NCERT Summary: Exploring Magnets | Science for Class 6 PDF Download

Introduction 

• Magnets are objects that can attract materials like iron and have been used for navigation for centuries. They are found in many everyday items such as toys, pencil boxes, and school supplies.
• Magnets can be natural (lodestones) or artificial (man-made using iron or metals).

Magnetic and Non-magnetic Materials

• Magnetic Materials: These materials are attracted to magnets, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt.
• Non-magnetic Materials: These do not respond to magnets, including wood, plastic, rubber, and glass.

[Question: 1727556]

Clear all your Class 6 doubts with EduRev Join for Free

Join for Free

Poles of a Magnet

• Every magnet has two poles: the North Pole and the South Pole.
• Magnetic force is strongest at the poles.
• It is impossible to have a magnet with only one pole; if you break a magnet, each piece will still have both poles.

Finding Directions Using a Magnet

• Magnets can help in finding directions. A freely suspended magnet naturally aligns itself in the north-south direction because Earth acts as a giant magnet.

Freely Suspended Magnet:

• When suspended from a thread, the magnet aligns itself along the Earth's magnetic field, with one end pointing toward the North and the other towards the South.

Magnetic Compass

• Magnetic Compass: A device that uses a magnetized needle to always point in the north-south direction.
• Structure: The compass consists of a rotating needle inside a small box with direction markings.
• Usage: Place the compass in a location to determine directions. The needle aligns with the Earth's magnetic field, showing north and south.

Making a Simple Compass:

• Materials: Sewing needle, cork, water.
• Process: Magnetize the needle, place it through the cork, and float it in water. The needle will align itself in the north-south direction.

Ancient Indian Navigation Tool: Matsya-Yantra:

• Before modern compasses, ancient Indians used a device called the Matsya-Yantra for navigation at sea. It helped sailors find directions, similar to a magnetic compass.

Comparison Between a Freely Suspended Magnet and a Magnetic Compass

• Working: Both devices align with the Earth's magnetic field. The freely suspended magnet shows the basic property of magnetic alignment, while the compass is a portable, practical tool for navigation.
• Practical Use: The compass is more convenient for on-the-go navigation, while a freely suspended magnet is used primarily for learning or experiments.

Download the notes NCERT Summary: Exploring Magnets

Download as PDF

Download as PDF

Attraction and Repulsion Between Magnets

• Attraction: Opposite poles (North-South) of two magnets attract each other.
• Repulsion: Like poles (North-North or South-South) of two magnets repel each other.

[Question: 1727557]

Take a Practice Test Test yourself on topics from Class 6 exam

Practice Now

Practice Now

Fun with Magnets

• Magnets can be used in fun activities such as creating magnetic mazes or lifting objects like paper clips from water without direct contact.
  

Identifying the Poles of a Magnet:

• Magnets often have North (N) and South (S) poles marked, sometimes with a red dot or painted color.

How to Keep Magnets Safe:

• Proper Storage: Store magnets in pairs with opposite poles together, using a piece of wood for protection.
• Avoid Damage: Do not heat, drop, or hammer magnets as this can weaken them.
• Keep Away from Electronics: Magnets should be kept away from electronics to prevent interference.

Application of Magnets in Daily Life

• Magnetic Garlands
  
• Magnetic Mazes
  
• Steel Paper Clip from Water
  
• Magnetic Effects in Experiments