6 Magnetism

▶ Magnetism Magnets are fascinating objects that are present around us in a number of things.
We can see them in refrigerator doors, magnetic game boards, fridge magnets, or magnetic
compasses. Magnets are materials that attract objects made of iron, nickel, and cobalt. The
invisible force that attracts these metals to a magnet is called magnetism or magnetic force. We
have already learnt earlier that magnetic force is a non-contact force. Therefore, magnetism can
work over a distance and magnets can exert a force on objects without being in contact with
them.
▶ Discovery of Magnets The knowledge about magnets dates back to 600 BCE. The word
‘magnet’ in Greek means ‘stone from Magnesia’. A popular legend says that once a shepherd
was herding his sheep at a place called Magnesia in ancient Greece. He found that the nails in his
boots and the iron tip of his stick were attracted to some pieces of rock. This strange rock was
named magnes lithos, the stone from Magnesia, or lodestone. It was later discovered that these
rocks had a substance that could attract substances made of iron. This substance was named
magnetite. Magnetite is a naturally occurring substance that has magnetic properties. About 1100
years after the discovery of magnets, the Chinese discovered that if a piece of magnetite is
suspended freely, it points to a particular direction. They used this property to develop the
mariner’s compass, which could be used as a navigational aid by sailors for finding directions
while sailing. A design of an ancient device used to find directions is given in Fig. 6.1. A
computer, a television, and a motor, all use magnets in some form or other. Fig. 6.1 Ancient
compass developed by the Chinese
Even a refrigerator or a kitchen cabinet’s door has magnetic strips. Many doors and bags also
come with magnetic locks (Fig. 6.2). Fig. 6.2 Bag with magnetic clasp lock Magnets find
applications in various industries. We will discuss more uses of magnets later in the chapter.
Shapes of Magnets Naturally occurring magnets such as lodestones are weak and usually not
available in required shapes. Artificial magnets (i.e., magnets made by humans) are strong and
can be made into different shapes and sizes, such as horseshoe magnets, ring magnets,
cylindrical magnets, and bar magnets (Fig. 6.3). (a) Horseshoe (b) Ring (c) Cylindrical (d) Bar
Fig. 6.3 Different shapes of magnets
Question: Name the following.
1. The force exerted by a magnet
2. Naturally occurring substance that has magnetic properties
3. The kind of magnets which are strong and can be made into different shapes
4. Navigational aid used by sailors to find directions while sailing
Magnetic and Non-magnetic Materials All materials are not attracted by magnets. Materials
that are attracted by magnets are called magnetic materials or ferromagnetic materials.
Examples of magnetic materials are iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys. An alloy is a mixture of
two or more elements (one of which is a metal). Thus, steel, which is an alloy of iron and carbon,
is also a magnetic material. Steel can also be mixed with other metals to make an alloy which
does not show magnetic properties. For example, stainless steel made from steel, chromium,
nickel, and other elements does not show magnetic properties. Materials that are not attracted by
magnets are called non-magnetic materials. Examples of non-magnetic materials are copper,
gold, silver, wood, paper, and tin. Remember that not all metals are attracted by magnets.
Fact File The ancient Chinese compass usually comprised of a bronze plate representing the
Earth and a ladle or spoon made-of lodestone. India also has an interesting history related to
magnetism. In around 500 BCE, an Indian surgeon Sushruta is believed to have made use of
magnets for surgical purposes. The ancient medical text written by him, called the Sushruta
Samhita, mentions using magnetite for its healing properties.
Properties of Magnets Let us discuss some important properties of magnets:
 Magnets attract magnetic materials.
 Magnetic force is concentrated at two regions of a magnet, called its poles. In a bar
magnet, the poles are present at both ends [Fig. 6.4(a)]. The poles are termed as the north
pole and the south pole. The north pole is labelled as 'N', and the south pole as 'S'. (a)
Poles of a bar magnet (b) Magnet poles always exist in pairs. Fig. 6.4 Magnet poles
Magnetic poles always exist in pairs. If a bar magnet is broken into two or more pieces,
each piece will have two poles, a north pole and a south pole [Fig. 6.4(b)].
 When a magnet is suspended freely, it always comes to rest in the geographical North-
South direction. The end that points towards the geographical North is called the north-
seeking pole or simply the north pole, and the end that points towards the geographical
South is called the south-seeking pole or simply the south pole.
 Like poles or similar poles repel each other, whereas unlike poles attract each other (Fig.
6.5). S N S S N S N N (a) Unlike poles attract (b) Like poles repel Fig. 6.5
Attraction/repulsion between poles of a magnet
 Both poles have the same strength.
 Magnetic force can pass through a non-magnetic material. For example, if you place a
steel pin on the top of a paper and a magnet underneath, the pin gets attracted towards the
magnet. When you move the magnet, the pin above the paper also moves. However, if
the magnet is too weak or the material is too thick, the magnetic force may not be able to
pass through.
Think and Discuss If some iron nails are dropped and mixed into a box filled with wood
shavings or pieces of plastic, can you suggest a simple way to separate them without picking
each nail individually?
Questions A. Classify the following into magnetic (M) and non-magnetic (NM) substances.
Plastic spoon, silver cup, iron screw, wooden table, nickel coin, rupee note, steel pins, stainless
steel door, woollen scarf, gold ring, aluminium can
B. Write T for True and F for False. Correct the false statements.
1. All metals are attracted by magnets.
 2. When a magnet is broken into two pieces, one piece will have a north pole and the other
piece will have a south pole.
3. If you bring the north pole of a magnet to the south pole of another magnet, they attract.
4. Magnetic force cannot pass through non-magnetic substances.
Activity A. Aim: To classify objects as magnetic or non-magnetic Materials required: A
magnet, a steel pin, a pencil, a ruler, a stainless steel vessel, a metal key chain, a sewing needle,
and an eraser Procedure:
1. Bring the objects close to the magnet one by one.
2. See if the objects are attracted by the magnet or not. Make a note of these in your
notebook.
3. On the basis of your observations, classify these objects as magnetic or non-magnetic.
B. Aim: To show that a freely suspended magnet always aligns itself in a particular
direction Materials required: A bar magnet and a clamp stand Procedure:
1. Find out the North, South, East, and West directions by looking at the direction of the
Sun. The direction in which the Sun rises is the East. When you face towards the East,
your back points towards the West, left hand side points towards the North, and right
hand side points towards the South.
2. Then, with the help of the clamp stand, suspend the bar magnet freely (Fig. A).
3. Now tilt the magnet and then release it. Observation: A freely suspended magnet always
comes to rest in a particular direction, which is the geographical North–South direction.
The pole that points towards the geographical North is the north pole of the magnet, and
the pole that points towards the geographical South is the south pole of the magnet.
C. Aim: To find the poles of a magnet Materials required: A bar magnet, a sheet of paper,
and iron filings (or iron powder) or steel pins Procedure:
1. Put some iron filings on a sheet of paper.
2. Bring the magnet close to the iron filings. Observation: Most of the iron filings get stuck
at the ends of the bar magnet (Fig. B). Conclusion: This shows that the magnetic force is
concentrated at the poles of the bar magnet.
D. Aim: To prove that two like magnetic poles repel each other and two unlike magnetic
poles attract each other Materials required: Two bar magnets and two clamp stands
Procedure:
1. Find out the north and south poles of the two magnets and mark them.
2. Suspend one magnet on the clamp stand and bring the other close to the first, with the
south pole of one facing the south pole of the other. You will feel as if the magnets are
being pushed away from each other (Fig. C).
3. Next, bring the north pole of one magnet close to the north pole of the other magnet.
Again, you will feel as if the magnets are being pushed away from each other.
4. Now, bring the north pole of one magnet closer to the south pole of the other magnet. The
magnets will get stuck to each other. Conclusion: Like poles of magnets repel and unlike
poles attract.
►Magnetic Field The space or region around a magnet where its influence (effect) is felt is
called magnetic field. Any magnet or a magnetic material placed inside the magnetic field of
another magnet experiences a force. The direction of this force is given by closed continuous
curves called magnetic lines of force. If we scatter iron filings on a piece of paper, where a bar
magnet is placed, the iron filings will arrange themselves in specific curves around the bar
magnet [Fig. 6.6(a)]. These curves are called magnetic lines of force. The direction of these lines
is always from the north pole to the south pole outside the magnet and from the south pole to the
north pole inside the magnet [Fig. 6.6(b)]. An important property of these lines of force is that
they never intersect each other. This is because at each point in the magnetic field of a magnet,
the force of the magnet acts in only one direction. Also, note that the lines of force are highly
concentrated near the poles, where the magnetic field is strongest.
Magnetic Field of the Earth Our Earth also behaves like a huge magnet and has its own
magnetic field. This magnetic field may be caused by the currents of charged particles present in
the Earth’s core. Figure 6.7 shows the magnetic field of the Earth. Magnetic poles are different
from geographic poles. Magnetic poles are near but not at the same position as geographic poles.
The Earth’s geographic South Pole is considered to be the Earth’s magnetic north pole and
geographic North Pole to be the Earth’s magnetic south pole. (a) Iron filings around a bar magnet
(b) Magnetic lines of force around a bar magnet (c) Magnetic lines of force around a bar magnet
(d) geographic North pole a magnetic needle aligned in North–South direction dialignment
representation of Earth’s magnet eigenpheric South pole Fig. 6.6 Magnetic field around a bar
magnet Fig. 6.7 Magnetic field of the Earth
Fact File Without Earth’s magnetic field, life would not exist on the surface of our planet. Every
second, Earth’s magnetic field deflects about 1.5 million tons of material ejected from the Sun at
high speed. It also protects our planet from cosmic radiation (high-energy charged particles) that
comes from outer space.
Case Study Some living organisms possess the ability to sense and interact with magnetic fields.
This is called magnetoreception. Organisms that may exhibit magnetoreception include
honeybees, some species of butterflies, and some migratory birds. This ability is assumed to
enable migratory birds to navigate over large distances and orient themselves to the Earth’s
magnetic field. Some other ways in which birds may map out their paths are by observing stars,
Sun, and Moon, and by remembering landmarks. Based on this information, answer the
following questions: a. What is the ability of some living organisms to sense magnetic field
called? b. How does magnetoreception help migratory birds? c. In what other ways can
migratory birds find their way over large distances?
Activity Aim: To plot magnetic lines of force using a compass needle Materials required: A
bar magnet, a compass needle, a sheet of paper, and a pencil Procedure:
1. Place the bar magnet on a piece of paper and then place the compass needle near the
north pole of this magnet. Mark the positions taken up by the poles N and S of the
compass as dots 0 and 1. Move the compass so that pole S is exactly over 1, and mark the
new position of N as dot 2.
2. Continue the process until the S pole of the bar magnet is reached. Join the dots together
to get a single magnetic line of force.
 3. Other magnetic lines of force can be plotted by starting at different points around the
magnet. Observation: You will get a typical field pattern as shown in Fig. A. Fig. A
Plotting magnetic lines of force
Questions Choose the correct option to fill in the blanks.
1. The space or region around a magnet where its influence is felt is called ……… (force
field/magnetic field).
2. The direction of magnetic lines of force is always from ……… (north pole to south
pole/south pole to north pole) outside the magnet.
3. Magnetic lines of force are highly concentrated ……… (near the middle of a magnet/near
the poles).
4. The Earth’s geographic North Pole is considered to be Earth’s ……… (magnetic north
pole/magnetic south pole).
▶ Making of a Magnet A magnetic material can be magnetised (i.e., made into a magnet) using
various methods such as the induction method, the single-touch method, the double-touch
method, and the electrical method. Let us discuss these methods one by one.
Induction Method When a piece of magnetic material, such as iron, is kept very close to a
magnet, it behaves like a magnet. The magnetism so acquired is called induced magnetism and
the method is called the induction method. However, the magnetic properties acquired by the
material by this method disappear as soon as the magnet is removed. In Fig. 6.8, the north pole of
the bar magnet induces a south pole at the closer end of the pin. A north pole is induced at the
farther end of the pin. As a result, the pin acts like a magnet and is able to attract other pins.
However, if the bar magnet is removed, the pins will lose their magnetic properties. Fig. 6.8
Induced magnetism
Single-touch Method In this method, a magnetic material AB is placed on a flat surface and
stroked along its length (i.e., from one end A to the other end B) with a bar magnet in the same
direction (Fig. 6.9). When the magnet reaches the other end B, it is lifted and brought back to the
previous end A. This process is repeated 25–30 times. Fig. 6.9 Single-touch method If some iron
filings are now brought near the material, they will get attracted to it, showing that the material
has been magnetised. Two important factors for the single-touch method are as follows:
 The same pole of the bar magnet should be used for each stroke.
 The magnetic material should be stroked in the same direction.
Double-touch Method In this method, a magnetic material AB is placed on a flat surface and
stroked from the centre to the ends using the opposite poles of two bar magnets of equal
strengths (Fig. 6.10). This process is repeated 25–30 times. If some iron filings are now brought
near the material, they will get attracted to it, showing that the material has been magnetised.
Fig. 6.10 Double-touch method
Electrical Method In this method, a magnetic material is magnetised using an electric current.
As shown in Fig. 6.11, an insulated copper wire is wound around a magnetic material (e.g., an
iron nail) as close together as possible. The wire is then connected to a cell or a battery. When
electricity is passed through the wire, the iron nail behaves like a magnet. Fig. 6.11 Electrical
method It is called an electromagnet. When the cell is disconnected, the iron nail stops behaving
like a magnet. The magnetic strength of such type of magnets can be increased or decreased by
varying the electric current or the number of coils of the wire.
► Permanent and Temporary Magnets On the basis of how long magnets retain magnetism,
they can be classified into two broad types: permanent magnets and temporary magnets.
► Permanent Magnets Permanent magnets are those that retain magnetism for a very long
period of time. Naturally occurring permanent magnets are usually weak magnets. Permanent
magnets are artificially made using an alloy of iron with aluminium, nickel, and cobalt (alnico).
Steel, which is an alloy of iron and carbon, is also used to make permanent magnets. These are
strong magnets and are hence preferred over natural magnets in most applications.
Temporary Magnets Temporary magnets are those that retain magnetism only for a short
period of time. They usually behave as magnets under the influence of another magnet or an
external form of energy such as electric energy. They lose their magnetism when the influence of
another magnet or the external form of energy is removed. Magnets prepared by the single-touch
method, double-touch method, and electrical method are temporary magnets. Iron gets
magnetised as well as demagnetised very easily. Hence, iron is suitable for making temporary
magnets. An example of a temporary magnet is an electromagnet.
Electromagnets A magnet whose magnetic property is due to the flow of an electric current is
called an electromagnet. An electromagnet is a temporary magnet because it works as a magnet
only when electric current is passed through it. It stops working as a magnet when the flow of
electric current is stopped. The magnetic strength of an electromagnet can be increased or
decreased by varying the electric current or number of coils.
Questions Write T for True and F for False. Correct the false statements.
1. In the induction method of making a magnet, magnetic properties acquired by the
material remain even if the magnet is removed.
2. In making a magnet by the single-touch method, the same pole of the bar magnet should
be used for each stroke.
3. In the double-touch method, you need two magnets to make the magnetic material a
magnet.
4. In electric method, any metal can be magnetised using electric current.
Activity (Adult supervision required) Aim: To make an electromagnet and see how it
works Materials required: An iron nail, two or three cells, a 2-m long insulated copper wire,
steel paper clips, and a tape to hold the connections together Procedure:
1. Wrap the copper wire around the iron nail.
2. Tape one end of the wire to the positive terminal of the cell and the other end to the
negative terminal of the cell (Fig. A).
3. Bring the paper clips near the nail and see what happens.
4. Disconnect the wire from the cell and see what happens to the paper clips.
5. Now, connect two or three cells with the positive terminal of one cell touching the
negative terminal of another. Then, connect the ends of the wire to the free positive and
negative terminals of the cells at the ends (Fig. B).
 6. Bring the paper clips near the nail. Find out how many pins get attracted. Observation:
When wire is disconnected, no paper clips get attracted to the nail. Fewer paper clips get
attracted to the nail when a single cell is used to make the electromagnet. More paper
clips get attracted to the nail when more than one cell is used to make the electromagnet.
Conclusion: This shows that the iron nail behaves like a magnet as long as the electric
current flows in the coiled wire. Also, the strength of an electromagnet can be increased
by increasing the strength of the electric current. Caution: The nail becomes hot when
more electric current flows through it.
Questions Choose the correct option to fill in the blanks.
1. (Temporary magnets/Permanent magnets) ...... are those that retain magnetism for a very
long period of time.
2. Magnets prepared by the single-touch method, double-touch method, and electrical
method are ...... (permanent magnets/temporary magnets).
3. Steel is an alloy of iron and ...... (nickel/carbon).
4. Electromagnets stop working as a magnet when electric current ...... (is stopped/is
flowing).
Storage and Handling of Magnets Care must be taken in handling and storage of magnets.
Improper storage and handling can cause a magnet to get demagnetised. A magnet can be
demagnetised in the following ways:
 By dropping it from a height
 By heating it to a very high temperature
 By hitting it with a hammer It has been observed that magnets tend to lose their
magnetism on their own if their poles are left free. This is called self-demagnetisation.
Therefore, when not in use, magnets should be stored using magnetic keepers to
minimise self-demagnetisation. A magnetic keeper is a soft iron bar. While storing bar
magnets, a pair of bar magnets is placed with the opposite poles close to each other and a
magnetic keeper is placed at each end of the pair of magnets [Fig. 6.12(a)]. While storing
a horseshoe magnet, only one magnetic keeper is required [Fig. 6.12(b)]. Fig. 6.12
Storing magnets
Uses of Magnets Magnets are used for various purposes.
 Magnets are used in many home appliances such as refrigerators, toys, stickers, television
sets, telephones, computers, amplifiers, tape recorders, and speakers. The information of
credit and debit cards is stored in the magnetic strip present on them.
 As the north pole of a magnet always points to the geographical North, magnets are used
in magnetic compasses, which are navigational instruments for determining geographic
directions. A magnetic compass (Fig. 6.13) consists of a magnetised metal needle
horizontally mounted on a pivot, which is able to move freely. magnetised metal needle
Fig. 6.14 Crane
 Magnets are also used in maglev trains (short for magnetic levitation). These trains float
over a guideway, which is like floating in air. The principle is the repulsion between the
like poles of magnets in the guideway and the bottom of the train. The repulsion lifts the
train off the guideway. Fig. 6.15 Magnetic compass
  Magnets are also used in automobiles, motors, measuring instruments, and generators.
 Electromagnets have wide industrial and non-industrial applications. They are used in
electric bells, motors, telephones, generators, etc.
 Magnets are used in cranes (Fig. 6.14) for lifting and moving scrap metals.
Why should we keep magnets away from devices such as mobile phones, televisions, music
system? Electrical appliances, such as televisions, mobiles, and computers have magnetic
components present inside them. When external magnets are brought near these appliances, they
may interfere with the magnetic components and damage them.
Questions Write T for True and F for false. Correct the false statements.
1. Magnets tend to lose their magnetism on their own if their poles are left free. This is
called self-demagnetisation.
2. Magnets should be stored, along with magnetic compasses, to minimise self-
demagnetisation.
3. While storing a horseshoe magnet, two magnetic keepers are required.
4. Electromagnets are used in electric bells, motors, telephones, and generators.
wrap Up
 The force with which a magnet attracts iron, nickel, cobalt, and some of their alloys is
called magnetic force.
 Magnetic force is concentrated at two poles of a magnet: north pole and south pole. They
always exist in pairs. Like poles repel and unlike poles attract each other.
 The space or region around a magnet where its influence (effect) is felt is called magnetic
field.
 The Earth is considered to be a magnet with its magnetic south pole near geographic
North Pole and magnetic north pole near geographic South Pole.
 Magnets can be made by: induction method, single-touch method, double-touch method
and electrical method.
 On the basis of the time for which magnets can retain magnetism, they can be classified
into two broad types: permanent magnets and temporary magnets.
Exercises
SECTION I
A Choose the correct option.
1. In a factory, a heap of metal scrap was collected. It contained materials of copper, cobalt,
aluminium, zinc, iron, and nickel. Which of these can be separated using a magnet? a.
Copper, cobalt, and iron b. Cobalt, nickel, and iron c. Aluminium, zinc, and iron d. All
metals in the scrap can be removed
2. L, M, N, O are different points on a magnet. Number of safety pins attached to L is 6, M
is 8, N is 7, and O is 5. Which of the following are the poles of the magnet? a. L and M b.
M and N c. N and O d. L and O
 3. Which of the following has only one pole? a. Circular magnet b. Cylindrical magnet c.
Ring magnet d. None of these
4. Two ring magnets can be made to float one above the other in which of the following
cases? a. When magnet A is weaker than magnet B b. When magnet A is lighter in
weight than magnet B c. When the like poles of magnets are facing each other d. When
the unlike poles of magnets are facing each other
5. Earth’s geographical North Pole is considered as which of the following? a. Earth’s
geographical South Pole b. Earth’s magnetic south pole c. Earth’s magnetic north pole d.
None of these
6. Which of the following will get demagnetised when a powerful magnet is kept near it? a.
Copper tumbler b. Paint c. Mobile phone d. Aluminium pen
B Assertion and Reasoning questions.
1. Assertion (A): When a magnet is suspended freely, it always comes to rest in the
geographic East-West direction. Reason (R): The Earth behaves like a magnet with its
magnetic south pole at the geographic North pole and magnetic north pole at the
geographic South pole. a. Both A and R are True b. Both A and R are False c. A is True
and R is False d. A is False and R is True
2. Assertion (A): There is a force of repulsion between north and south poles of a magnet.
Reason (R): Unlike poles repel. a. Both A and R are True b. Both A and R are False c. A
is True and R is False d. A is False and R is True
C Name the following.
1. Materials that are attracted by magnets
2. The region around a magnet where its influence is felt
3. The method in which magnetism is acquired when a magnetic material is kept close to a
magnet
4. Magnets which retain magnetism only for a short period of time
5. Pieces of soft iron used for the storage of magnets
6. The closed continuous curves which give the direction of force experienced by a
magnetic material inside a magnetic field
D Write T for True and F for False. Correct the false statements.
1. The two poles of a magnet have different strengths.
2. When a magnet is suspended freely, the pole pointing towards the North is called the
north pole.
3. The Earth behaves like a huge magnet and its magnetic poles are different from the
geographical poles.
4. Magnetic lines of force are highly concentrated near the poles.
5. Iron is not suitable for making temporary magnets.
6. Magnets tend to lose their magnetism on their own if their poles are left free.
SECTION II
Give reasons for the following.
1. If you place a steel pin on a sheet of rubber and a magnet underneath, it gets attracted.
2. When a magnet is suspended freely, it always comes to rest in the North-South direction.
3. Magnetic lines of force never intersect.
4. Iron is used for making temporary magnets.
5. Magnets should not be dropped from a height.
Differentiate between the following.
1. Magnetic and non-magnetic materials
2. Natural and artificial magnets
3. Magnetic north pole and geographic North pole of the Earth
4. Induction method and electrical method of making a magnet
5. Permanent magnets and temporary magnets
Short answer questions.
1. What is magnetism?
2. You are given three similar bars (A, B, and C) and a magnet. The magnet gets attracted to
both ends of A, it gets attracted to one end of B, but is repelled by the other end, and the
magnet does not get attracted to C at all. What can you infer from this about the kind of
materials A, B, and C are?
3. What is a magnetic field? Write two important properties of magnetic lines of force.
4. Draw magnetic lines of force around a bar magnet.
5. Aneena made an electromagnet for her school project. She can pick up 5 steel pins, when
the electricity is on. She wants her electromagnet to pick up more pins. State two ways in
which she can increase the number of pins that are attracted.
Long answer questions.
1. Discuss any four properties of magnets.
2. There are two bar magnets: A and B. The poles of A are labelled as F and G, whereas the
poles of B are labelled as J and K. If G is the north pole of the magnet A and it repels the
pole J of the magnet B, deduce which poles are F, J, and K. What will happen if F is
brought close to J?
3. Is the geographic North pole of Earth the same as the magnetic north pole? Explain.
4. Explain how a magnet can be made using the single-touch method.
5. Manuj left some magnets with their poles free for a few days. What do you think would
have happened to the magnets? How could this have been prevented?
6. How can magnets be demagnetised? Suggest the ways in which different types of
magnets should be stored.
7. Explain the principle behind Maglev trains. If you are given two magnets, describe how
you would demonstrate this principle.
Picture Study
 1. Which property of magnets is revealed in Fig. A?
2. You can see four magnets arranged in Fig. B. If N represents the north pole of the first
magnet, what do A and B represent? Fig. B A 2
3. In the magnets given here identify which pole is represented by A and B. Fig. A S 1
Answer the following: a. Why are the magnetic lines of force behaving differently in the
arrangements shown in Fig. A? b. Why is there repulsion between the two nails shown in Fig. B?
My Learning Corner
Think about
1. a. If a steel ball bearing has fallen into a glass tank filled with oil, it can be removed by
sliding a magnet outside the glass tank and moving it upwards. Why? (Hint: Magnetic
force is able to pass through non-magnetic materials) b. But if the ball bearing has fallen
into an iron tank, it is not possible. Why? (Hint: Iron tank is a magnetic material)
2. Rati thinks electromagnets should be classified as permanent magnets. Is she correct?
Justify your answer.
Try out
1. Did you know that by knowing stars you always have a compass? Research and find out
how people in ancient times, before discovering magnets, navigated with the help of
stars, especially with the Pole star.
2. Project: Making a simple magnetic compass (Adult supervision required) Materials
required: Bowl of water, round piece of thermocol, permanent magnet, and sewing
needle Procedure: a. Magnetise the needle. Use the single - or double-touch method we
have learnt in the chapter. Be careful, do not poke yourself. b. Put the thermocol piece
into the bowl of water and put the needle in the center. If you have a small piece of
thermocol, the needle can also be inserted into the piece. c. Test the magnetism of the
needle by bringing the like pole of the permanent magnet near the needle. The needle
should be repelled. If the needle is not repelled, magnetise the needle again. d. When the
needle is properly magnetised, remove the permanent magnet and let the needle float in
the bowl. Observation: The needle comes to rest in the North–South direction.
3. Using the Internet, explore how magnets are used in everyday technology, such as
speakers, MRI machines, mobile phones, credit and debit cards, and magnetic storage
devices such as hard drives. Create a detailed report on how magnets find a wide range of
applications in our daily lives.
4. Look at the magnetic globe shown here. Name the phenomenon being demonstrated
[Link] achieve something similar on your own, try the following: a. Arrange 6 ceramic
ring magnets and a pencil. b. Fix the pencil on a board using glue or clay. Find out
similar poles of all magnets and mark them with a crayon or a colour pen. c. Slide one
ring magnet on to the pencil with the north pole facing the ceiling. It will fall to the base
of the holder. Slide the second ring magnet onto the pencil so that the north pole of the
second magnet faces the north pole of the first magnet. Again, slide the next ring magnet
so that south faces the south of the second magnet and so on. d. Make different patterns
by allowing unlike poles to face each [Link] your observations in your data table.
Self-Assessment Now that you have completed the chapter, score each of the following tasks
from 1 to 5 to indicate how well you can do them. Score 5 = I can definitely do this. Score 1 = I
cannot do this yet.

I can... My score
• define magnetism.
• explain and differentiate between magnetic and non-magnetic materials.
• list and demonstrate properties of magnets.
• define magnetic field and draw magnetic lines of force of a magnet.
• explain how Earth behaves like a magnet.
• describe the different methods to make a magnet.
• differentiate between permanent and temporary magnets.
• list the ways to store and handle magnets.

Solved In-Text Questions & Backend Answers

Page 2: Question
1. Magnetic force
2. Magnetite
3. Artificial magnets
4. Mariner’s compass
Page 4: Questions A.
 Magnetic (M): iron screw, nickel coin, steel pins
 Non-magnetic (NM): plastic spoon, silver cup, wooden table, rupee note, stainless steel
door, woollen scarf, gold ring, aluminium can (Note: Stainless steel is typically non-
magnetic.)
B.
1. F (Not all metals are attracted by magnets, e.g., copper, gold, aluminium.)
2. F (When a magnet is broken, each piece will have both a north and a south pole.)
3. T
4. F (Magnetic force can pass through non-magnetic substances like paper, rubber, glass.)
Page 7: Case Study Questions a. Magnetoreception b. It helps them navigate over large
distances and orient themselves to the Earth’s magnetic field. c. By observing stars, Sun, and
Moon, and by remembering landmarks.
Page 7: Questions
1. magnetic field
2. north pole to south pole
 3. near the poles
4. magnetic south pole
Page 9: Questions
1. F (In the induction method, magnetic properties disappear as soon as the magnet is
removed.)
2. T
3. T
4. F (In the electric method, only magnetic materials like iron can be magnetised.)
Page 11: Questions
1. Permanent magnets
2. temporary magnets
3. carbon
4. is stopped
Page 12: Questions
1. T
2. F (Magnets should be stored using magnetic keepers, not compasses, to minimise self-
demagnetisation.)
3. F (While storing a horseshoe magnet, only one magnetic keeper is required.)
4. T
Page 13-16: Exercises (Answers from textbook) A.
1. b. Cobalt, nickel, and iron
2. a. L and M (Poles have maximum attraction, hence most pins)
3. d. None of these (All magnets have two poles)
4. c. When the like poles of magnets are facing each other (Repulsion causes levitation)
5. b. Earth’s magnetic south pole
6. c. Mobile phone (Contains magnetic components that can be demagnetised)
B.
1. d. A is False and R is True (A magnet rests in N-S direction, not E-W. R is correct.)
2. b. Both A and R are False (Unlike poles attract. The reason is false.)
C.
1. Magnetic materials / Ferromagnetic materials
2. Magnetic field
3. Induction method
4. Temporary magnets
5. Magnetic keepers
6. Magnetic lines of force
D.
1. F (Both poles have the same strength.)
2. T
3. T
4. T
5. F (Iron is very suitable for making temporary magnets as it gets demagnetised easily.)
6. T

EXHAUSTIVE ICSE CLASS 10 PHYSICS QUESTION BANK (2026

FORMAT)
SECTION A (40 Marks) (Multiple Choice Questions - 1 mark each)
1. The force exerted by a magnet is called: a) Gravitational force b)
Electrostatic force c) Magnetic force d) Frictional force

2. A naturally occurring magnetic substance is: a) Steel b) Alnico c)

Magnetite d) Cobalt

3. Which of the following is a non-magnetic material? a) Nickel b) Cobalt

c) Iron d) Silver

4. The poles of a magnet are located: a) At its center b) At its ends c)

Uniformly throughout d) Nowhere specific

5. If the North pole of a magnet is brought near the North pole of another
magnet, they will: a) Attract each other b) Repel each other c) First
attract then repel d) Not affect each other

6. Magnetic force can pass through: a) Only magnetic materials b) Only

non-magnetic materials c) Both magnetic and non-magnetic materials
d) Neither magnetic nor non-magnetic materials

7. The region around a magnet where its influence is felt is called its: a)
Force field b) Electric field c) Magnetic field d) Gravitational field

8. Outside a magnet, the direction of magnetic lines of force is from: a)

South pole to North pole b) North pole to South pole c) East to West d)
West to East

9. Magnetic lines of force are most concentrated: a) At the center of the

magnet b) Near the poles c) Equally everywhere d) Away from the
magnet

10. The Earth's geographic North Pole is its: a) Magnetic North pole
b) Magnetic South pole c) Has no magnetic property d) Magnetic East
pole
 11. In the induction method of making a magnet, the acquired
magnetism: a) Is permanent b) Lasts for a few days c) Disappears
immediately after removing the magnet d) Can only be removed by
heating

12. For the single-touch method, it is important to use: a) Different

poles for each stroke b) The same pole for each stroke c) No specific
pole d) Both poles simultaneously

13. An electromagnet is a: a) Permanent magnet b) Temporary

magnet c) Natural magnet d) Does not exhibit magnetism

14. Which material is most suitable for making a temporary magnet?

a) Steel b) Iron c) Alnico d) Nickel

15. Self-demagnetisation can be minimised by storing magnets with:

a) Like poles together b) Unlike poles together c) Magnetic keepers d)
In any random manner

(Assertion-Reasoning Questions)
16. Assertion (A): A magnet always has two poles. Reason (R):
Magnetic monopoles do not exist. a) Both A and R are true and R is the
correct explanation of A. b) Both A and R are true but R is not the
correct explanation of A. c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is
true.

17. Assertion (A): An iron nail can be magnetised by stroking it

with a magnet. Reason (R): Iron is a ferromagnetic material. a) Both A
and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. b) Both A and R
are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. c) A is true but R is
false. d) A is false but R is true.

18. Assertion (A): The strength of an electromagnet can be

increased. Reason (R): The magnetic strength depends on the
amount of current and number of coils. a) Both A and R are true and R
is the correct explanation of A. b) Both A and R are true but R is not the
correct explanation of A. c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is
true.

19. Assertion (A): A magnetic compass needle points North-South.

Reason (R): The Earth has its own magnetic field. a) Both A and R are
true and R is the correct explanation of A. b) Both A and R are true but
R is not the correct explanation of A. c) A is true but R is false. d) A is
false but R is true.

20. Assertion (A): Magnets should not be dropped or hammered.

Reason (R): This can cause them to lose their magnetism. a) Both A
and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. b) Both A and R
 are true but R is not the correct explanation of A. c) A is true but R is
false. d) A is false but R is true.

(Fill in the Blanks)

21. The rock from which magnets were first discovered is called .................... .
22. Materials that are attracted to a magnet are called .................... materials.
23. The end of a freely suspended magnet that points to the geographic North is called
its .................... pole.
24. .................... poles repel each other.
25. Magnetic lines of force never .................... each other.
26. The method of magnetisation where a material is kept close to a magnet is called
the .................... method.
27. An .................... is a temporary magnet made using electricity.
28. .................... magnets retain their magnetism for a long time.
29. .................... are used to store magnets and prevent self-demagnetisation.
30. Maglev trains work on the principle of magnetic .................... .
(Match the Following)
31. Match the following methods of magnetisation with their
descriptions: i) Induction method a) Using electric current ii) Single-
touch method b) Stroking with one magnet iii) Double-touch method c)
Keeping near a magnet iv) Electrical method d) Stroking with two
magnets

32. Match the following materials with their magnetic properties: i)

Iron a) Non-magnetic ii) Steel b) Temporary magnet material iii) Alnico
c) Permanent magnet material iv) Copper d) Ferromagnetic

33. Match the following terms with their definitions: i) Magnetic field
a) Ability to sense magnetic fields ii) Magnetoreception b) Region
around a magnet iii) Magnetic keeper c) Losing magnetism over time
iv) Self-demagnetisation d) Used to store magnets

(Case-Based Questions)
Case 1: Rohan conducted an experiment with a bar magnet and iron filings. He observed that the
filings arranged themselves in a specific pattern around the magnet.
34. What is the pattern formed by the iron filings called?
35. State one property of these patterns.
36. Where is the concentration of these patterns the highest? Why?
Case 2: Priya made an electromagnet using an iron nail, a battery, and some copper wire. She
found that it could pick up 5 pins. She then used two batteries and found it could pick up 12 pins.
37. Why is the iron nail called a temporary magnet?
 38. Explain why the electromagnet picked up more pins with two batteries.
39. Suggest one other way Priya could increase the strength of her electromagnet.
SECTION B (40 Marks) (Short Answer Questions - 2 marks each)
40. Define magnetism.
41. Differentiate between magnetic and non-magnetic materials with two examples of each.
42. State any two properties of magnets.
43. What are magnetic keepers? What is their use?
44. Why does a freely suspended magnet always come to rest in the North-South direction?
45. How can you show that like poles repel and unlike poles attract?
46. What is an electromagnet? State one factor on which its strength depends.
47. Why is soft iron used for making temporary magnets?
(Short Answer Questions - 3 marks each)
48. With a neat diagram, show the magnetic field lines around a bar magnet.
49. Explain the induction method of making a magnet.
50. Describe how you would magnetise a steel bar using the single-touch method.
51. Give three uses of magnets in everyday life.
52. Explain why magnets should be stored properly. How is a horseshoe magnet stored?
53. List three ways to demagnetise a magnet.
(Long Answer Questions - 5 marks each)
54. Explain the following properties of magnets: a) Poles exist in pairs. b) Like poles repel,
unlike poles attract. c) A freely suspended magnet aligns itself in a particular direction. d)
Magnetic force can pass through non-magnetic materials.
55. Describe the electrical method of making a magnet. Draw a labelled diagram. Why is the
magnet formed temporary?
56. Differentiate between permanent and temporary magnets. Give two examples of each.
57. What is Earth's magnetism? Explain with a diagram. How is a compass used for
navigation?
58. Explain the principle, construction, and working of an electromagnet. How can its
strength be increased?

SOLUTIONS TO QUESTION BANK

SECTION A
1. c) Magnetic force
2. c) Magnetite
3. d) Silver
4. b) At its ends
5. b) Repel each other
 6. b) Only non-magnetic materials (Correction: It can pass through non-magnetic
materials. It is absorbed/redirected by magnetic materials.)
7. c) Magnetic field
8. b) North pole to South pole
9. b) Near the poles
10. b) Magnetic South pole
11. c) Disappears immediately after removing the magnet
12. b) The same pole for each stroke
13. b) Temporary magnet
14. b) Iron
15. c) Magnetic keepers
16. a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
17. a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
18. a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
19. a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
20. a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
21. lodestone (or magnetite)
22. magnetic (or ferromagnetic)
23. north
24. Like (or Similar)
25. intersect
26. induction
27. electromagnet
28. Permanent
29. Magnetic keepers
30. repulsion
31. i-c, ii-b, iii-d, iv-a
32. i-d, ii-d, iii-c, iv-a
33. i-b, ii-a, iii-d, iv-c
Case 1: 34. Magnetic field pattern / Magnetic lines of force.
35. They never intersect each other. / They form closed continuous curves.
36. Near the poles. Because the magnetic force is strongest at the poles.
Case 2: 37. Because it only behaves as a magnet when electric current is flowing through the
coil. It loses its magnetism as soon as the current is switched off. 38. Using two batteries
increases the current flowing through the coil. The strength of an electromagnet increases with
an increase in current, allowing it to attract more pins. 39. By increasing the number of
turns/coils of the copper wire around the nail.
SECTION B 40. Magnetism is the invisible force exerted by a magnet that attracts objects made
of magnetic materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt. It is a non-contact force.
41.

Magnetic Materials Non-Magnetic Materials

Attracted by a magnet Not attracted by a magnet
e.g., Iron, Nickel, Cobalt e.g., Wood, Plastic, Copper

42. Any two:

o They attract magnetic materials.
o They have two poles: North and South.
o Like poles repel, unlike poles attract.
o When suspended freely, they align in N-S direction.
43. Magnetic keepers are pieces of soft iron. They are used to store magnets by placing them
across the poles, which provides a closed path for magnetic lines of force and prevents
self-demagnetisation.
44. Because the Earth itself behaves like a huge magnet. The north pole of the magnet is
attracted to the Earth's magnetic south pole (located near the geographic North), causing
it to point North-South.
45. Suspend one magnet freely. Bring the north pole of another magnet close to its north
pole; they will repel. Now, bring the south pole of the second magnet close to the north
pole of the suspended magnet; they will attract. This shows like poles repel and unlike
poles attract.
46. An electromagnet is a temporary magnet made by winding an insulated copper wire
around a soft iron core and passing an electric current through the wire. Its strength
depends on the amount of current flowing or the number of turns in the coil.
47. Soft iron is used for making temporary magnets because it gets magnetised very easily
but also loses its magnetism very easily as soon as the magnetising influence is removed.
48. [Student should draw a bar magnet with field lines emerging from North pole and
entering South pole outside the magnet, and a uniform pattern inside. Lines should be
closer near poles.]
49. In the induction method, a magnetic material (like an iron nail) is kept close to a strong
magnet without touching it. The magnetic material becomes an induced magnet and can
attract other magnetic objects. This magnetism is temporary and lasts only as long as the
magnet is nearby.
50. Place the steel bar on a flat surface. Take a bar magnet and stroke the steel bar from one
end to the other using the same pole of the magnet. Lift the magnet away from the bar at
the end of each stroke and bring the same pole back to the starting point. Repeat this
process 30-40 times. The steel bar will become magnetised.
51. Any three:
o In refrigerators (door seals)
o In compasses for navigation
 o In speakers and headphones
o In electric motors and generators
o In MRI machines
o In maglev trains
52. Magnets should be stored properly to prevent self-demagnetisation (losing their strength
over time). A horseshoe magnet is stored by placing a single soft iron magnetic keeper
across its poles (touching both the N and S poles).
53.
o By heating the magnet to a high temperature.
o By hammering or hitting it repeatedly.
o By dropping it from a height on a hard surface.
o By placing it in an alternating magnetic field (AC demagnetisation).

54. a) Poles exist in pairs: If a magnet is broken, each piece will have both a north and a
south pole. A single pole (monopole) cannot exist.
b) Like poles repel, unlike poles attract: The north pole of one magnet will repel the
north pole of another magnet. The north pole of one magnet will attract the south pole of
another magnet.
c) Alignment: The Earth acts as a magnet. The north pole of the magnet is attracted to
the Earth's magnetic south pole (located near the geographic North Pole), causing it to
point north.
d) Penetration: Magnetic force lines can pass through materials that are not magnetic
themselves, like paper, glass, or wood. The force is not blocked by these materials.
55. Electrical Method: An insulated copper wire is wound tightly around a soft iron rod
(core). The ends of the wire are connected to a battery. When current flows, the iron core
becomes magnetised.
Diagram: [Draw a nail with coils around it, connected to a battery.] It is a temporary
magnet because it loses its magnetism almost immediately after the electric current is
switched off.

Permanent Magnets Temporary Magnets

Retain magnetism for a long time Lose magnetism easily
Hard to magnetise and demagnetise Easy to magnetise and demagnetise
Made from steel, alnico, etc. Made from soft iron
e.g., Bar magnet, Horse-shoe magnet e.g., Electromagnet, Induced magnet

57. Earth's Magnetism: The Earth behaves as if it has a giant bar magnet inside it, with its
magnetic south pole near the geographic North Pole and magnetic north pole near the
geographic South Pole. This creates a magnetic field around the Earth.
 Diagram: [Draw Earth with field lines emerging from magnetic south (geo North) and
entering magnetic north (geo South).] A compass contains a small magnetised needle that
is free to rotate. The needle aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, with its north
pole pointing towards the Earth's magnetic south pole (geographic North), thus showing
the North direction.
58. Principle: When an electric current flows through a conductor, it produces a magnetic
field around it.
Construction: A long insulated copper wire is wound around a soft iron core. The ends
of the wire are connected to a battery.
Working: When current flows through the wire, the iron core becomes magnetised. It
can attract magnetic materials. When the current is stopped, the core loses its magnetism.
Increasing Strength:
o Increase the current flowing through the coil.
o Increase the number of turns in the coil.
o Use a core made of soft iron, which magnetises easily.