Magnetic Forces
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What you will learn
- 1Explain what a magnetic force is and how it acts on materials
- 2Classify common materials as magnetic or non-magnetic
- 3Identify the two poles of a magnet and describe how they interact
Mini Lesson
A magnet is an object that produces a magnetic force — an invisible pull or push that acts on certain materials without touching them. Magnets attract objects made of iron, steel, nickel, and cobalt. Materials that are not attracted to magnets are called non-magnetic.
Magnetic Materials
- Iron — very strongly attracted to magnets (iron nails, iron filings).
- Steel — an alloy of iron; attracted to magnets (paperclips, scissors, steel spoons).
- Nickel and cobalt — less common metals that are also magnetic.
Non-magnetic Materials
- Plastic, wood, glass, rubber, fabric — never attracted to magnets.
- Aluminum and copper — metals but NOT magnetic.
- Most liquids and all living things are non-magnetic.
Magnet Poles
- Every magnet has two poles: a North (N) pole and a South (S) pole.
- Opposite poles attract each other: N attracts S.
- Same poles repel each other: N repels N, and S repels S.
- The magnetic field is strongest at the poles.
Words to know
Magnet
An object that produces a force that pulls on certain metals
e.g. A magnet sticks to the fridge door.
Magnetic force
The invisible push or pull from a magnet
e.g. Magnetic force can act through paper.
Attract
To pull toward something
e.g. A magnet attracts iron filings.
Repel
To push away from something
e.g. Two North poles repel each other.
Pole
One of the two ends of a magnet, where the force is strongest
e.g. A magnet has a North pole and a South pole.
Remember: "opposites attract, likes repel." A compass needle is a tiny magnet. Its North pole always points north, so a compass helps you find your way.
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