Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Exploring Magnets Notes & Summary in English for CBSE students
CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Notes & Summary in English for “Exploring Magnets” (based on NCERT textbook Curiosity ).
Chapter 4 – Exploring Magnets
(Complete Notes + Concept-wise Explanation + Summary CBSE Class 6 Science – Curiosity Book)
CHAPTER Complete NOTES PDF
Class 6 Science – Chapter 4: Exploring Magnets
Introduction to the Chapter
The chapter begins with a story of Reshma, who wants to continue her story involving sailors lost in a storm. She discovers that sailors in ancient times used magnets and magnetic compasses to find directions. This curiosity leads us to explore magnets, materials, poles, compass and magnetic interactions.
Concept-Wise Notes and Explanation
1. What Are Magnets?
Magnets are objects that can attract some metals like iron. They exist in different shapes such as:
• Bar magnet
• U-shaped magnet
• Ring magnet
Types of magnets:
- Natural magnets (such as lodestones found in nature)
- Artificial magnets (made by humans from iron and other metals)
Magnets are used in pencil boxes, bags, toys, magnetic boards, refrigerators, compasses etc.
2. Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Materials
Not all materials are attracted by magnets.
Magnetic materials (attracted towards a magnet):
• Iron
• Nickel
• Cobalt
• Some alloys (mixtures of metals)
Non-magnetic materials (not attracted towards a magnet):
• Plastic
• Wood
• Glass
• Rubber
• Paper
Key Point:
Only materials containing iron, nickel or cobalt show magnetic attraction.
3. Poles of a Magnet
Every magnet has two poles:
• North Pole (N)
• South Pole (S)
Key points:
• Maximum iron filings stick near the poles (ends) of a magnet.
• Middle part has very little magnetic effect.
• Poles always occur in pairs.
• You cannot get a magnet with only one pole.
• Even if you cut a magnet into pieces, each piece creates its own N and S poles.
4. Finding Directions Using a Magnet
A freely suspended magnet always aligns itself in the north–south direction.
• The end that points north is called the North-seeking pole.
• The end that points south is the South-seeking pole.
• The Earth itself behaves like a giant magnet.
This principle is used in a magnetic compass, which has a freely rotating magnet needle.
The needle settles along the north-south line and helps in finding directions.
Parts of a magnetic compass:
• Small box with transparent cover
• Magnetic needle (painted red at North end)
• A dial showing north, south, east, west
5. Making a Magnet (Magnetisation)
We can convert an iron object like a needle into a magnet by:
• Rubbing it 30–40 times in one direction with one pole of a magnet
• Testing by bringing iron filings/pins close to see if they get attracted
• Floating the needle on a cork to use it as a compass
This method aligns the tiny particles (domains) in the iron to make it behave like a magnet.
6. Attraction and Repulsion Between Magnets
When two magnets are brought close:
• Unlike poles attract (North attracts South)
• Like poles repel (North repels North, South repels South)
Repulsion is the surest test of identifying a magnet.
Attraction alone cannot confirm whether an object is a magnet, because iron also gets attracted.
Example:
If a bar moves away when another pole is brought near, they are like poles → repulsion.
7. Magnetic Effect Through Non-Magnetic Materials
Magnetic force can pass through materials such as:
• Wood
• Paper
• Cardboard
• Plastic
• Thin glass
Hence, even with a wooden sheet between the magnet and compass needle, deflection still occurs.
8. Fun with Magnets
Magnets are used in various activities and toys:
• Making magnetic garlands
• Moving steel balls in a maze
• Picking paper clips from water
• Matchbox magnet cars that attract or repel
• Hopping frog toy (using ring magnets)
These activities show how magnets work without touching objects.
9. How to Store and Care for Magnets
Proper storage increases magnet life.
• Keep bar magnets in pairs with unlike poles together.
• Place a wooden piece between them.
• Put soft iron keepers at both ends.
• Do not heat or hammer them.
• Keep away from electronic devices (mobiles, remotes).
10. Uses of Magnets
Magnets have many applications:
• Magnetic compasses
• Speakers and microphones
• Toys
• Refrigerator doors
• Magnetic strips in debit/credit cards
• Electric motors
• Communication devices
• Magnetic levitation trains (Maglev)
Summary of the Chapter – Exploring Magnets
• Magnets attract certain metals like iron, nickel, and cobalt.
• Magnetic and non-magnetic materials behave differently with magnets.
• Every magnet has two poles — North and South.
• Poles always exist in pairs; a single pole cannot exist alone.
• Magnets show attraction and repulsion: unlike poles attract, like poles repel.
• A freely suspended magnet rests in north–south direction.
• Magnetic compass works on this principle.
• Magnetic force can act through non-magnetic materials.
• Magnets must be stored properly to prevent damage.
Concept Map – Exploring Magnets
Magnet →
• Magnetic materials (iron, nickel, cobalt)
• Non-magnetic materials (plastic, wood, rubber)
• Poles → North, South (always in pairs)
• Compass → Finds directions
• Properties → Attraction, repulsion, magnetisation
• Shapes → Bar, U-shape, ring, disc, spherical
• Uses → Toys, navigation, machines, medicine