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All questions of Fun with Magnets for Class 6 Exam

When a magnet is suspended freely it always aligns itself in -------- direction?
  • a)
    North
  • b)
    N-S
  • c)
    N-W
  • d)
    N-E
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Freely Suspended Magnet always points in the North-South direction even in the absence of any other magnet. This suggests that the Earth itself behaves as a magnet which causes a freely suspended magnet (or magnetic needle) to point always in a particular direction.

Lodestone is a
  • a)
    Soft stone having shining surface
  • b)
    Stone having magnetic property
  • c)
    Stone having iron
  • d)
    Stone having dark black colour
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

A Lodestone is a naturally occurring piece of magnetic iron oxide. It is often bound in a brass frame, and is oriented to place the magnetic poles at the ends. 
 The word magnet comes from the region called Magnesia in Asia Minor. The word lodestone comes from the use of pieces of ore from Norway and Sweden which were suspended and used as guiding or leading stone; the Saxon word L�den means "to lead".
This example is from the apparatus collection at Colby College.

Magnetism of a magnet is lost by doing which of the following acts
  • a)
    Keeping in a box
  • b)
    Heating
  • c)
    Hammering
  • d)
    Both b and c
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Nilanjan Unni answered
The correct option is D.
 Most permanent magnets can hold up to being dropped a few times, but it will lose strength from repeated strikes with a hammer.A magnet subjected to heat experiences a reduction in its magnetic field as the particles within the magnet are moving at an increasingly faster and more sporadic rate. This jumbling confuses and misaligns the magnetic domains, causing the magnetism to decrease.

---------- is the only natural magnet.
  • a)
    Magnetite
  • b)
    Ebonite
  • c)
    Cobalt
  • d)
    Nickel
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Raj Mukherjee answered
Magnetic form of Magnetite is the only mineral that is a natural magnet. Due to the magnetism of Lodestone, small iron particles are often found clinging to its surfaces.

Which of the following cannot be used to make a magnet?
  • a)
    Cobalt
  • b)
    Iron
  • c)
    Ebonite
  • d)
    Steel
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Sarojini Singh answered
Iron, cobalt and steel are ferromagnetic materials which can be used to make magnet but ebonite cannot be used to make magnets.

Like poles of magnets -------- each other.
  • a)
    Attract
  • b)
    Repel
  • c)
    Both a and b
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Manoj Iyer answered
Like poles of two magnets repel each other, The force between them is non contact force and magnetic force.

The nerves in our body transmits messages as __________
  • a)
    Electrical impulses
  • b)
    Radio waves
  • c)
    Electromagnetic waves
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

The nerves in our body transmits messages as electrical impulses to the brain to transmit signals to different parts of the body.

And an electical impulse is nothing but the electrical impulse moving down an axon is called a nerve impulse. 

Nerve impulses are an important part of how the nervous system communicates. 

The activation of neurons triggers nerve impulses, which carry instructions from neuron to neuron and back and forth from the brain to the rest of the body.

The North end of the freely suspended magnet points towards _____?
  • a)
    Geographical North
  • b)
    Geographical South
  • c)
    Geographical East
  • d)
    Geographical West
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aashna Chopra answered
The earth behaves as a magnetic dipole . Therefore a freely suspended magnet always points towards in the north-south direction because the north pole of the suspended magnet attracts the south pole of the earth's magnet which is the geographical north pole of the earth.

______________ type of magnet is used in cranes to lift heavy containers from ships.
  • a)
    Bar magnet
  • b)
    Cylindrical magnet
  • c)
    Electromagnet
  • d)
    Horseshoe magnet
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

An electromagnet is a type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current. The magnetic field disappears when the current is turned off. Electromagnets usually consist of wire wound into a coil.

______  is a device used by pilots and navigators used to find the direction.
  • a)
    Barometer
  • b)
    Thermometer
  • c)
    Magnetic compass
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Anita Menon answered
A magnetic compass is an instrument used for navigation and orientation that shows direction relative to the geographic cardinal directions (or points). Usually, a diagram called a compass rose shows the directions north, south, east, and west on the compass face as abbreviated initials.

Which of the following gets demagnetised when a powerful magnet is kept near it
  • a)
    Plastic ruler
  • b)
    Compact disc
  • c)
    Glass tumbler
  • d)
    Wood
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vibhor Goyal answered
The magnetic property of a compact disk may be damaged when a powerful magnet is kept near it. Plastic glass and wood are non-magnetic materials hence cannot be magnetised or demagnetised.

Which of the following gets attracted to a magnet?
  • a)
    Copy book
  • b)
    Silver spoon
  • c)
    Comb
  • d)
    Common pins
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Geetika Shah answered
A magnet attracts the steel pin. When the pin touches the magnet it can't attract it any closer and it sticks to the magnet. However, a magnet will attract a pin from a distance.

How many combined north and south poles are present in a magnet if it is broken into 6 pieces without loss of magnetism?
  • a)
    Six
  • b)
    Twelve
  • c)
    Two
  • d)
    Zero
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rishika Tiwari answered
When a magnet is broken into pieces every piece will have 1 pair of north and south pole.
So if its broken into 6 pieces then each piece will be having one north pole and one south pole. So 6 north poles and 6 south poles, combined will be 12.

How can you identify the north pole of a magnet if it is not marked?
  • a)
    By using a compass to see which end aligns with the north.
  • b)
    By the color of the magnet.
  • c)
    By its shape.
  • d)
    By its weight.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Dr Manju Sen answered
To identify the north pole of an unmarked magnet, you can use a compass. The end of the magnet that aligns with the north direction indicated by the compass is the north pole. This method is based on the fact that the north pole of a magnet is attracted to the Earth's magnetic North.

Artificial magnets are made in different shapes such as __________, __________, and ____________.
  • a)
    rectangular, cylindrical, spherical
  • b)
    cubic, prismatic, triangular
  • c)
    circular, flat, conical
  • d)
    cylindrical, bar, horseshoe
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Artificial magnets are commonly made in shapes like cylindrical, bar, and horseshoe. These shapes are practical for various applications and help in focusing the magnetic field in different ways. For instance, bar magnets are often used in classrooms for demonstrations, while horseshoe magnets are useful in applications requiring a stronger and concentrated magnetic field.

Which of the following is non-magnetic?
  • a)
    Cobalt
  • b)
    Iron
  • c)
    Nickel
  • d)
    Copper
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rounak Chawla answered
Understanding Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Materials
Magnetic materials are those that are attracted to magnets and can be magnetized themselves. Non-magnetic materials do not exhibit these properties. Let's explore the given options.
Magnetic Materials
- Cobalt: A ferromagnetic metal, cobalt is attracted to magnets and can be magnetized.
- Iron: One of the most well-known magnetic materials, iron is highly attracted to magnets and is often used in magnetic applications.
- Nickel: Similar to cobalt and iron, nickel is also ferromagnetic and can be magnetized.
Non-Magnetic Material
- Copper: Unlike the above metals, copper is classified as a non-magnetic material. It does not get attracted to magnets and cannot be magnetized.
Why is Copper Non-Magnetic?
- Atomic Structure: The atomic structure of copper does not allow for the alignment of magnetic domains that is necessary for magnetism.
- Conductivity: Copper is known for its excellent electrical conductivity, which is a property that does not relate to magnetism.
Conclusion
In summary, while cobalt, iron, and nickel are all magnetic metals that can interact with magnets, copper stands out as a non-magnetic material. This distinction makes copper valuable in applications where magnetism may interfere, such as in electrical wiring and electronics.

Materials which are attracted towards a magnet are known by which name?
  • a)
    Magnetism
  • b)
    Non-magnetic
  • c)
    Manganese
  • d)
    Magnetic
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sagnik Saha answered
Materials attracted to a magnet are known as magnetic materials.

Explanation:

Magnetic materials are substances that can be attracted to a magnet. These materials have properties that allow them to interact with magnetic fields. When brought near a magnet, magnetic materials will either be drawn towards it or exhibit some form of magnetic behavior.

Examples of magnetic materials:
- Iron
- Nickel
- Cobalt
- Steel

These materials are made up of tiny magnetic domains, which are regions where the atoms or molecules are aligned in a specific way. In the absence of an external magnetic field, these domains may be randomly oriented, resulting in a net magnetization of zero. However, when a magnetic field is applied, the domains align, causing the material to become magnetized.

Properties of magnetic materials:
- Attraction to magnets: Magnetic materials are attracted to magnets and can be easily pulled towards them.
- Repulsion: Similar poles of magnets and magnetic materials repel each other.
- Magnetization: Magnetic materials can be magnetized, meaning they can develop a magnetic field of their own when exposed to a magnetic field.
- Retention of magnetism: Some magnetic materials can retain their magnetism even after the external magnetic field is removed. These are known as permanent magnets.

Applications of magnetic materials:
- Electric generators and motors: Magnetic materials are used extensively in the construction of electric generators and motors.
- Magnetic storage devices: Magnetic materials are used in hard drives and magnetic tapes to store and retrieve information.
- Magnetic separators: Magnetic materials are used to separate magnetic substances from non-magnetic substances in industries such as mining and recycling.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic materials are crucial in MRI machines, which use magnetic fields to generate detailed images of the human body.

In conclusion, materials that are attracted to a magnet are called magnetic materials. They possess unique properties that allow them to interact with magnetic fields and find numerous applications in various fields.

What happens if you heat a magnet?
  • a)
    It becomes stronger.
  • b)
    It becomes weaker.
  • c)
    It changes color.
  • d)
    It gains electrical properties.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sankar Saha answered
Understanding the Effect of Heat on Magnets
When a magnet is exposed to heat, it undergoes significant changes that affect its magnetic properties. The correct answer to the question is that it becomes weaker. Here's a detailed explanation:
How Heat Affects Magnetism
- Disruption of Magnetic Domains:
Magnets are composed of tiny regions called magnetic domains, which are aligned in a specific direction. When heated, these domains can become misaligned due to increased thermal energy.
- Loss of Alignment:
As the temperature rises, the kinetic energy of the atoms increases, causing the domains to lose their fixed alignment. This misalignment leads to a decrease in the overall magnetic strength of the magnet.
Temperature Threshold
- Curie Point:
Every magnetic material has a specific temperature known as the Curie point. Once this temperature is reached, the material loses its permanent magnetism entirely and can become a non-magnetic substance.
Practical Implications
- Applications in Everyday Life:
This principle is crucial in various applications, such as in electric motors, where excessive heat can cause magnets to weaken, leading to reduced efficiency.
- Safety Considerations:
Understanding the effects of heat can help in handling magnets safely, avoiding situations that might lead to their weakening.
In conclusion, heating a magnet results in a decrease in its strength due to the disruption of its internal structure.

Electric bell is an example of _____________magnet.
  • a)
    Bar magnet
  • b)
    Cylindrical magnet
  • c)
    Electromagnet
  • d)
    Horseshoe magnet
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

An electric bell contains an electromagnet, consisting of coils of insulated wire wound round iron rods. When an electric current flows through the coils, the rods become magnetic and attract a piece of iron attached to a clapper. The clapper hits the bell and makes it ring.

It has a needle, which is itself a magnet.What is it 
  • a)
    Magnet
  • b)
    Clock
  • c)
    Compass
  • d)
    All of these
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Dr Manju Sen answered
A compass has a needle that is magnetized and points towards the Earth's magnetic poles. The needle in a compass is indeed a magnet, which aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, helping users determine directions.
Thus, the correct answer is C: Compass.

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.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Sounak Ghoshal answered
Understanding the Behavior of a Magnet with Iron Filings
When a bar magnet is immersed in iron filings and pulled out, the distribution of the filings can reveal important properties of magnetism.
Magnetic Poles
- A bar magnet has two distinct poles: the North pole and the South pole.
- Each pole has a magnetic field that attracts iron filings.
Attraction of Iron Filings
- North Pole Attraction: The North pole attracts iron filings due to its magnetic field, causing a significant amount of filings to cling to it.
- South Pole Attraction: Similarly, the South pole attracts iron filings, but the amount can vary based on the strength of the magnet and its orientation.
Equal Clinging of Iron Filings
- Observations show that the amount of filings clinging to the North pole is almost equal to that clinging to the South pole.
- This is because both poles have similar strengths, allowing them to attract comparable amounts of filings.
Why Option A is Correct
- The equal clinging of iron filings to both poles indicates that the magnet's effect is balanced.
- While there might be slight variations, the general principle is that both poles attract iron filings effectively.
Conclusion
- When analyzing the clinging iron filings, it becomes clear that the North and South poles of a magnet have a nearly equal capacity to attract iron filings, leading to the correct answer being option A.

State whether the following statement is True or False
Magnets can attract pieces of iron.
  • a)
    True
  • b)
    False
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

  • When you have a magnet, and you bring it close to some pieces of iron, like iron nails or paper clips, the pieces of iron will stick to the magnet. This is because magnets have special powers to attract iron objects.
  • So, the statement that says "Magnets can attract pieces of iron" is True.

------------ is the surest test of magnetism.
  • a)
    Attraction
  • b)
    Rotation
  • c)
    Repulsion
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Ishaan Chawla answered


Repulsion

Repulsion is the surest test of magnetism because it is a unique property of magnets. When two magnets are brought close to each other, they can either attract or repel each other.

Explanation

- When two magnets repel each other, it indicates that they have like poles facing each other. This is a characteristic property of magnets and helps in identifying the presence of magnetism.
- Repulsion is a more reliable test compared to attraction because some materials that are not magnetized can still be attracted to magnets due to their magnetic properties.
- By observing repulsion between two magnets, we can confirm the presence of magnetism in the materials.

Significance

- Repulsion is a fundamental property of magnets and plays a crucial role in various applications of magnetism such as in magnetic levitation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electric motors.
- Understanding repulsion helps in distinguishing between magnetic and non-magnetic materials, which is essential in various scientific and technological fields.

In conclusion, repulsion is the surest test of magnetism as it is a unique property of magnets that helps in identifying the presence of magnetism in materials.

What is a common characteristic of materials that are attracted to magnets?
  • a)
    They are usually non-metallic.
  • b)
    They contain iron, nickel, or cobalt.
  • c)
    They are made of plastic or rubber.
  • d)
    They are always colored red.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Dr Manju Sen answered
Materials that are attracted to magnets typically contain iron, nickel, or cobalt. These materials are magnetic, meaning they can be attracted by a magnet due to their magnetic properties. This characteristic is used to identify magnetic and non-magnetic materials in various contexts.

What happens to iron filings when a bar magnet is moved across them?
  • a)
    They spread evenly across the magnet.
  • b)
    They stick more at the ends of the magnet.
  • c)
    They form a uniform layer around the magnet.
  • d)
    They disappear completely.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev Class 6 answered
Iron filings tend to stick more at the ends of a bar magnet when the magnet is moved across them. This is because the magnetic field is strongest at the poles of the magnet, which attracts more filings to these areas. An interesting fact is that this property helps in visualizing the magnetic field lines around a magnet.

Reeta puts two different objects in each of the following containers.
Container (i): Copper coin and iron nail
Container (ii): Iron and wood
Container (iii): Marble and cloth
Container (iv): Nickel coin and paper bits
She can use a magnet to separate the objects in containers
  • a)
    (i), (ii) and (iv)
  • b)
    (i), (ii) and (iii)
  • c)
    (i) and (ii)
  • d)
    (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv).
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Sounak Ghoshal answered
Understanding the Use of a Magnet for Separation
To determine which containers can have their objects separated using a magnet, we need to identify which objects are magnetic.
Magnetic Objects
- Copper Coin: Non-magnetic
- Iron Nail: Magnetic
- Iron: Magnetic
- Wood: Non-magnetic
- Marble: Non-magnetic
- Cloth: Non-magnetic
- Nickel Coin: Magnetic (Nickel is a metal that can be attracted to magnets)
- Paper Bits: Non-magnetic
Analysis of Each Container
- Container (i): Contains a copper coin (non-magnetic) and an iron nail (magnetic).
- *Separation Possible*: Yes, the iron nail can be attracted by a magnet.
- Container (ii): Contains iron (magnetic) and wood (non-magnetic).
- *Separation Possible*: Yes, the iron can be attracted by a magnet.
- Container (iii): Contains marble (non-magnetic) and cloth (non-magnetic).
- *Separation Possible*: No, since neither object is magnetic.
- Container (iv): Contains a nickel coin (magnetic) and paper bits (non-magnetic).
- *Separation Possible*: Yes, the nickel coin can be attracted by a magnet.
Conclusion
Based on this analysis, Reeta can use a magnet to separate the objects in:
- Container (i): Iron nail
- Container (ii): Iron
- Container (iv): Nickel coin
Thus, the correct option is (a) (i), (ii), and (iv), as these containers contain at least one magnetic object that can be separated using a magnet.

We can use a magnet to separate
  • a)
    Iron filings from sand
  • b)
    Pieces of copper wire from glass beads
  • c)
    copper staples from sand
  • d)
    Rubber bands from pieces of aluminium foil
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Praveen Kumar answered
A magnet can be used to separate iron filings from sand because iron is magnetic, while sand is not. The magnet will attract the iron filings and leave the non-magnetic sand behind.
Thus, the correct answer is A: Iron filings from sand.
Other options are incorrect because magnet does not attract copper or aluminium foil

What is the North Seeking Pole of a magnet?
  • a)
    South pole
  • b)
    North pole
  • c)
    West pole
  • d)
    East pole
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev Class 6 answered
Answer: B) North pole
The North Seeking Pole of a magnet is the pole that is attracted to the Earth's magnetic south pole, pointing towards the magnetic north.

A matchbox containing an unknown object is placed on a thin sheet of glass in the experimental set-up shown in the figure.
When the bar magnet moves, it is able to drag the match box along. What is most likely to be found in the matchbox?
  • a)
    Marble
  • b)
    Toothpick
  • c)
    Ten-cent coin
  • d)
    Steel ball bearing
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Dr Manju Sen answered
  • Marble (a) – Marbles are typically made of glass or ceramic, which are not magnetic.
  • Toothpick (b) – Toothpicks are made of wood, which is also non-magnetic.
  • Ten-cent coin (c) – Most ten-cent coins are made from non-magnetic metals such as copper, nickel, or aluminum, which are not strongly attracted to magnets.
  • Steel ball bearing (d) – Steel contains iron, which is strongly attracted to magnets.
Since the matchbox moves when the magnet is brought near, the most likely object inside is the steel ball bearing (d).

Magnets have a shape
  • a)
    cylindrical
  • b)
    ball ended
  • c)
    horse shoe
  • d)
    all of these
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Praveen Kumar answered
Magnets come in various shapes, including cylindrical, ball-ended, and horseshoe shapes. Each shape has different applications depending on the use, but all of these are valid forms of magnets.
Thus, the correct answer is D: All of these.

Arun suspended a bar magnet on a string as shown in the diagram below. He brought 3 bar-shaped objects P, Q and R towards the bar magnet. He placed the ends (X and Y) of each object, near the north pole of the bar magnet and recorded his observations in the table below.

Which of the object(s) is/are the magnet?
  • a)
    P only
  • b)
    Q only
  • c)
    P and Q only
  • d)
    P and R only
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Snehal Kaur answered
We know that every magnet has two poles, one north pole and one south pole. The force of attraction or repulsion in a magnet is strongest at the poles. Like poles always repel each other while unlike poles always attracts each other. Thus, we can say that P and Q are the magnets here. R is not a magnet, as when its both ends are brought near to magnet, its North pole remains stationary. For the magnet P, X is the north pole and Y is the south pole whereas for magnet Q, X is south pole and Y is north pole.

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