NCERT Question-Answer Solution for Class 6 Science Chapter 4 – Exploring Magnets
Complete NCERT Question–Answer Set for Class 6 Science (Curiosity Textbook) – Chapter 4: Exploring Magnets
Class 6 Science NCERT Solution – Chapter 4 Exploring Magnets
Exploring Magnets – Full NCERT Question–Answer Set (CBSE Class 6 Science – Curiosity Book)
CLASS 6 SCIENCE – CHAPTER 4
EXPLORING MAGNETS
FULL NCERT QUESTION–ANSWER SET
1. Fill in the Blanks (with answers)
- Unlike poles of two magnets attract each other, whereas like poles repel each other.
- The materials that are attracted towards a magnet are called magnetic materials.
- The needle of a magnetic compass rests along the north–south direction.
- A magnet always has two poles.
2. True/False (with answers)
- A magnet can be broken into pieces to obtain a single pole. — False
- Similar poles of a magnet repel each other. — True
- Iron filings mostly stick in the middle of a bar magnet when it is brought near them. — False
- A freely suspended bar magnet always aligns with the north–south direction. — True
3. Match the Columns / Fill the Interaction Table
| Column I | Column II |
|---|---|
| N – N | Repulsion |
| N – S | Attraction |
| S – N | Attraction |
| S – S | Repulsion |
4. Multiple-Choice Question (Fig. 4.15: Bar Magnet and U-clips)
Question:
Atharv rolled a bar magnet over a heap of steel U-clips. Which option in Table 4.3 is most likely?
Answer:
The maximum clips stick at the two ends (poles) of the magnet. Middle has fewer.
Correct option: (i) 10, 2, 10
Short Answer Questions (NCERT)
5. Reshma bought three identical metal bars. Two are magnets and one is iron. How will she identify the magnets?
She should bring one bar close to another bar and check for repulsion.
Repulsion occurs only between like poles of magnets, never with plain iron.
Thus, the two bars that show repulsion are magnets.
6. You are given a magnet without pole markings. How can you find its poles using another magnet?
Bring the marked magnet close to one end of the unmarked magnet:
- If the N pole of the marked magnet attracts the unknown end → unknown end is S.
- If it repels the unknown end → unknown end is N.
7. A bar magnet has no markings. How can you find its North pole without using another magnet?
Suspend it freely using a thread:
- The end that settles pointing towards geographical north is the North pole of the magnet.
This works because the Earth behaves like a giant magnet.
8. If Earth is a magnet, guess Earth’s poles using a magnetic compass.
A compass needle’s north-seeking pole points toward Earth’s geographic north.
This means Earth’s geographic north is actually magnetic south, and
Earth’s geographic south is magnetic north.
9. A mechanic’s screws kept falling while repairing. Suggest a solution from this chapter.
He should convert the screwdriver into a magnetised screwdriver by rubbing it several times in one direction with a magnet.
Then screws will stick to it and not fall.
10. Two ring magnets X and Y are arranged such that X does not move down. Why? How to make X touch Y?
Reason:
Like poles of the two magnets are facing each other, causing repulsion.
The repulsive force prevents X from sliding down.
To make X touch Y:
Reverse the direction of one magnet so that unlike poles face each other → attraction occurs → X will move down.
11. Three magnets are arranged as shown in Fig. 4.17. Identify polarity at ends 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6.
Given the arrangement:
- Opposite ends facing each other must be unlike poles (attraction).
- Same ends facing must be like poles (repulsion).
- One pole (5) is already given.
Following magnetic interaction logic:
End 1 → N
End 2 → S
End 3 → N
End 4 → S
End 6 → N
(These match the positions and interactions shown in the figure.)
Extra In-Text Concept Questions (with answers)
Q: Do magnets stick to objects made of certain materials only?
Answer:
Yes. Magnets stick only to magnetic materials such as iron, nickel, and cobalt.
Q: Which materials in Activity 4.1 were non-magnetic?
Answer:
Plastic, rubber, wood, glass etc., depending on the student’s list.
Q: Do iron filings stick uniformly on a magnet? Why?
Answer:
No. They collect more at the poles because magnetic force is strongest at the ends.
Q: Can we find a magnet with a single pole?
Answer:
No. Even if a magnet is broken, each piece forms both poles.
Magnetic monopoles do not exist.
Q: Why does a freely suspended bar magnet align north–south?
Answer:
Because Earth behaves like a giant magnet, and the magnet aligns with Earth’s magnetic field.
Q: Does an iron bar also align north–south like a magnet?
Answer:
No. Only a magnet aligns north–south, not ordinary iron.
Q: What happens when a magnet is brought near the compass needle through a sheet of wood?
Answer:
The compass still deflects.
Magnetic force can pass through non-magnetic materials.
Q: In Activity 4.4, how do we know the needle became a magnet?
Answer:
If the needle attracts iron filings or pins, it has become magnetised.
Q: How does the magnetic compass help us find direction?
Answer:
Its needle always rests in north–south direction, so directions can be marked accordingly.
Higher-Order Thinking (NCERT-style reasoning)
Q: Why does heating or hammering a magnet reduce its magnetism?
Because heating or hammering disturbs the alignment of magnetic domains, weakening the magnet.
Q: Why are magnets made in different shapes?
Different uses require different shapes:
- U-magnets for strong pulling
- Ring magnets for toys
- Bar magnets for experiments
- Disc magnets for small devices
Q: Why does the frog in the “Hopping Frog” toy jump?
Ring magnets are arranged with like poles facing, creating repulsion, which makes the frog hop along the scale.
Long Answer Questions
1. Explain how to make a magnet at home using a needle.
Steps:
- Take a steel needle.
- Rub one pole of a bar magnet along the needle 30–40 times in one direction only.
- Do not rub back and forth.
- Test by bringing iron filings or pins near it.
- If they stick, the needle has become a magnet.
- Float it on cork in water to form a homemade compass.
2. State three differences between magnetic and non-magnetic materials.
| Magnetic materials | Non-magnetic materials |
|---|---|
| Attracted by magnet | Not attracted |
| Contain iron/nickel/cobalt | Do not contain these |
| Used to make magnets | Cannot be magnetised |
3. Describe the properties of magnets.
Magnets:
- Have two poles (N and S).
- Poles always exist in pairs.
- Like poles repel; unlike poles attract.
- Magnetic strength is highest at the poles.
- A freely suspended magnet aligns north–south.
- Can attract magnetic materials.
Summary (based on chapter end summary)
- A magnet has two poles — N and S.
- Poles always occur in pairs.
- Magnetic materials are attracted by magnets.
- Non-magnetic materials are not attracted.
- Freely suspended magnet rests north–south.
- Magnetic compass needle points north–south.
- Like poles repel; unlike poles attract.