All questions of Exploring Magnets for Class 6 Exam

Opposite poles (North-South) of two magnets attract each other, while like poles repel each other.

Iron is a magnetic material and is attracted to magnets, while wood, plastic, and glass are non-magnetic materials.

The answer is B because when we broke the magnet into to pieces then it automatically the both the side convert into North and South

Lodestone is a naturally occurring magnet, whereas bar magnets, electromagnets, and ceramic magnets are man-made.

Understanding the Behavior of a Freely Suspended Magnet
A freely suspended magnet exhibits a fundamental property that is essential to understanding magnetism. The correct answer to the question is that it aligns itself along the north-south direction. Here’s a detailed explanation of why this occurs.
Why Does a Freely Suspended Magnet Align North-South?
- Earth's Magnetic Field: The Earth behaves like a giant magnet with a magnetic field that extends from the magnetic south pole to the magnetic north pole.
- Magnetic Poles: A freely suspended magnet has two poles: a north pole and a south pole. The north pole of the magnet is attracted to the Earth's magnetic north pole, which is actually a magnetic south pole.
- Equilibrium Position: When the magnet is freely suspended, gravity allows it to rotate and find a position of stability. The magnetic forces exerted by the Earth guide it to align along the magnetic field lines.
Other Options Explained
- Option A (It rotates continuously): This is not true. The magnet will stop rotating once it aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field.
- Option C (It loses its magnetic properties): A freely suspended magnet does not lose its properties simply by being suspended; it retains its magnetism unless exposed to extreme conditions.
- Option D (It points towards the East): This is incorrect as well. The magnet specifically aligns itself along the north-south axis, not towards the east.
Conclusion
In summary, the primary property of a freely suspended magnet is its ability to align itself along the north-south direction due to the influence of the Earth's magnetic field. This alignment is a fundamental characteristic of magnetic behavior and demonstrates the interaction between magnets and the Earth's magnetic properties.

Understanding Magnetism
Magnetism is a physical phenomenon that occurs due to the motion of electric charges, typically seen in materials like metals. Certain materials are classified as magnetic, meaning they can be attracted to magnets or can become magnets themselves.
Magnetic Materials
- Nickel: A magnetic metal that can be attracted to magnets and can also be magnetized.
- Cobalt: Another magnetic metal known for its strong magnetic properties.
- Iron: One of the most well-known magnetic materials, widely used in a variety of applications due to its ferromagnetic properties.
Non-Magnetic Material
- Plastic: Unlike the metals mentioned, plastic is a non-magnetic material. It does not contain free-moving electric charges, which are essential for magnetism. Therefore, it cannot be attracted to magnets or exhibit magnetic properties.
Conclusion
In summary, among the options provided, plastic is the only non-magnetic material. The other options—nickel, cobalt, and iron—are all magnetic and can interact with magnetic fields. Understanding these properties is essential in science and helps in distinguishing between various types of materials based on their magnetic behavior.

Magnets are used in various applications in daily life, including compasses, refrigerator magnets, and magnetic closures.

A compass uses a magnetized needle that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field to show directions.

The main function of a magnetic compass is to indicate direction by aligning its needle with the Earth's magnetic field.

Understanding Magnet Navigation
When it comes to navigation, magnets play a crucial role by pointing to the Earth's magnetic North Pole. Let's explore how this works.

How Magnets Work in Navigation
- **Earth's Magnetic Field**: The Earth acts like a giant magnet with a magnetic field that extends from the North Pole to the South Pole. This field influences magnetic materials, including compasses.
- **Compass Functionality**: A compass contains a small, lightweight magnet that is free to rotate. When the compass is held level, the magnet aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field.
- **Pointing to Magnetic North**: The north end of the compass needle, which is magnetized, points towards the Earth's magnetic North Pole. This allows users to determine their direction relative to the north.

Importance of Magnetic North in Navigation
- **Orientation**: By knowing which way is north, travelers can orient themselves and navigate effectively. This is especially useful in unfamiliar territories.
- **Map Reading**: Navigators can use a map in conjunction with a compass to find their exact position and chart a course. Aligning the map with the compass ensures accurate navigation.

Conclusion
In summary, magnets are essential for navigation as they point to the Earth's magnetic North Pole. This ability to determine direction helps travelers, explorers, and adventurers find their way in various environments, making option 'B' the correct answer.