1. Which of the following is a magnetic material?

  • A. Iron ✓
  • B. Rubber
  • C. Wood
  • D. Glass

Answer: A — Iron is a magnetic material that is attracted to magnets, while rubber, wood, and glass are non-magnetic materials.

Q2. Which end of a freely suspended magnet points towards the North?

  • A. The South pole
  • B. The North pole ✓
  • C. Both ends point North
  • D. It can point in any direction

Answer: B — The North pole of a magnet is called the North-seeking pole because it always points towards the North direction.

Q3. If you break a bar magnet into two pieces, what will happen?

  • A. One piece will have only North pole, other will have only South pole
  • B. Both pieces will have North and South poles ✓
  • C. Both pieces will lose their magnetic properties
  • D. Only one piece will remain magnetic

Answer: B — When a magnet is broken, each piece still has both North and South poles—poles always exist in pairs.

Q4. In the picture shown, iron filings stick most strongly at which part of the bar magnet? [Imagine a bar magnet with iron filings distributed unevenly]

  • A. In the middle of the magnet
  • B. At the two ends (poles) of the magnet ✓
  • C. All over the magnet equally
  • D. Only at one end

Answer: B — The magnetic pull is strongest at the poles (ends) of a magnet, so maximum iron filings gather there.

Q5. Which of the following is NOT a magnetic material?

  • A. Nickel
  • B. Cobalt
  • C. Plastic ✓
  • D. Iron

Answer: C — Plastic is a non-magnetic material and is not attracted to magnets, while iron, nickel, and cobalt are magnetic materials.

Q6. A magnetic compass helps sailors find directions because _____________ always points North-South.

  • A. the compass box
  • B. the magnetic needle ✓
  • C. the dial markings
  • D. the cork piece

Answer: B — The magnetic needle (which is itself a magnet) in a compass always aligns with Earth's magnetic field and points North-South.

Q7. What property of a magnet makes it useful for finding directions?

  • A. It attracts all materials
  • B. It always comes to rest along the North-South direction ✓
  • C. It has a red color
  • D. It is made of iron

Answer: B — A freely suspended magnet always aligns with Earth's magnetic field and points North-South, which is why it is used in compasses.

Q8. In olden days, sailors used lodestones for finding directions because _____________ .

  • A. they were easy to carry
  • B. they were the only magnetic materials available
  • C. they worked like magnetic compasses and always pointed North-South ✓
  • D. they attracted iron filings

Answer: C — Lodestones are natural magnets that behave like bar magnets—they align with Earth's magnetic field and point North-South.

Q9. Why does a freely suspended iron bar NOT always point in the North-South direction, unlike a magnet?

  • A. Iron bars are longer than magnets
  • B. Iron is not a magnet; only magnets align with Earth's magnetic field ✓
  • C. Iron bars are too heavy
  • D. Iron bars have no poles

Answer: B — An iron bar is magnetic material (attracted to magnets) but not a magnet itself, so it does not align with Earth's magnetic field.

Q10. Which statement is TRUE about the poles of a magnet?

  • A. A magnet can have only a North pole
  • B. A magnet can have only a South pole
  • C. A magnet always has both North and South poles in pairs ✓
  • D. Magnets have three poles: North, South, and Middle

Answer: C — North and South poles always exist as a pair in magnets; you cannot have a magnet with just one pole.

Flashcards

What are magnetic materials? Give two examples.

Materials that are attracted to a magnet; examples are iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Name three non-magnetic materials you use every day.

Wood (pencils), plastic (toys), rubber (erasers), glass (windows), cloth—these do not stick to magnets.

What are the two poles of a magnet?

North pole (or North-seeking pole) and South pole (or South-seeking pole).

Where is a magnet's pull the strongest?

At the two poles (the ends) of the magnet.

Can you have a magnet with only one pole?

No, North and South poles always exist in pairs; even if you break a magnet into small pieces, each piece has both poles.

What happens when you suspend a bar magnet freely?

It always comes to rest pointing in the North-South direction because Earth itself is a giant magnet.

What is a magnetic compass and how does it work?

A device with a freely rotating magnetic needle that points North-South to help find directions.

Why did ancient sailors use magnetic compasses?

When stars were hidden by storms or clouds, the compass needle always pointed North-South to help them find their way at sea.

What is the difference between a lodestone and an artificial magnet?

Lodestones are natural magnets found in nature (used in ancient times), while artificial magnets are made by humans from iron and other materials.

Why does a freely suspended iron bar NOT always point North-South?

Because iron is magnetic material but not a magnet itself; only actual magnets align with Earth's magnetic field.

Important Board Questions

Define magnetic material with one example. [1 mark]

Magnetic material is any material that is attracted to a magnet; example: iron, nickel, or cobalt.

List any two non-magnetic materials found in your school. [1 mark]

Non-magnetic materials are not attracted to magnets; examples from school: wood (pencils), plastic (ruler/toys), rubber (eraser), glass (window).

What happens to the poles when you break a bar magnet into two pieces? Explain with a reason. [2 marks]

Each piece gets both North and South poles. Reason: poles always exist in pairs and cannot be separated; breaking the magnet creates new poles at the break point.

Why did ancient sailors use magnetic compasses to find directions at sea? Explain how a magnetic compass works. [3 marks]

Sailors used compasses when stars were hidden. A compass has a freely rotating magnetic needle that always aligns with Earth's magnetic field and points North-South, showing all four directions.

Describe Activity 4.2 (iron filings experiment). What does this activity demonstrate about a magnet, and what conclusion did you draw? [5 marks]

Activity: sprinkle iron filings on paper, place bar magnet on top, tap paper gently. Observation: maximum filings stick at the two ends (poles). Conclusion: magnetic pull is strongest at poles; every magnet has two poles (North and South) where attraction is maximum, regardless of magnet shape. Draw and label a diagram showing bar magnet with iron filings concentrated at both poles.

Assertion-Reason Questions for Exploring Magnets

Q1. Assertion (A):

A magnet can be broken into a piece with only a North pole.

Reason (R):

When a magnet is broken, both North and South poles always exist in pairs even in the smallest piece.

Answer: D — A is false but R is true — The assertion is false because it is impossible to have a magnet with only one pole. The reason is true and correctly states that both poles always exist in pairs, but the assertion itself is wrong.

Q2. Assertion (A):

A freely suspended bar magnet will always rest along the North-South direction.

Reason (R):

This happens because the Earth itself behaves like a giant magnet with magnetic properties.

Answer: A — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A — Both the assertion and reason are true. The magnet aligns North-South because Earth's magnetic properties cause this alignment. The reason correctly explains why the assertion is true.

Q3. Assertion (A):

Copper is a magnetic material that will stick to a magnet.

Reason (R):

All metals are attracted towards magnets because they contain iron.

Answer: D — A is false but R is true — The assertion is false because copper is not attracted to magnets. The reason is also false because not all metals are magnetic—only iron, nickel, cobalt, and some alloys are magnetic.

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Case-Based Questions (CBQ) for Exploring Magnets

Case Study:

Priya's father works at a port in Mumbai where ships arrive and depart every day. One afternoon, Priya visited the port office and saw the captain showing her the old magnetic compass that sailors used many years ago for navigation. The captain explained that when stars were not visible due to storms or clouds, sailors relied on this magical device that always pointed towards the North direction. Priya was amazed and brought home various items from her kitchen and room to test with the captain's demonstration magnet—she found that her metal spoons stuck to the magnet, but her plastic spoons and wooden pencils did not.

Q1. Why was the magnetic compass important for sailors at Priya's father's port?

  • A. To check the time
  • B. To find direction when stars were not visible ✓
  • C. To measure the speed of the ship
  • D. To communicate with other ships

Answer: B

Q2. Which of Priya's items would be made of magnetic material?

  • A. Metal spoons ✓
  • B. Plastic spoons
  • C. Wooden pencils
  • D. Glass containers

Answer: A

Q3. Based on Priya's experiments at home, what can she conclude about magnetic materials?

  • A. All materials are attracted to magnets
  • B. Only metal items like spoons are attracted to magnets ✓
  • C. Plastic and wood are magnetic materials
  • D. No materials are attracted to magnets

Answer: B

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