What is a magnet?
A magnet is an object, usually made of iron or steel, that can attract materials like iron and steel.
What are materials that magnets can attract called? Give a few examples.
Magnetic materials.
Examples: Iron and steel.
What are materials that magnets do not attract called? Give a few examples.
Non-magnetic materials.
Examples: Plastic, rubber, wood, glass, ceramic, copper, aluminium, fabric.
What are the two poles of a magnet called?
The North pole and the South pole.
Which parts of a magnet have the strongest pull?
The two poles (North and South).
What happens when unlike poles of two magnets face each other?
They attract each other.
What happens when like poles of two magnets face each other?
They repel each other.
How can you tell if an object is a magnet?
You can tell it is a magnet if it repels another magnet.
What is a freely suspended magnet?
A magnet that can move freely and always points in the North–South direction.
Why does a freely suspended magnet always point North–South?
Because Earth acts like a big magnet with its own North and South poles, so a freely suspended magnet always points North-South.
What tool uses magnets to find direction?
A compass.
What are the two ways to make a magnet?
1) Stroke method
2) Electrical method
How do you make a magnet using the stroke method?
1) Stroke an iron nail with one pole of a magnet in the same direction several times.
2) More strokes make a stronger magnet.
What do we call a magnet made using the electrical method?
An electromagnet.
How do you make an electromagnet?
1) Coil wire around an iron nail.
2) Connect the ends of the wire to a battery.
How can we make an electromagnet stronger?
1) Increase the number of wire turns.
2) Use more batteries.
Why must we not connect an electromagnet to the battery for too long?
Because it can become hot and cause burns.
What is a fair test in science?
A fair test is a test where only one variable is changed and all others are kept the same.
What are some uses of magnets in daily life?
Refrigerator doors
Magnetic whiteboards
Doorstops
What is a Maglev train?
A train that floats above the track because magnets on the train and the track repel each other.
What are two properties of magnets?
1) They attract magnetic materials.
2) They have poles that attract and repel.
