The following Topics and Sub-Topics are covered in this chapter and are available on MSVgo:
The following Topics and Sub-Topics are covered in this chapter and are available on MSVgo:
Introduction
‘Fun with Magnets’ is a class 6 NCERT physics chapter that introduces you to the world of magnets and magnetic properties. How would you feel if you got the power to move anything without touching it? Or did you know that electromagnets could be made from simple iron tools? Magnets are used in TV speakers as well! It’s all possible with magnets as they have properties of attraction and repulsion. Not only this, you can even use magnets to find direction. So let us learn about how it is all done.
Magnets are any substance having magnetic properties of attraction and repulsion. They can be found naturally or made artificially. Magnets have a very interesting history. It is said that it was discovered by a shepherd named Magnes when he was herding his cattle. His iron stick got stuck to a rock that had magnetic properties, and hence magnetism was discovered. Those rocks were called magnetite.
Types of Magnetic Materials
All materials can be classified into two broad categories based on magnetisation. These are magnetic and non-magnetic materials. Their definitions are as follows.
Magnetic materials: Materials or substances having magnetic properties are called magnetic materials. Magnets attract these substances, for example, iron, cobalt and nickel.
Non-Magnetic Materials: Materials or substances that do not have magnetic properties are called non-magnetic materials. Magnets do not attract these materials—for example, sand, glass, rubber, cotton and more.
Every magnetic material has poles at the end of their length where the magnetic forces are the highest. Suppose you do a simple experiment of putting a bar magnet of table and iron filings scattered there. The iron filings will try to align themselves at the bar magnet end. You will even find a formation of circular type lines starting from one end of the magnet to the other end.
Magnets can be used to find directions because earth is also magnetic since the north pole of the earth has the geometric “South Pole” of the magnet and vice-versa. Hence, whenever a magnet is suspended freely, the magnet’s north pole aligns towards the north pole of the earth due to attraction. In compass, this simple trick is used to find direction.
You can make your magnet at home from an iron bar. It is an interesting experiment that you can perform at home. Let’s quickly see the procedure.
Hence you have induced temporary magnetisation in the iron bar which will fade away with time.
Attraction and repulsion is the basic principle of magnetism. When we call any object a magnetic material, then we mean that that object can be attracted or repulsed in magnets’ presence. Let’s check these properties of magnets.
Attraction: When opposite poles are aligned with each other, then there is an attraction. For example, if we take the north pole of any bar magnet and align it along the south pole of another magnet, there is attraction.
Repulsion: When the same poles are aligned with each other, then there is repulsion. For example, if we take the north pole of any bar magnet and align it along the north pole of another magnet, there is repulsion.
Magnet is an important physical substance possessing magnetic properties. These magnetic properties can be attractive or repulsive in nature. There can be different kinds of magnets and different kinds of magnetic materials. They are used in MRI scanners, diagnostics, testing, TVs, speakers and more.
Fun with magnets is an NCERT class 6th science chapter that deals with a magnet, magnetic properties and magnetic materials. You can also learn about the discovery of magnets in this chapter.
Some objects attracted by magnets and can be converted into temporary magnets are iron, nickel, cobalt and more.
The four uses of magnets are:
We can make an electromagnet by using an iron nail. It’s a fun game where you use a wire tightly wrapped around the iron nail. Then you pass an electric current through it and magnetise the iron nail for some time.
There are four types of magnets, namely:
Natural magnets are substances that can be found in nature and have magnetic properties. E.g., magnetite 2.
If you want to know more about this topic, then use MSVgo learning app that provides intuitive video explanations with simple examples of the topic. If you are interested in knowing more about magnetic materials, then the best way is to learn by using videos.
