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Magnets

Magnets are special objects that can attract magnetic materials and can attract or repel other magnets without touching them.

Learn it step by step

Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Materials

A magnet can only attract objects made of magnetic materials such as iron, steel, nickel, and cobalt. Non-magnetic materials like plastic, wood, copper, and aluminium will not be attracted by a magnet.

Material TypeExamplesAttracted by Magnet?
MagneticIron nail, steel paperclipYes
Non-magneticPlastic ruler, wooden block, aluminium foilNo
Comparison of magnetic and non-magnetic materials

Magnets Have Two Poles

Every magnet has two poles: a North pole (N) and a South pole (S). The magnetic force is the strongest at both poles, so most paperclips will stick there.

Like Poles Repel, Unlike Poles Attract

When two magnets are brought close, two like poles (N-N or S-S) push each other away, which is called repulsion. Two unlike poles (N-S or S-N) pull towards each other, which is called attraction.

Magnetic Force Acts at a Distance and Through Materials

A magnet can pull a steel object even before touching it. Its magnetic force can also pass through non-magnetic materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, and water.

Making Magnets

A magnetic material like a steel needle can be turned into a temporary magnet using the stroke method (stroking in one direction with one pole) or the electrical method (coiling wire around it connected to a battery).

Look and learn

Sarah brings the North pole of a bar magnet near an unknown metal bar X. Metal bar X moves away from the magnet. What is metal bar X?
  1. Recall that only two magnets can repel each other.
  2. A magnetic material that is not a magnet can only be attracted, never repelled.
  3. Since metal bar X moved away (repelled), metal bar X must be a magnet, and the side facing Sarah's magnet is also a North pole.
A student places a steel paperclip on top of a thin wooden table. He moves a strong magnet under the table, and the paperclip moves along with it. Explain why this happens.
  1. Identify the materials involved: wood is non-magnetic and steel is magnetic.
  2. State that magnetic force can pass through non-magnetic materials like wood.
  3. The strong magnet under the table attracts the steel paperclip on top, pulling it along as the magnet moves.
John wants to make a steel nail into a magnet using the stroke method. Describe two important steps he must follow.
  1. Step 1: John must stroke the entire length of the steel nail using only one pole of the bar magnet.
  2. Step 2: John must stroke in one direction only, repeating the motion at least 20 to 30 times.
Why is a freely suspended bar magnet always resting in the North-South direction?
  1. The Earth acts like a giant magnet with its own magnetic poles.
  2. The North-seeking pole of the suspended magnet aligns itself to point towards the Earth's North, while the South pole points towards the Earth's South.

Mind map

Mind map for Magnets.

  • Materials
    • Magnetic: iron, steel, nickel, cobalt
    • Non-magnetic: wood, plastic, copper, aluminium
  • Magnetic Poles
    • North pole and South pole
    • Magnetic strength is strongest at poles
  • Interactions
    • Like poles repel (N-N, S-S)
    • Unlike poles attract (N-S, S-N)
    • Repulsion is the only sure test for a magnet
  • Properties of Magnetic Force
    • Acts from a distance
    • Passes through non-magnetic materials
  • Making & Using Magnets
    • Stroke method and electrical method
    • Everyday uses: compass, fridge door seal, magnetic clasp
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