Chapter 4. Exploring Magnets-Extra Questions Examination Based Science Curiosity Class 6 In English

Chapter 4. Exploring Magnets

The following important questions are designed according to the latest CBSE pattern and NCERT Curiosity textbook. These questions cover all the important concepts of the chapter and help students strengthen their understanding while preparing for school examinations.

Important Questions with Answers

Students should first try to answer these questions on their own and then compare their answers with the solutions given below.

1 Mark Questions

Question 1. What is a magnet?

Answer: A magnet is an object that attracts magnetic materials such as iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Question 2. Name any two magnetic materials.

Answer: Iron and nickel.

Question 3. Name two non-magnetic materials.

Answer: Wood and plastic.

Question 4. How many poles does a magnet have?

Answer: A magnet has two poles.

Question 5. Which pole of a freely suspended magnet points towards the north?

Answer: The North Pole.

Question 6. Which instrument is used to find directions?

Answer: A magnetic compass.

Question 7. Which poles of two magnets attract each other?

Answer: Unlike poles attract each other.

Question 8. Which poles repel each other?

Answer: Like poles repel each other.

Question 9. Where is the magnetic force strongest in a magnet?

Answer: At the poles of the magnet.

Question 10. Can a single magnetic pole exist independently?

Answer: No, a single magnetic pole cannot exist independently.

2 Marks Questions

Question 1. Differentiate between magnetic and non-magnetic materials.

Answer:

• Magnetic materials are attracted by magnets.
• Non-magnetic materials are not attracted by magnets.
• Examples of magnetic materials are iron and cobalt.
• Examples of non-magnetic materials are wood and plastic.

Question 2. Why are the poles of a magnet important?

Answer:

• The poles are the strongest parts of a magnet.
• Most magnetic attraction occurs at the poles.
• They determine attraction and repulsion between magnets.

Question 3. How does a magnetic compass help us?

Answer:

• It helps us find directions.
• Its needle aligns in the north-south direction.
• It is useful for navigation and travelling.

Question 4. Why is repulsion considered the surest test of a magnet?

Answer:

• Iron is always attracted by a magnet.
• Only another magnet can repel a magnet.
• Therefore, repulsion confirms that the object is a magnet.

Question 5. Write any four uses of magnets.

Answer:

• Magnetic compass
• Refrigerator doors
• Electric motors
• Speakers and headphones

3 Marks Questions

Question 1. Explain the properties of magnets.

Answer:

• Magnets attract magnetic materials.
• Every magnet has two poles.
• Like poles repel and unlike poles attract.
• A freely suspended magnet points in the north-south direction.
• Magnetic force is strongest at the poles.

Question 2. Describe how to make a simple magnetic compass.

Answer:

• Magnetise a sewing needle by rubbing it with one pole of a magnet.
• Pass the needle through a cork.
• Float it on water.
• The needle settles in the north-south direction.

Question 3. Explain attraction and repulsion between magnets.

Answer:

• Unlike poles attract each other.
• Like poles repel each other.
• Repulsion is the surest test of a magnet.
• These properties help identify the poles of magnets.

Question 4. Why should magnets be stored carefully?

Answer:

• Heating reduces magnetic strength.
• Hammering damages magnets.
• Dropping magnets weakens them.
• Proper storage helps retain magnetism for a long time.

Question 5. Explain why the Earth is called a giant magnet.

Answer:

• A freely suspended magnet always points north-south.
• This happens because of Earth's magnetic field.
• The Earth behaves like a giant magnet.
• Its magnetic field helps a compass show directions.

Long Answer Questions

Question 1. Explain the different types of magnetic and non-magnetic materials with suitable examples.

Answer:

Materials attracted by magnets are called magnetic materials. Iron, nickel, cobalt, and some of their alloys belong to this group. These materials are used in making machines, tools, and electrical appliances. Materials such as wood, plastic, glass, rubber, paper, and cloth are not attracted by magnets and are called non-magnetic materials. Magnets help in separating magnetic materials from non-magnetic ones in industries and recycling processes.

Question 2. Describe the important properties of magnets.

Answer:

Magnets attract magnetic materials and possess two poles known as the North Pole and South Pole. The magnetic force is strongest at the poles. Like poles repel each other, while unlike poles attract each other. A freely suspended magnet always aligns itself in the north-south direction because the Earth behaves like a giant magnet. Magnets can also exert force through several non-magnetic materials such as paper, wood, plastic, and glass.

Question 3. Explain the construction and working of a magnetic compass.

Answer:

A magnetic compass contains a small magnetised needle mounted on a pivot so that it can rotate freely. When kept on a level surface, the needle aligns itself in the north-south direction under the influence of the Earth's magnetic field. The north-seeking end of the needle points towards the geographic north. Magnetic compasses are widely used for navigation, trekking, surveying, and locating directions.

Question 4. Write the uses and care of magnets.

Answer:

Magnets are used in refrigerator doors, speakers, microphones, electric motors, magnetic compasses, toys, cranes, medical equipment, and many electronic devices. To maintain their magnetic strength, magnets should not be heated, hammered, or dropped. They should be stored properly using soft iron keepers and kept away from electronic gadgets.

Question 5. Explain how magnets help us in our daily life.

Answer:

Magnets play an important role in everyday life. They help us find directions using a compass, keep refrigerator doors closed, operate electric motors and generators, produce sound in speakers and headphones, separate iron objects from waste materials, and are used in many household appliances and scientific instruments. Without magnets, many modern technologies would not function efficiently.