CBSE Class 6 Science Important Questions Chapter 4 - Exploring Magnets

1. What are magnets, and how were they discovered?
Ans: Magnets are objects that attract materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt. Magnets were first discovered in ancient Greece, where a naturally magnetic rock called lodestone was found. Lodestone had the natural ability to attract iron. This discovery led to further studies, resulting in the creation of artificial magnets.

2. Explain the main properties of magnets.
Ans: Magnets have three main properties:

• Attraction and Repulsion: Magnets attract magnetic materials like iron, cobalt, and nickel. They can repel or attract other magnets based on their poles.

• Polarity: Each magnet has two poles - north and south. The north pole of one magnet attracts the south pole of another, while like poles repel each other.

• Magnetic Field: Magnets create an invisible field around them, called the magnetic field, which causes attraction or repulsion.

3. What is meant by magnetic and non-magnetic materials? Give examples.

Ans: Magnetic materials are those that are attracted to magnets, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt. Non-magnetic materials do not get attracted to magnets, such as wood, plastic, and glass. For example, a paper clip is magnetic, while a rubber band is non-magnetic.

4. What are the types of magnets? Explain each type briefly.
Ans: There are several types of magnets:

• Bar Magnet: A straight, rectangular magnet with north and south poles at each end.

• Horseshoe Magnet: A magnet bent into a U-shape, bringing the poles close to each other for a stronger magnetic field.

• Magnetic Needle: A small, thin magnet commonly used in compasses to show directions.

• Disk and Ring Magnets: Magnets shaped in circles or rings are often used in electric devices.

5. How do magnetic poles work? Explain with an example.
Ans: Magnetic poles follow a rule: opposite poles attract, and like poles repel. For example, if you bring the north pole of a magnet close to the south pole of another, they will attract each other. However, two north poles or two south poles will repel each other.

6. Describe an experiment to find the poles of a bar magnet.
Ans: To find the poles, hang a bar magnet freely by tying a string around its middle and letting it come to rest. The end pointing toward the north is the north pole, and the other end is the south pole. This works because the magnet aligns with Earth’s magnetic field.

7. What happens when you bring the north pole of one magnet near the south pole of another magnet?
Ans: When the north pole of one magnet is near the south pole of another, they attract each other. This attraction occurs because opposite poles pull toward each other, while similar poles push away or repel.

8. List some everyday uses of magnets.
Ans: Magnets are used in various daily items:

• Compass: The magnetic needle in a compass helps to find directions.

• Fridge Door: Magnets in the fridge door seal it tightly.

• Speakers: Magnets in speakers help produce sound by interacting with electric currents.

• Electric Motors: Motors use magnets to create movement.

• MRI Machines: Magnets in MRI machines help in medical imaging.

9. Explain the difference between a temporary magnet and a permanent magnet.

Ans: 

• Permanent Magnet: Keeps its magnetism for a long time, like a bar magnet or horseshoe magnet.

• Temporary Magnet: Acts like a magnet only when near a magnetic field. For example, an iron nail becomes magnetic when rubbed with a magnet but loses its magnetism once the magnet is removed.

10. What is a compass, and how does it work?
Ans: A compass is a tool that shows directions. It contains a magnetic needle that aligns itself with Earth’s magnetic field, pointing north-south. This alignment helps people navigate by showing the direction relative to the North Pole.

11. How can a simple iron nail be converted into a temporary magnet?
Ans: To make an iron nail a temporary magnet, rub one end of the nail with a magnet multiple times in the same direction. This process aligns the particles in the iron to act like a magnet temporarily. However, it will lose its magnetic properties after a while.

12. What happens when we break a bar magnet into two pieces? Will the two pieces behave as complete magnets?
Ans: If a bar magnet is broken into two pieces, each piece will still act as a magnet with its own north and south poles. Breaking a magnet does not eliminate its poles; it only creates smaller magnets, each with its north and south poles.

13. Why are certain metals magnetic while others are not?
Ans: Only certain metals, like iron, cobalt, and nickel, are magnetic because of their atomic structure, allowing their atoms to align with a magnetic field. Metals like copper or aluminium do not have this alignment capability and therefore are not magnetic.

14. Describe an activity to identify magnetic and non-magnetic materials around you.
Ans: To identify materials:

• Bring a magnet close to various household items like spoons, coins, paper, and erasers.

• Observe if the items get attracted to the magnet. If they are, they are magnetic (e.g., iron nails); if not, they are non-magnetic (e.g., plastic cups).

15. Why is understanding magnetism important for science and technology?
Ans: Understanding magnetism helps us in fields like navigation, electronics, and medical imaging. It forms the basis for many devices we use daily, from compasses and electric motors to MRI machines, showcasing the practical applications of magnetic principles.

Exploring Magnets – Class 6 Science Chapter 4: Extra Questions and Answers

1. What are magnetic materials?
Magnetic materials are substances that are attracted to magnets. Common examples include iron, cobalt, and nickel. These materials have the ability to become magnetised and show magnetic properties.

2. How can you identify the poles of an unmarked bar magnet using another magnet?
To determine the poles of an unmarked bar magnet, suspend it with a thread so that it can rotate freely. Then, bring one end of a known magnet near one end of the unmarked magnet. If the two ends attract, the unmarked magnet's end is opposite in polarity to the known magnet. If they repel, the poles of the two magnets are the same.

3. How does a magnetic compass help in finding directions?
A magnetic compass contains a small magnet (needle) that is suspended so it can rotate. The needle aligns with Earth's magnetic field, pointing towards the magnetic poles of the Earth, thus helping to determine directions.

4. What happens when like poles of two magnets are brought together?
When like poles of two magnets (north-north or south-south) are brought close, they repel each other. This happens because similar poles push away from each other due to the forces they generate.

5. How can you convert an iron strip into a magnet?
To turn an iron strip into a magnet, place the strip on a flat surface and rub one end of a bar magnet along the strip in one direction. Repeat this process 30-40 times, always moving the magnet in the same direction. After enough strokes, the iron strip will become magnetized.

6. Why do iron filings align themselves in patterns around a magnet?
Iron filings align with the magnetic field around a magnet because they are small and magnetic. When scattered near a magnet, they form patterns that show the shape and direction of the magnetic field, with lines extending from the north pole and curving around to the south pole.

7. Can magnets lose their magnetic properties? If so, how?
Yes, magnets can lose their magnetic properties under certain conditions, such as:

• When they are exposed to high temperatures

• If they are hammered or dropped from great heights, which causes physical shock

• If they are not stored correctly, like not keeping them with opposite poles facing each other.

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