1
Chapter 10
Magnetic Force
Magnets - It is a natural rock or a metal object capable of attracting specific types of metal towards it.
Repel - To force something to move away
Attract - To pull something toward another thing
Demagnetization - The reduction or complete removal of a material’s magnetic properties
Magnets attract materials made of iron, nickel and cobalt.
Magnets create invisible forces that attract or repel certain materials. These forces are caused by
magnetic fields.
Materials that do not contain these metals are non-magnetic, like wood, plastic, cloth, etc.
The strength of magnets varies. Its strength is determined based on its size and the number of its tiny
magnets (magnetic domains) that are aligned.
Properties of Magnets
Magnetic Poles
Magnets have two poles, the north (N) and the south poles (S).
Similar poles - REPEL Opposite poles - ATTRACT
Magnetic Force - refers to the attractive or repulsive interaction between magnets or magnetic materials.
- is responsible for the way magnets behave and how they affect other objects.
- are stronger at the two poles than anywhere else along its length.
Magnetic Fields - magnets generates invisible lines.
- these lines extends from the north pole to the south pole of a magnet.
When two LIKE POLES are brought close to each other, their magnetic field interact and the magnetic force
between them repels each other.
On the other hand, when OPPOSITE POLES are brought together, the magnetic field lines interact by
aligning and strengthening each other.This results in an increased magnetic force between the magnets
causing them to attract each other.
Magnets can lose their magnetism over time, which is called demagnetization. However, this process
typically occurs very slowly. And in many cases, magnets can retain their magnetic properties for years or
even decades without significant loss. The rate of demagnetization depends on various factors, including
the material composition of the magnet, exposure to high temperatures, physical damage, and exposure to
strong external magnetic fields.
Many objects used in our daily lives contain magnets, like speakers, cell phones, magnetic locks of bags and
Wallets , refrigerator magnets, etc.
Interaction with Metals
Metals are among the primary materials affected by magnets. Magnetic metals such as iron, nickel, and
cobalt are strongly attracted by magnets. Non-magnetic metals such as aluminum, copper, silver and gold
are not attracted to magnets. They do not have magnetic properties and they do not react to a magnetic
field.
2
Interaction with Nonmetals
Such as wood, plastic,glass and most organic materials do not possess magnetic properties. They are not
attracted to magnets and do not interact with magnetic fields.
Strength of Magnetic Force
There are a number of factors that affect the strength of a magnetic force. The type of material, the
distance between the magnet and the object and the strength of the magnet itself all contribute to the
level of attraction or repulsion observed. Temperature can affect the magnetism of certain materials,
changing their responsiveness to magnetic fields.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Activity 1 :
True or False. Carefully read the statements below. Write True if the statement is true; otherwise, write
False on the blank space before each number.
______1. A magnet can attract objects if they are within the magnet's magnetic field.
______2. Magnets attract objects made of paper.
______3. North poles of magnets are attracted to the south poles of other magnets.
______4. All forces require physical contact.
______5. Magnets do not attract cloth.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Activity 2:
Encircle the letter of the correct answer before each number.
1. Which of the following materials is NOT attracted to a magnet?
a) glass b) metallic paper clip c) iron nail d) another magnet
2. What are the two poles of a magnet called?
a) east pole and west pole c) red pole and blue pole
b) north pole and south pole d) top pole and bottom pole
3. Which of the following materials is attracted to a magnet?
a) glass b) plastic c) iron d) wood
4.What will happen if two magnets are oriented, as shown?
a) They will attract. c) Nothing will happen
b) They will repel. d) They will fall.
5. What will happen if two magnets are oriented, as shown?
a) ) They will attract. c) Nothing will happen
b) They will repel. d) They will fall.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Activity 3:
Write MG if the object is magnetic and NMG is the object is non-magnetic.
______1. banana peel ______6. nickel
______2. plastic bottle ______7. gold
______3. iron ______8. rubber
______4. aluminum ______9. steel
______5. paper ______10. wood
