11/1/2022

How magnets
work

YEAR 4 SCIENCE
11/1/2022
What is magnetism?

 Magnetism is an invisible force of

attraction between some metals. This is
invisible to the human eye.
 Themagnetic forces come from a tiny
particle called an atom.
Magnets have two ends
called poles. They are,
 1. North pole
 2. South pole
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How does a magnetic force appear?

 In a magnet all the north ends of the tiny atoms point

North and all the south ends of point South.
 In a magnet
N-S N-S
N-S N-S
N-S N-S
N-S N-S
N-S N-S
But in a non magnet you can see a
random pattern

N-S S-N
S-N N-S
N-S S-N
S-N N-S
If you put two magnets together with
different poles points towards one another,
the magnets will pull towards each other.
We call it attracts each other
What is an electromagnet?

 When an electricity current flows in a wire, it creates a magnetic field

around the wire.
 The effect can be used to make an electromagnet.
 Electromagnets are strong magnets that use electricity.
Investigation: Make an
electromagnet
 Things needed: Battery, plastic
coated copper wire, steel nail,
some paper clips
Observation: the clips are attracted to
the nail.

 Conclusion: The nail has become an electromagnet.

Why do you need to use a
copper wire covered with
plastic?
 Plastic is a bad conductor and
a good insulator. Current will not
flow through the plastic coating.
When you do the investigation
current will not come to your
hand because of the plastic
coating.
How to make this a strong
electromagnet?

Add more batteries.

Add more wraps of wire. The more coils make the stronger electric current.
Why does the earth have a north and
south pole?

 The earth behaves as if it contains a giant magnet. It produces a

magnetic field in which the field lines are most concentrated at the poles.
 This magnetic field can be detected using magnetic materials or magnets.
 At the center of the earth there is a liquid core. The core is magnetic. It
creates a massive magnetic pulling.
 The earth magnetic poles have a north and a south end.
Compass

 What is a compass?
 It is a magnet that can turn freely and it lies to North and South direction.
 A compass comprises:
 A magnetic needle mounted on a pivot. (so it can turn freely)
 A dial to show the direction.
Uses of the compass

 If you are lost in the woods, your best chance of finding your way might be
a tiny compass.
 The earth is a magnet that interact with other magnets. So the north end
of the compass magnet is drawn align with the Earth’s magnetic field.
Because the earth’s magnetic north pole attracts the north end of the
other magnet and it is technically the south pole of our planet’s magnetic
field.
Pg 57

 Inside metals there are millions of particles

 Each particle has a North end and a South end
 In a magnetic metal all the particles are lined North – South
 Opposite poles of a magnet attract.
 Like poles of a magnet repels.
How do magnets react together?

 Investigation: How do magnets react together?

 Method: Take two bar magnets and slowly bring the two magnets
together. Observe whether those magnets attract or repel.
Observation

 North end facing South end – Attracts

 North end facing North end – Repels
 South end facing North end – Attracts
 South end facing South end - Repels
Conclusion: Like poles repel each
other and opposite poles attract each
other
Which things are magnetic?

 Experiment 1: Test the below objects using a magnet

 Observation:
objects material Magnetic/non
magnetic?
Window/ glass glass Non magnetic
Cupboard door wood Non magnetic
White board metal magnetic
Flower vase ceramic Non magnetic
School bag fabric Non magnetic
Key tag steel magnetic
coin Steel magnetic
conclusion

 The objects which attract to the magnet are called magnetic materials
and the materials which are not attracted to the magnet are called non
magnetic materials
Magnetic metals

 Examples for magnetic metals:

 Iron
 Cobalt
 Steel
 Nickel
 Inside the earth liquid core, you can find three main metals. Ex: Iron, Nickel
and Cobalt
 Steel is a mixture of metals. It is mixed with Iron and Nickel.
 Metals which are mixed together are called alloys.
 Ex: Steel is an alloy of iron
How to make a magnet?

 Investigation: making a magnet

 Method: Hold the nail flat and stroke the magnet along with the nail.
 Do the stroke only one direction 50 to 100 times. Test the magnet with
paper clips or nails.
Strike in one
direction
 Strike 50 to 100 times
Uses of magnets

 Every electrical appliance with an electric holding has a magnet.

 Eg: television, fridge.
 Digital information on your computer hard drive and in cassette tapes
magnets read and write.
 Speakers or head phones which help to turn stored music.
 Cranes which take magnetic materials from one place to another.
 Maglev trains use a magnetic field to move.
How to make a compass

Things needed: Magnets, cork, large bowl, water, pliers.

Method: Magnetize the needle. Hold the needle and take the magnet and
stroke it 50 to 100 times and make it a temporary magnet.
Cut a cork and insert the needle through the cork.
Fill a bowl with water.
Place the cork and needle in the water and see how it moves.
Observation: The compass align north and south
How does the compass work?

 A magnet is found inside the compass. Its North pole direct to the North
and the South pole directed to the south of the earth.
 What is the needle made of? Metalitic substance which can be
magnetized. Ex: Steel
 Name the people who use compass?
 Explorers, sailors, travellers, scouter, Scientists, Students, Captains, Pilots
 Pg 46 science work book
 Pg 47
 Pg 59 text book, 61
Revision

 Name three shapes of magnets

 Name two types of magnets
 Write the steps of making an electromagnet
 Name 5 uses of magnets
 Write 3 magnetic metals
 Write 3 non magnetic metals
 Draw the pattern of the atoms in a magnet
 What is an alloy?
 Give one example for alloy
 Write 3 magnetic metals
 Write 3 non magnetic metals
 Draw the pattern of the atoms in a magnet
 What is an alloy?
 Give one example for alloy