Basics & Definitions
Q1. What is a magnet?
A magnet is an object that attracts magnetic materials like iron.
Q2. Name the two poles of a magnet.
A North pole and a South pole.
Q3. What happens when like poles are brought together?
They repel each other.
Q4. What happens when unlike poles are brought together?
They attract each other.
Q5. Give two examples of magnets.
Bar magnet and horseshoe magnet.
Magnetic Materials
Q6. Name three magnetic materials.
Iron, nickel, and cobalt.
Q7. Is wood magnetic?
No, wood is non-magnetic.
Q8. Are all metals magnetic?
No, only some metals (like iron) are magnetic.
Q9. Is steel magnetic?
Yes, steel (an alloy of iron) is usually magnetic.
Q10. Is a coin always magnetic?
Not always; it depends on the metal used in the coin.
Magnetic Field & Field Lines
Q11. What is a magnetic field?
The region around a magnet where its force can be felt.
Q12. How do magnetic field lines run outside a magnet?
From the North pole to the South pole.
Q13. Do magnetic field lines cross each other?
No, field lines never cross.
Q14. What does the closeness of field lines indicate?
Closer lines mean a stronger magnetic field.
Q15. Name one method to show magnetic field lines.
Sprinkle iron filings on paper placed over a magnet.
Poles: Behaviour & Tests
Q16. Which pole of a compass needle points north?
The North-seeking pole (often called the north pole of the needle) points towards the geographic north.
Q17. Can a single pole of a magnet be isolated?
No, single poles (monopoles) are not found in ordinary magnets; cutting a magnet gives two magnets each with two poles.
Q18. If a magnet is broken into two pieces, how many poles will each piece have?
Each piece will have a North and a South pole.
Q19. What is meant by 'north-seeking' pole?
It is the pole of a magnet that points towards Earth's geographic north when free to rotate.
Q20. What will happen if you place two north poles near each other?
They will repel and move apart.
Temporary & Permanent Magnets
Q21. What is a permanent magnet?
A magnet that retains its magnetism for a long time.
Q22. What is a temporary magnet?
A material that acts like a magnet only while near a magnetic field and loses magnetism when removed.
Q23. Give an example of a temporary magnet.
A paper clip becomes temporary magnetized when touched by a bar magnet.
Q24. Give an example of a permanent magnet.
A fridge magnet or a magnetized sewing needle.
Q25. How can a magnet be demagnetized?
By heating, hammering, or placing in a reverse magnetic field.
Experiments & Observations
Q26. What do iron filings show when sprinkled over a magnet?
They align along magnetic field lines forming visible patterns.
Q27. What safety precaution should you take with iron filings?
Avoid inhaling them and keep them away from eyes and electronics.
Q28. In the attraction test, which items commonly stick to a magnet?
Paper clips, nails, pins and some coins with iron content.
Q29. What is observed when a non-magnetic object is brought near a magnet?
No attraction is observed; the object does not stick to the magnet.
Q30. Why is a tray recommended when doing filings experiment?
To contain the filings and make cleanup easier and safer.
Applications of Magnets
Q31. Name two devices that use magnets.
Electric motors and speakers.
Q32. How is a compass related to magnets?
A compass uses a small magnetized needle that aligns with Earth's magnetic field to show direction.
Q33. Give one use of magnets in daily life.
Holding notes on a refrigerator with a fridge magnet.
Q34. How do magnets help in recycling?
Magnetic separators remove iron/steel from waste for recycling.
Q35. Why are magnets used in electric motors?
Because magnetic forces interact with electric currents to produce motion.
Miscellaneous Quick Facts
Q36. Can magnets affect electronic devices?
Yes, strong magnets can damage some electronics and magnetic storage.
Q37. Should small magnets be swallowed?
No — swallowed magnets are dangerous and need immediate medical attention.
Q38. What is a keeper in magnet storage?
A soft iron bar placed across poles to preserve magnetism.
Q39. Do magnets work in space?
Yes, magnetic forces work anywhere; Earth's field exists in space too.
Q40. Are magnets used in medical devices?
Yes, for example, in MRI machines (these use strong magnets for imaging).
Quick Revision Checks
Q41. Name a material that is not attracted by a magnet.
Plastic.
Q42. What indicates the direction of the magnetic field on a line diagram?
Arrows on the field lines pointing from North to South.
Q43. What simple classroom item can act as a compass?
A magnetized needle floating on cork in water or balanced on a pin.
Q44. Can a magnet attract another magnet through a sheet of paper?
Yes, because magnetic forces act through non-magnetic materials like paper.
Q45. What is meant by magnetic attraction?
A force that pulls magnetic materials toward a magnet.
Higher Thinking — Short Reminders
Q46. Why does a compass needle point approximately north-south?
Because it aligns with Earth's magnetic field lines which run roughly from geographic south to north.
Q47. How can you make a simple magnet at home?
Stroke a steel needle with a strong magnet in one direction several times to magnetize it.
Q48. What happens to a compass needle near a strong magnet?
It will point towards the nearby magnet rather than Earth's north.
Q49. Why do loudspeakers need magnets?
Magnets interact with current in coils to move the speaker cone and produce sound.
Q50. Suggest one safety rule while doing magnet experiments.
Keep magnets away from electronic devices and small children; handle iron filings carefully.