CBSE & NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Fun with Magnets

CBSE / NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Fun with Magnets

Class 6 Science: Learn and practice with Takshila Learning and score the best in exams. Here, you find Class 6 Science notes, worksheets, study material in easy language for learning and understanding. In this post, we shared some notes on Magnets from CBSE Class 6 Science.

What are Magnets?

Substances that own the property of attracting iron are known as magnets. Magnets have two ends call its poles. Two poles, named as, the north pole and the south pole. As to identify the poles, the north pole is generally painted in red color. The other end of the magnet will, therefore, be the south pole. In laboratories, magnets are painted completely red in color with a white dot to indicate the north pole.

Types of Magnets – Class 6 Science Fun with Magnets

Magnets are of two types: – natural and artificial magnets. A material which exists naturally and owns magnetic properties is called a natural magnet, for example, magnetite (lodestone). A substance which is made into a magnet by artificial means is known as an artificial magnet. Artificial magnets are formed by magnetizing various shapes of magnetic materials. An iron needle, a rectangular iron bar, a blade or an iron nail can be transformed into a magnet by rubbing a bar magnet over it. Hence, artificial magnets can be of various shapes, for example. Bar magnets, horseshoe magnets, dumb-bell shaped magnets, cylindrical magnets, etc. Artificial magnets are more powerful than natural magnets.

Magnets can also be made using electricity. An electromagnet is made by passing an electric current around an iron piece. Magnets which lose their magnetic property when the cause producing the magnetism is removed are called temporary magnets. Electromagnets and magnets made of soft iron are temporary magnets. Magnets which do not lose their magnetic property, even when the cause producing the magnetism is removed are called permanent magnets. Magnets made of steel are permanent magnets. The strongest magnets are made of an alloy containing aluminum, nickel, iron, and cobalt (ALNICO). Even small magnets of ALNICO are strong enough to lift hundreds of times their own weight.

Compass – Class 6 Science Fun with Magnets

A compass is an instrument which is used to find the directions. It has a thin magnetic needle supported from a pivot so that it can rotate freely. The needle is placed over a dial with the directions marked. The entire assembly is placed inside an airtight box. The north pole of the magnetic needle is painted red. At Compass, the magnetic needle points in the north-south direction. By aligning the dial properly, the directions can be found. In the ancient days, an old pointing device called the south-pointing fish was used to know the directions, in which the head of the fish pointed towards the south.

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Properties of Magnets – Class 6 Science Fun with Magnets

A magnet attracts magnetic materials towards itself.
A freely suspended bar magnet always aligns in the north-south direction.
Unlike poles attract each other and like poles repel each other.
A magnet with a single-pole does not exist. When a magnet is divided into two pieces, then each piece will behave like an independent magnet, with a north pole and a south pole.
When a bar magnet is rubbed over an iron bar, it changes the iron bar into a magnet.

Reserve Magnets

If a magnet is left to itself over a long period of time it gets demagnetized, i.e. it loses its magnetic property. To avoid this, when not in use, magnets are stored between soft iron pieces called keepers. To protect magnets from demagnetization, bar magnets are arranged in pairs with their opposite poles facing each other and two soft iron pieces are placed at the two ends of the pair of magnets.

Precautions to Protect Magnets from Losing Their Magnetic Properties

Never drop magnets from heights.
Never heat a magnet.
Do not hammer a magnet.

Certain items such as CD’s, DVD’s, debit cards, credit cards or ATM cards, audio and video cassettes, and mobile phones contain magnetic material. Keep them away from magnets to prevent damage.

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Uses of Magnets – Class 6 Science Fun with Magnets

Magnets are used in making magnetic compasses which help sailors and navigators to know the directions.
Magnets are used in magnetic toys, stickers, refrigerator doors, etc.
Magnets are used for separating iron from ores containing other non-magnetic substances.
Electromagnets are used in generators, motors, loudspeakers, telephones, TV sets, fans, mixers, electric bells, etc.
Electromagnets are used in cranes to lift heavy iron bars and to separate iron objects from scrap.
Eye doctors use magnets to remove tiny iron pieces that have accidentally fallen into the patient’s eye.

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