NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 4: Exploring Magnets (Curiosity)

Question 1.Do magnets stick to objects made of certain materials only? 

Answer: Yes, magnets attract only specific materials. Materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt are attracted to magnets and are called magnetic materials. Other materials, such as aluminium, copper, brass, gold, silver, and lead, do not attract magnets and are considered non-magnetic.

Question 2. Do all parts of a magnet attract magnetic materials equally?
Answer: No, the magnetic strength is not uniform throughout the magnet. The poles of the magnet have a stronger magnetic field compared to the middle part. In a bar magnet, the ends have a stronger magnetic field, and the same applies to the poles of a horseshoe magnet.

Question 3. Can we find a magnet with a single pole?
Answer: No, a magnet always has two poles: a North Pole and a South Pole. Even if a magnet is broken into smaller pieces, each piece will still have both a North and South Pole.

Let us enhance our learning.

Question 1. Fill in the blanks
(i) Unlike poles of two magnets ______ each other, whereas like poles ______ each other.
(ii) The materials that are attracted towards a magnet are called ______.
(iii) The needle of a magnetic compass rests along the ______ direction.
(iv) A magnet always has ______ poles.
Answer:
(i) attract, repel
(ii) magnetic materials
(iii) north-south
(iv) two

Question 2. State whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F).
(i) A magnet can be broken into pieces to obtain a single pole.
Answer: False

(ii) Similar poles of a magnet repel each other.
Answer: True

(iii) Iron filings mostly stick in the middle of a bar magnet when it is brought near them.
Answer: False

(iv) A freely suspended bar magnet always aligns with the north-south direction.
Answer: True

Question 3. Column I shows different positions in which one pole of a magnet is placed near that of the other. Column II indicates the resulting action between them for each situation. Fill in the blanks.

Answer:

Question 4. Atharv performed an experiment in which he took a bar magnet and rolled it over a heap of steel U-clips

Bar magnet and a heap of steel U-clips

According to you, which of the options given in Table is likely to be his observation?

Table: Number of pins attracted by the magnet at its various positions

Answer: From the figure, it is clear that the ends of the magnet have more iron fillings attached to them. This is because the magnet's strength lies more at the ends of the magnet. Hence option (i) is correct.

Question 5. Reshma bought three identical metal bars from the market. Out of these bars, two were magnets and one was just a piece of iron. How will she identify which two amongst the three could be magnets (without using any other material)?
Answer: Reshma can identify the magnets through the principle of repulsion. Magnets repel other magnets when poles are brought close. The iron bar will only be attracted but won't show repulsion, helping her identify the magnets.

Question 6. You are given a magnet that does not have the poles marked. How can you find its poles with the help of another magnet that has its poles marked?
Answer: By bringing the marked magnet near the unmarked one, if the two ends attract, the unmarked magnet's pole is the opposite of the marked magnet's pole. If they repel, the poles are similar.

Question 7.A bar magnet has no markings to indicate its poles. How would you find out near which end its North Pole is located without using another?
Answer: Suspend the magnet freely, and it will align itself in the north-south direction. The end pointing towards the north is the North Pole, and the end pointing towards the south is the South Pole.

Question 8. If the earth is itself a magnet, can you guess the poles of the earth’s magnet by looking at the direction of the magnetic compass?
Answer: Yes, we can guess the poles of Earth’s magnet by looking at the direction of the magnetic compass. The north-seeking end of the compass needle points towards the geographic North Pole of the Earth.

Question 9. While a mechanic was repairing a gadget using a screwdriver, the steel screws kept falling. Suggest a way to solve the problem of the mechanic based on what you have learnt in this chapter.
Answer: The mechanic can magnetise a screwdriver by rubbing a magnet along its length several times. This will allow the screwdriver to hold the screws securely while working.

Question 10. Two ring magnets X and Y are arranged as shown in Fig. (below). It is observed that the magnet X does not move down further. What could be the possible reason? Suggest a way to bring the magnet X in contact with magnet Y, without pushing either of the magnets.

Two ring magnets

Answer: Magnet X must be floating because the like poles are facing each other (like poles repel each other). If we change the direction of the magnet X by rotating it the unlike poles will face each other and the magnets will come closer. Magnet X is likely repelling magnet Y because their like poles are facing each other. By rotating magnet X, so that opposite poles face each other, the magnets will attract and move closer.

Question 11. Three magnets are arranged on a table in the form of the shape shown in Fig. (below). What is the polarity, Nor S, at the ends 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 of the magnets? The polarity of one end (5) is given to you.

Three bar magnets

Answer:

Benefits of NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Exploring Magnets

• Provides clear and detailed explanations of the properties and behaviour of magnets.

• Helps in grasping core concepts like magnetic poles, attraction, repulsion, and the use of a compass.

• Includes practical activities and experiments to reinforce theoretical knowledge.

• Offers solutions to textbook exercises and past exam questions for better exam readiness.

• Teaches students how to solve real-life problems using magnetism concepts.

• Written in simple language, making it easy for students to comprehend complex topics.

• Encourages independent learning by providing step-by-step solutions.

• Serves as a quick reference for revising key topics and completing assignments efficiently.

• Engages students through practical applications, ensuring they remember the concepts for a longer time.

• Regular practice using the NCERT solutions helps boost students' confidence in the subject. 

Important Study Material Links for Science Chapter 4 Class 6 

Conclusion

Chapter 4: Exploring Magnets provides a detailed understanding of how magnets work and their various properties. Students learn about the concepts of magnetic poles, how magnets attract and repel each other, and the utility of magnets in daily life. Additionally, through various activities, students explore magnetic materials, compasses, and fun experiments that involve magnets. By the end of this chapter 4, students will have gained practical knowledge of magnets and their applications. 

Chapter-wise NCERT Solutions Class 6 Science 

After familiarising yourself with the Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Question Answers, you can access comprehensive NCERT Solutions from all Class 6 Science textbook chapters.

Related Important Links for Class 6 Science 

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