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Magnets: Forces and Materials

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Magnets: Forces and Materials

A magnet can pull some objects without touching them. Use the information and investigation below to work out which materials are magnetic. If you test real objects, use a bar magnet and small, safe items. Keep magnets away from electronic devices.

Discover the force

A force is a push or a pull. Magnets attract (pull towards) some materials and can repel (push away) other magnets. Iron and steel are magnetic materials. Many objects made from wood, plastic, paper or aluminium are not attracted to an ordinary magnet. An object can be magnetic even if it is covered by a thin layer of another material.

1.Match each science word to its meaning. Write the correct letter beside each meaning. A. force B. attract C. repel D. magnetic ___ A push or a pull ___ To pull towards ___ To push away ___ Able to be attracted by a magnet

A. force
B. attract
C. repel
D. magnetic

Able to be attracted by a magnet
To push away
A push or a pull
To pull towards

2.Which object is most likely to be attracted to a magnet?

A wooden peg
A steel paperclip
An aluminium drink can
A plastic ruler

3.True or false? A magnet must touch a steel paperclip before it can pull the paperclip towards it.

TrueFalse

Plan and record a fair test

Imagine testing these objects with the same bar magnet. Bring the magnet close to each object without touching it. Record whether the object is attracted. The results shown are observations from this test.

Object

Observed result

Attracted?

Steel paperclip

Moved towards the magnet

Yes

Plastic button

Did not move

Steel nail under a paper square

Moved towards the magnet

Yes

Wooden lolly stick

Did not move

4.Use the test results. Which two objects were attracted to the magnet?

5.The steel nail moved even though a paper square was between it and the magnet. What does this suggest about how magnetic forces act?

6.Which conclusion is best supported by the results?

All small objects are magnetic.
Objects made of steel can be attracted to a magnet, but plastic and wood in this test were not.
Paper always attracts magnets.
A magnet attracts every metal.

7.A student wants to compare how strongly two magnets pull a paperclip. Name one thing they should keep the same to make the comparison fair.

8.A paperclip is picked up by a magnet. Explain why this is an example of a force, using the words “pull” and “steel”.

9.Challenge: A fridge magnet stays attached to a steel door. Is the magnet attracting the door or repelling it? Explain your choice.