NOTES
CHAPTER 4- EXPLORING MAGNETS
Introduction
Magnets are objects that can attract materials like iron, cobalt, and nickel. They have been used for
centuries, with sailors in ancient times relying on magnetic compasses to navigate their ships. They
are used in various applications, from compasses to electronics.
• Magnets can be natural, such as lodestones, or artificial, made from
materials like iron or other metals.
• Magnets come in different shapes and sizes, serving various purposes in
our daily lives, from keeping things closed to helping us find directions.
Magnetic and Non-magnetic Materials
• Magnetic Materials: These are materials that are attracted
to magnets (e.g., iron, nickel, cobalt).
• Non-Magnetic Materials: These materials are not attracted
to magnets (e.g., plastic, wood, glass).
Poles of a Magnet
The magnetic force is strongest at these poles. If you were to
sprinkle iron filings around a bar magnet, you would notice that
the filings gather more densely at the ends of the magnet,
indicating the location of the poles.
• Every magnet has two poles: a North Pole and a South Pole.
• It is impossible to get a magnet with only one pole. Even if you
break a magnet into smaller pieces, each piece will still have both
a North and a South pole. A single North pole or South pole cannot exist on its own.
Attraction: Unlike poles (North-South) attract each other.
Repulsion: Like poles (North-North or South-South) repel each other.
Finding directions using a Magnet
Magnets have a special property that makes them extremely useful for finding directions. This
property has been known and used by sailors and travelers for many years.
Freely Suspended Magnet
When a magnet is freely suspended, it naturally settles in the north-south direction. The end of the
magnet that points toward the north is called the North-seeking pole or the North pole, while the
end that points toward the south is known as the South-seeking pole or the South pole.
• This happens because the Earth itself acts like a giant magnet with a magnetic field. The
ability of a freely suspended magnet to always align itself in the north-south direction is
used to determine directions.
How It Works?
1. Suspending the Magnet: To observe this property, you can take a bar magnet and suspend
it from a thread. Ensure the magnet is hanging freely and can rotate without any
obstruction.
2. Alignment: Once the magnet comes to rest, it will align itself in the north-south direction. If
you rotate the magnet and let it go, it will again come to rest pointing north-south.
Magnetic Compass
A long time ago, a small device called a magnetic compass was created to help people find
directions. The compass contains a needle-shaped magnet that can rotate freely. This needle
always points in the north-south direction.
Structure of a Magnetic Compass
• A magnetic compass is typically a small circular box with a
transparent cover. Inside the box, there is a needle-shaped
magnet placed on a pin that stands at the bottom. This needle is
balanced on the pin in such a way that it can easily rotate or move
freely around this point.
• The end of the needle that points toward the North is usually
painted red. Beneath the needle, there is a dial with directions marked on it.
Making a Simple Compass
You can make a simple compass at home using a sewing needle, a cork, and a bowl of water.
Step 1: Magnetizing the Needle: Stroke a sewing needle several times with a
magnet to magnetize it.
Step 2: Preparing the Cork: Push the needle through a small piece of cork so
that it floats.
Step 3: Floating the Needle: Place the cork in a bowl of water. The needle will rotate and align itself
in the north-south direction.
Ancient Indian Navigation Tool: Matsya-Yantra
• Long before the modern magnetic compass became widely used, Indians used a similar
device for sea navigation. This device was known as the Matsya-Yantra (or Machchh-
Yantra).
• It consisted of a fish-shaped piece of magnetized iron, which was placed in a vessel filled
with oil. Like the compass needle, it helped in finding directions.
Application of Magnets in Daily Life
• Magnetic Garlands: Used in decorations, such as hanging items in a creative display.
• Magnetic Mazes: Used in games where steel balls are guided through a maze using
magnets.
• Steel Paper Clip from Water: A steel paper clip can be lifted from water using a magnet
without getting your fingers or the magnet wet.
• Magnetic Effects in Experiments: Demonstrating how magnetic fields can influence other
objects without direct contact.
• Magnets are commonly used in refrigerator magnets, magnetic toys, speakers, electric
motors, MRI machines, and compasses.
Identifying the Poles of a Magnet
• In some magnets, the North and South poles are labeled with the letters "N" and "S."
• In other magnets, a white dot is used to indicate the North pole.
• Sometimes, the North pole is painted red, and the South pole is painted blue to make it
easier to identify them.
How to keep the magnets safe?
To keep magnets safe, follow these guidelines:
• Proper Storage: Store magnets in pairs, with
opposite poles (unlike poles) on the same side.
Place a piece of wood between them and add
two pieces of soft iron across the ends.
• Avoid Damage: Don't heat, drop, or hammer
magnets, as this can weaken them.
• Keep Away from Electronics: Avoid placing magnets near mobile phones, remote controls,
or other electronic devices to prevent interference.
