GSEB Class 6 Science Solutions Chapter 13 Fun with Magnets

Question 1. Fill in the blanks in the following:
(i) Artificial magnets are made in different shapes such as, __________ and __________.
(ii) The materials which are attracted towards a magnet are called __________.
(iii) Paper is not a __________ material.
(iv) In olden days, sailors used to find direction by suspending a piece of __________.
(v) A magnet always has __________ poles.
Answer:
(i) bar magnet, horse-shoe magnet and cylindrical magnet
(ii) magnetic materials
(iii) magnetic
(iv) bar magnet or lode stone
(v) two or a pair of
In simple words: Magnets come in different shapes, some things stick to them, and some do not. Old sailors used magnets to find their way, and all magnets have two ends called poles.

Exam Tip: Remember specific examples for artificial magnet shapes and understand the basic properties of magnetic versus non-magnetic materials.

Question 2. State whether the following statements are true or false:
(i) A cylindrical magnet has only one pole.
(ii) Artificial magnets were discovered in Greece.
(iii) Similar poles of a magnet repel each other.
(iv) Maximum iron filings stick in the middle of a bar magnet when it is brought near them.
(v) Bar magnets always point towards North-South direction.
(vi) A compass can be used to find East-West direction at any place.
(vii) Rubber is a magnetic material.
Answer:
(i) False
(ii) True
(iii) True
(iv) False
(v) True
(vi) True
(vii) False
In simple words: Magnets always have two poles, like poles push away, unlike poles pull together. A bar magnet's strength is at its ends, and it naturally aligns North-South. A compass shows the East-West direction because its needle points North-South. Rubber is not magnetic.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the properties of poles (attraction/repulsion) and the distribution of magnetic strength in a bar magnet. Review common magnetic and non-magnetic materials.

Question 3. It was observed that a pencil sharpener gets attracted by both the poles of a magnet although its body is made of plastic. Name a material that might have been used to make some part of it.
Answer: Iron is used to make some part of the sharpener, which causes it to be attracted towards the magnet.
In simple words: Even though the sharpener is mostly plastic, it sticks to a magnet because it has some iron inside.

Exam Tip: Always look for hidden magnetic materials, like iron or steel, in objects that seem non-magnetic on the surface but are attracted to magnets.

Question 4. Column I shows different positions in which one pole of a magnet is placed near that of the other.column II indicates the resulting action between them for each situation. Fill in the blanks.
Answer:

Exam Tip: Clearly remember the fundamental rule of magnetism: "Like poles repel, unlike poles attract." This is key to solving all problems involving magnetic interactions.

Question 5. Write any two properties of a magnet.
Answer: Two properties of magnets are:

• A magnet has two poles: a North pole and a South pole.
• Like poles repel each other and unlike poles attract each other.

Exam Tip: When asked for properties, always include the existence of poles and the interaction between like and unlike poles.

Question 6. Where are poles of a bar magnet located?
Answer: Poles are located at the ends of a bar magnet, just before the very ends. These are the North and South poles.
In simple words: The strongest parts of a bar magnet, called poles, are found very close to its ends.

Exam Tip: Remember that the poles are concentrated at the ends, not in the exact middle, which is where magnetic strength is weakest.

Question 7. A bar magnet has no markings to indicate its poles. How would you find out near which end is its north pole located?
Answer: You can find the north pole by suspending the bar magnet freely with a thread. The end that points towards the north pole will be considered the north end of the magnet. Then, take another bar magnet with known/marked poles. Bring the north pole of the known magnet closer to the suspended magnet's end that points towards north. If it shows repulsion, then its north pole is confirmed.
In simple words: To find a magnet's north pole, hang it up so it can spin. The end that points north is its North pole. You can check this by bringing a known North pole close; if they push away, it's confirmed.

Exam Tip: Always remember that a freely suspended magnet aligns itself in the North-South direction. Repulsion is the surest test for magnetic polarity.

Question 8. You are given an iron strip. How will you make it into a magnet?
Answer: To make a magnet, place an iron strip on a table. Take a bar magnet and position one of its poles near one edge of the iron strip. Without lifting the bar magnet, move it along the strip's entire length until you reach the other end. Now, lift the magnet and bring the pole back to the same starting point on the strip. Repeat this process about 30-40 times. Bring some iron filings near the strip and observe if the strip attracts them. This action indicates that the iron strip has become a magnet. Always remember that the pole of the magnet and the direction of its movement should not be changed.
In simple words: You can turn an iron strip into a magnet by stroking it repeatedly with one end of a bar magnet in the same direction, without lifting the bar magnet until you reach the end of the strip. Do this many times, and the iron strip will become magnetic.

Exam Tip: Consistency is crucial when magnetizing an iron strip – always use the same pole and stroke in the same direction. The number of strokes affects the strength of the temporary magnet.

Question 9. How is a compass used to find directions?
Answer: A compass is a small glass case containing a magnetised needle pivoted inside the box. The needle can freely rotate. A compass also has a dial with directions marked on it. To find directions, the compass is placed where you want to determine the directions. When the needle comes to rest, it indicates the north-south direction. The compass is then rotated until the north and south marks on the dial align with the two ends of the needle. Usually, different colors are used to point out the ends of the needle to identify the north and south poles.
In simple words: A compass has a spinning magnetic needle. You put the compass down, and its needle points North and South. You then turn the compass dial to match its North and South labels with the needle, and then you can see all the directions.

Exam Tip: The key function of a compass relies on the Earth's magnetic field, causing the magnetized needle to align with the North-South direction. Always ensure no other magnets are nearby to avoid interference.

Question 10. A magnet was brought from different directions towards a toy boat that has been floating in water in a tub. Affect observed in each case is stated in Column I. Possible reason for the observed affects are mentioned in Column II. Match the statements given in Column I with those in Column II.
Answer:

Exam Tip: Understand the interaction between different magnetic poles (attraction vs. repulsion) and how it reveals the magnetic nature or polarity of an unknown object.