Exploring Magnets Class 6 Question Answer Science Chapter 4

Exploring Magnets Class 6 Questions and Answers NCERT Solutions

Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Exploring Magnets Question Answer

Exploring Magnets Class 6 Intext Questions

Page – 62

Question 1.
Do magnets stick to objects made of certain materials only?
Answer:
Yes, magnets stick to objects made of magnetic materials only. Magnetic materials, such as iron, nickel and cobalt, are attracted to magnets due to their ability to align with the magnetic field. Non-magnetic materials, like wood, plastic and rubber, do not interact with magnets and thus do not stick to them.

Page – 64

Question 2.
Do all parts of a magnet attract magnetic materials equally?
Answer:
No, all parts of a ‘magnet do not attract magnetic materials equally. The ends of a magnet, known as the poles, have the strongest magnetic force. These poles attract magnetic materials more strongly than the central part of the magnet. This is why iron filings or other magnetic materials accumulate more at the poles when they are sprinkled around a magnet.

Page-65

Question 3.
Can we find a magnet with a single pole?
Answer:
No, a magnet with a single pole cannot exist. Every magnet has both a north pole and a south pole. When a magnet is cut or broken, each piece will have both poles, even if it is very small.

Exploring Magnets Class 6 Textbook Questions

Question 1.
Fill in the blanks

1. Unlike poles of two magnets ______ each other, whereas like poles ______ each other.
2. The materials that are attracted towards a magnet are called ______
3. The needle of a magnetic compass rests along the ______ direction.
4. A magnet always has ______ poles.

Answer:

1. Unlike poles of two magnets attract each other, whereas like poles repel each other.
2. The materials that are attracted towards a magnet are called magnetic materials.
3. The needle of a magnetic compass rests along the north-south direction.
4. A magnet always has two poles.

Question 2.
State whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F).

1. A magnet can be broken into pieces to obtain a single pole. [ ]
2. Similar poles of a magnet repel each other. [ ]
3. Iron filings mostly stick in the middle of a bar magnet when it is brought near them. [ ]
4. A freely suspended bar magnet always aligns with the north-south direction. [ ]

Answer:

1. [F]
2. [T]
3. [F]
4. [T]

Question 3.
Column I show different positions in which one pole of a magnet is placed near that of the other. Column II indicates the resulting interaction between them for different situations. Fill in the blanks.

Answer:

Column I	Column II
N-N	Repulsion
N-S	Attraction
S-N	Attraction
S-S	Repulsion

Like poles repel: When two north poles (N-N) or two south poles (S-S) are brought close to each other, they experience a repulsive force pushing each other apart.
Unlike poles attract: When a north pole (N) and a south pole (S) are brought close to each other, they experience an attractive force, pulling them together.

Question 4.
Atharv performed an experiment in which he took a bar magnet and rolled it over a heap of steel U-clips

Fig. 4.7: Bar magnet and heap of steel U-clips According to you, which of the options given in Table is likely to be his observation?
Table 4.3: Number of pins attracted by the magnet at its various positions

Answer:
In this experiment the likely observation will be:

• Position A: 10 U-clips attracted
• Position B: 10 U-clips attracted
• Position C: 2 U-clips attracted

This pattern suggests that position A and position B are near the poles of the magnet where the attraction is stronger and position C is in the middle where the magnetic field is weaker
So, the correct option from Table 4.3 is (ii)

Question 5.
Reshma bought three identical metal bars from the market. Out of these bars, two were magnets and one was just a piece of iron. How will she identify which two amongst the three could be magnets (without using any other material)?
Answer:
To identify which two out of the three metal bars are magnets, Reshma can use the following method:
Test attraction: Place each bar near each other. Only magnets will attract or repel each other. The two bars that interact (either attract or repel) are the magnets and the one that doesnt show repulsion, only show attraction (it lacks magnetic poles) is just a piece of iron.

Question 6.
You are given a magnet which does not have the poles marked. How can you find its poles with the help of another magnet which has its poles marked?
Answer:
Use attraction and repulsion: Bring the unmarked magnet close to the marked magnet. The unmarked magnet’s end that attracts the North pole of the marked magnet is its South pole. Conversely, the end that attracts the South pole of the marked magnet is its North pole.

Question 7.
A bar magnet has no markings to indicate its poles. How would you find out near which end its North pole is located without using another magnet?
Answer:
Use a compass: Suspend the unmarked magnet freely. The end that points towards the geographic North is the North pole of the unmarked magnet.

Question 8.
If the Earth is itself a magnet, can you guess the poles of Earths magnet by looking at the direction of the magnetic compass?
Answer:
North-South Direction: The end of the compass needle that points towards the geographic North is the North-seeking pole, which corresponds to Earth’s magnetic South pole. Similarly, the end pointing towards the geographic South is Earth’s magnetic North pole.

Question 9.
While a mechanic was repairing a gadget using a screwdriver, the steel screws kept falling down. Suggest a way to solve the problem of the mechanic on the basis of what you have learnt in this chapter.
Answer:
To solve this problem, mechanic can use a magnetised screwdriver. Here’s how it works:
1. Magnetise the screwdriver: The mechanic should use a magnet to magnetise the tip of the screwdriver This can be done by rubbing the screwdriver’s tip with a magnet in one direction.

2. Pick up and hold screws: Once the screwdriver is magnetised, it will attract and hold the steel screws. This prevents the screws from falling and makes it easier to place them into the screw holes.

Question 10.
Two ring magnets X and Y are arranged as shown in Figure 4.16. It is observed that magnet X does not move further. What could be the possible reason? Suggest a way to bring the magnet X in contact with magnet Y without pushing either of the magnets.

Answer:
The most likely reason for magnet X not moving down futther is that the like poles of the two magnets are facing each other. When like poles of magnets are brought close together, they experience a repulsive force.
To bring the magnel X in contact with magnet Y without pushing either of them, carefully flip the magnet X.
This will cause the opposite pole of magnet X to face magnet Y.
Since the opposite poles of magnets attract each other, magnet X will now be pulled towards magnet Y due to this attractive force.

Question 11.
Three magnets are arranged on a table in the form of the shape shown in Figure 4.17. What is the polarity, N or S, at the ends 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 of the magnets? Polarity of one end (5) is given for you.

Answer:
End 1: The polarity at end 1 is North (N).
End 2: The polarity at end 2 is South (N).
End 3: The polarity at end 3 is North (N).
End 4: The polarity at end 4 is South (S).
End 6: The polarity at end 6 is South (S).

Exploring Magnets Class 6 NCERT Exemplar Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
Observe the pictures A and B given in the Figure carefully.

Which of the following statements is correct for the above-given pictures?
(a) In A, cars 1 and 2 will come closer and in B, cars 3 and 4 will come closer.
(b) In A, cars 1 and 2 will move away from each other and in B, cars 3 and 4 will move away.
(c) In A, cars 1 and 2 will move away, and in B, 3 and 4, they will come closer to each other.
(d) In A, cars 1 and 2 will come closer to each other, and in B, 3 and 4 , will move away from each other.
Answer:
Option (d) is correct.
Explanation: Unlils poles attract each other while like poles repel each other.

Question 2.
The arrangement to store two magnets is shown by figures (a), (b), (c) and (d). Which one of them is the correct arrangement?

Answer:
Option (b) is correct.

Question 3.
Three magnets A, B and C were dipped one by one in a heap of iron filing. Figure shows the amount of the iron filing-sticking to them.

The strength of these magnets will be
(a) A > B > C
(b) A < B < C
(c) A = B = C
(d) A < B > C
Answer:
Option (a) is correct.
Explanation: The amount of the iron filing sticking to magnets is directly proportional to their strengths.

Question 4.
North pole of a magnet can be identified by
(a) Another magnet having its poles marked as North pole and South pole.
(b) Another magnet, no matter whether the poles are marked or not.
(c) Using an iron bar.
(d) Using iron filings.
Answer:
Option (a) is correct.

Explanation: That pole of the magnet, which is repelled by the north pole of the given magnet will be considered as the north pole of the magnet.
Question 5. A bar magnet is immersed in a heap of iron filings and pulled out. The amount of iron filing clinging to the
(a) North pole is almost equal to the south pole.
(b) North pole is much more than the south pole.
(c) North pole is much less than the south pole.
(d) Magnet will be same all along its length.
Answer:
Option (a) is correct.
Explanation: Magnetic strength of north pole and south pole of a magnet are the same.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 6.
Fill in the blanks.
(i) When a bar magnet is broken; each of the broken part will have ______ pole/poles.
(ii) In a bar magnet, magnetic attraction is ______ near its ends.
Answer:
(i) two
(ii) more

Question 7.
Paheli and her friends were decorating the class bulletin board. She dropped the box of stainless-steel pins by mistake. She tried to collect the pins using a magnet. She could not succeed. What could be the reason for this?
Answer:
The reason Paheli could not collect the stainless-steel pins using a magnet is likely due to the type of stainless steel used. Stainless steel is an alloy that contains iron, but its magnetic properties can vary depending on its composition.

Question 8.
How will you test that ‘tea dust’ is not adulterated with iron powder?
Answer:
To test if tea dust is adulterated with iron powder, place a sample in a dish and move a strong magnet through it. If iron powder is present, it will be attracted to the magnet. No attraction indicates that the tea dust is likely free from iron powder.

Question 9.
Boojho dipped a bar magnet in a heap of iron filings and pulled it out. He found that iron filings got stuck to the magnet, as shown in the figure.

(i) Which regions of the magnet have more iron filings sticking to it?
(ii) What are these regions called?
Answer:
(i) The ends of the magnet have more iron filings attached to them.
(ii) These regions are called poles of the magnet.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 10.
Four identical iron bars were dipped in a heap of iron filings one by one. The figure shows the number of iron filings sticking to each of them.

(a) Which of the iron bar is likely to be the strongest magnet?
(b) Which of the iron bars is not a magnet? Justify your answer.
Answer:
(a) The iron bar (a) is likely to be the strongest magnet as the amount of iron filings sticking to it is much greater than that of other bars.
(b) Iron bar (b) is not a magnet because iron filings do not stick to it.

Question 11.
A toy car has a bar magnet laid hidden inside its body along its length. Using another magnet how will you find out which pole of the magnet is facing the front of the car?
Answer:
If the front of the toy car gets attracted to the north pole of the other given magnet, it is the south pole of the bar magnet hidden inside the car and vice-versa.

Question 12.
Match column I with column II (One option of I can match with more than one option of II.

Column I	Column II
(a) Magnet attracts	(i) rests along a particular direction
(b) Magnet can be repelled by	(ii) iron
(c) Magnet if suspended freely	(iii) another magnet
(d) Poles of the magnet can be identified by	(iv) iron filings

Answer:
(a) – (ii), (iii) and (iv)
(b) – (iii)
(c) – (i)
(d) – (iii)

Question 13.
You are provided with two identical metal bars. One out of the two is a magnet. Suggest two ways to identify the magnet.
Answer:
There can be the following ways to identify the magnet out of the two identical metal bars:

• By freely suspending the metal bar. Magnet will rest along a particular direction.
• By attracting iron filings.
• By using another magnet. Like poles will repel each other while unlike poles will attract each other. Metal bar will only be attracted by the magnet.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 14.
Three identical iron bars are kept on a table. Two out of three bars are magnets. In one of the magnets, the North-South poles are marked. How will you find out which of the other two bars is a magnet? Identify the poles of this magnet.
Answer:
The magnet on which the North-South poles are marked can be used to find the magnet out of two bars.
The magnet with known poles will attract and repel two ends of a magnet while it will attract both ends of an ordinary bar. This process is known as, test for repulsion. To find out the poles of unknown magnet, we can use the same test. The north pole marked on the given magnet will repel the north pole of an unknown magnet.

Question 15.
Describe the steps involved in magnetising an iron strip with the help of a magnet.
Answer:
An iron strip can be magnetised by rubbing it with a magnet in a particular direction again and again as shown in the figure.

Magnets can also be made with the help of electricity.

Question 16.
The figure shows a magnetic compass. What will happen to the position of its needle if you bring a bar magnet near it? Draw a diagram to show the effect of the needle on bringing the bar magnet near it. Also, draw the diagram to show the effect when the other end of the bar magnet is brought near it.

Answer:
The magnetic needle of the compass will get deflected. When the North pole of a magnet is brought near the North pole of a compass needle, the needle moves away, as illustrated in figure. Conversely, when the South pole of the magnet is brought near the North pole of the compass needle, the needle moves closer.

Question 17.
Suggest an activity to prepare a magnetic compass by using an iron needle and a bar magnet.
Answer:
To prepare a magnetic compass, the given iron needle is magnetised by rubbing a bar magnet over it repeatedly in a particular direction. After that, it may be set in a way that allows it to rotate freely when suspended. Hence, the iron needle can act as a compass and give north-south direction.

Question 18.
Boojho kept a magnet close to an ordinary iron bar. He observed that the iron bar attracts a pin as shown in figure.

What inference could he draw from this observation? Explain.
Answe
He could infer from this observation that the magnetic properties are induced into the iron bar and it acts like a magnet till the magnet is kept near it.

Question 19.
A bar magnet is cut into two pieces A and B, from the middle, as shown in figure.

Will the two pieces act as individual magnets? Mark the poles of these two pieces. Suggest an activity to verify your answer.
Answer:
Yes, the two pieces A and B will act as individual magnets. A magnet will always have two poles – north and south pole. Each piece will have two poles.

By the test of repulsion, we can conclude that these two pieces A and B will act as individual magnets.

Question 20.
Suggest an arrangement to store a U-shaped magnet. How is this different from storing a pair of bar magnets?
Answer:
U-shaped magnet: One metal plate is placed across the two poles of the U-shaped magnet to store it.

Bar magnet: Two metal plates and one wooden block is used and arranged as shown in the figure.

Introduction 

Magnets have unique properties that make them essential in various applications, from navigation to everyday items like purse, pencilbox, refrigerator magnets. Understanding magnets involves exploring their materials, shapes and behaviours.

Types of Magnets

Natural Magnets:

Lodestones: Naturally occurring magnets found in nature, primarily composed of magnetite. They have been used since ancient times for their magnetic properties.

Artificial Magnets:

Soft Magnets: Made from materials like iron that can be easily magnetised but lose their magnetism quickly when the external magnetic field is removed.

Hard Magnets: Made from materials like neodymium and samarium-cobalt, which retain their magnetism for a long time and are used in various applications, including electronics and motors.

Magnetic vs. Non-Magnetic Materials

Activity 4.1 (Page-63)

Identifying Magnetic
Materials
Objective: Determine which materials are attracted to a magnet.
Materials Needed:

• Magnet (bar magnet or any shape)
• Various objects (e.g., pencil, eraser, paperclip, plastic toy).

Procedure:

1. Prediction: Guess which objects will be attracted to the magnet based on their material (e.g., Metal objects are more likely to be attracted).
2. Observation: Bring the magnet close to each object and note if the object sticks to the magnet.

Table 4.1: Identifying Materials Attracted by*a Magnet

Conclusion:
Magnetic Materials: Materials like iron, nickel and cobalt are attracted to magnets because they contain magnetic domains that align with the magnetic field.

Non-Magnetic Materials: Materials like wood, rubber and plastic are not attracted to magnets because they do not have magnetic properties.

Poles of a Magnet

Activity 4.2 (Page-64)

Identifying Poles of a Magnet
Objective: Observe how iron filings align around a magnet to identify its poles.
Materials Needed:

• Bar magnet
• Iron filings
• Sheet of paper

Procedure:

• Setup: Spread iron filings evenly on the paper.
• Place Magnet: Position the bar magnet on top of the iron filings.
• Observation: Gently tap the paper to make the filings settle.

Observation:

Iron filings cluster around the ends of the magnet, creating a pattern that shows the magnetic field lines extending from the North to the South pole.

Conclusion:

Poles of a Magnet: The ends of the magnet where the magnetic force is strongest are called poles. A bar magnet has a North pole and a South pole. The magnetic force is strongest at these poles.

Finding Directions

Activity 4.3 (Page-65)

Using a Magnetic Compass
Objective: Demonstrate how a magnetic compass aligns with Earth’s magnetic field to show directions.
Materials Needed:

• Bar magnet
• Thread
• Compass

Procedure:

1. Suspend Magnet: Tie the magnet to a thread and let it hang freely.
2. Alignntent: Allow the magnet to come to rest and observe its alignment.

Observation:
The suspended magnet will align itself in the NorthSouth direction.

Conclusion:
Magnetic Compass: A freely suspended magnet aligns with Earth’s magnetic field, showing the North-South direction. This principle is used in magnetic compasses for navigation.

Making a Simple Magnetic Compass

Activity 4.4 (Page-67)

Constructing a Simple Compass

Materials Needed:

• Cork piece
• Iron sewing needle
• Permanent bar magnet
• Glass bowl
• Water

Procedure:

1. Magnetise the needle: Stroke the needle with the magnet multiple times to magnetise it.
2. Float the needle: Place the needle through a cork and float it on water in a glass bowl.

Observation:
The needle will align itself along the North-South direction when it settles.

Conclusion:
Simple Compass: This homemade compass demonstrates the same principle as modern compasses, using a magnetised needle to find directions.

Attraction and Repulsion Between Magnets

Activity 4.5 (Page-68)

Testing Magnetic Attraction and Repulsion

Objective: Observe how different poles of magnets interact with each other.
Materials Needed:
Two bar magnets

Procedure:
1. Test Attraction: Bring opposite poles of the magnets close to each other and observe if they attract.
2. Test Repulsion: Bring like poles of the magnets close to each other and observe if they repel.
3.

Observation:

Opposite poles attract each other, while like poles repel each other.
Conclusion:
Magnetic Interaction: Magnets exhibit attraction between opposite poles (North-South) and repulsion
between like poles (North-North or South-South).

Activity 4.6 (Page-69)

Let us Experiment

Objective: To observe the effect of a bar magnet on the magnetic compass needle and understand magnetic interactions.

Materials:

• Magnetic compass
• Bar magnet

Procedure:
1. Initial Setup:

• Place the magnetic compass on a horizontal surface.
• Wait for the compass needle to stabilise and point towards the Earth’s magnetic North.

2. Test with North Pole:

• Slowly bring the North pole of the bar magnet close to the North pole of the compass needle.
• Observe the compass needle carefully. Note the direction of any deflection.

Observation:
The compass needle will deflect away from the North pole of the bar magnet. This happens because magnetic poles repel each other.

3. Test with South Pole:

• Repeat the above step with the South pole of the bar magnet.
• Observe the compass needle again and note any changes in its behaviour.

Observation:
The compass needle will deflect towards the South pole of the bar magnet. This occurs because opposite magnetic poles attract each other.
Conclusion:

• When the North pole of the bar magnet is brought close to the North pole of the compass needle, the needle deflects away due to the repulsive force between like poles.
• When the South pole of the bar magnet is brought close to the compass needle, the needle deflects towards the bar magnet due to the attractive force between opposite poles.

Effect of Non-Magnetic Materials

Activity 4.7 (Page-70)

Testing Effect of Non-Magnetic Materials

Objective: Determine if non-magnetic materials affect the magnetic field.

Materials Needed:

• Magnetic compass
• Various non-magnetic materials (wood, cardboard, plastic, glass)

Procedure:
1. Place Material: Insert a non-magnetic material between the compass and a magnet.
2. Observe: Check if the deflection of the compass needle changes.

Table 4.2: Observing the Effect of Non-Magnetic Materials

Material Placed	Observations
Wood	No appreciable change in deflection
Cardboard	No appreciable change in deflection
Plastic	No appreciable change in deflection
Glass	No appreciable change in deflection

Conclusion:

• Magnetic Effect: Non-magnetic materials do not affect the deflection of the compass needle, showing that magnetic fields pass through these materials.

Fun with Magnets

Ideas for Fun Activities:

Magnetic Garland:

• Objective: Create decorative garlands using magnets.
• Materials: Small magnets, magnetic decorative items.
• Procedure: Attach magnets to decorative items and arrange them on a string.

Magnetic Maze:

• Objective: Move steel balls through a maze using a magnet from underneath.
• Materials: Cardboard tray, steel balls, magnet.
• Procedure: Use the magnet to guide the steel balls through the maze without touching them.

Paperclip Picker:

• Objective: Retrieve paper ‘clips from water using a magnet.
• Materials: Magnet, a bowl of water, paper clips.
• Procedure: Use the magnet to pick up paper clips submerged in water without getting wet.

Keywords :

• Magnetic Materials: Substances attracted to magnets, such as iron, nickel and cobalt.
• Magnetic Poles: The two ends of a magnet where the magnetic force is strongest, North and South.
• Magnetic Compass: A device with a needle that aligns with Earth’s magnetic field to: show directions.
• Magnetic Attraction: The force that pulls magnetic materials towards a magnet, usually between opposite poles.
• Magnetic Repulsion: The force that pushes magnetic materials away from a magnet, usually between like poles.

Curiosity Class 6 Science Book Solutions