CBSE Class 6 Science Exemplar Chapter 13 Fun with Magnets NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 13, 'Fun with Magnets,' delves into the intriguing properties of magnets. This chapter explores fundamental concepts such as magnetic poles, the attraction that occurs between opposite poles, and the repulsion experienced between similar poles. Students will discover the proper ways to store magnets to maintain their magnetic strength and learn how to determine a magnet's power by observing the quantity of iron filings it attracts. The NCERT Solutions offer detailed explanations and guided problem-solving, ensuring students develop a solid understanding of these basic principles of magnetism. This knowledge is crucial for their academic success and for building a strong foundation in science.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectScience Exemplar
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 13

Chapter summary

Chapter 13, 'Fun with Magnets,' focuses on the basic properties of magnets. The NCERT Solutions explain the attraction and repulsion phenomena based on magnetic poles. It also covers the correct way to store magnets and how to determine the relative strength of magnets by observing the iron filings they attract. This chapter provides a foundational understanding of magnetism for Class 6 students.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the concepts of magnetic attraction and repulsion.
  • Identify like and unlike poles of magnets.
  • Determine the correct method for storing magnets.
  • Relate the amount of iron filings attracted to the strength of a magnet.
  • Analyze diagrams to predict the behavior of magnets.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Magnets
  • Magnetic Poles
  • Attraction
  • Repulsion
  • Like Poles
  • Unlike Poles
  • Magnet Storage
  • Magnet Strength
  • Iron Filings
  • Magnetic Materials

Important topics

  • Attraction and Repulsion of Magnets
  • Identifying Like and Unlike Poles
  • Correct Storage of Magnets
  • Determining Magnet Strength

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Observe the pictures A and B given in fig 13.1 carefully. Figure 13.1 shows two scenarios with magnets attached to cars. In scenario A, car 1 and car 2 are positioned such that their magnets face each other. In scenario B, car 3 and car 4 are positioned similarly. Which of the following statements correctly describes the interaction between the cars in these scenarios?

Diagram showing magnets on cars in scenarios A and B.

Solution:

The correct statement is: (d) In A, cars 1 and 2 will come closer to each other and in B, 3 and 4 will move away from each other.

Explanation:

Magnets have two types of poles: North (N) and South (S). The behavior of magnets when brought near each other depends on whether their poles are the same (like) or different (unlike).

  1. Attraction: Unlike poles attract each other. This means a North pole will attract a South pole, and vice versa.
  2. Repulsion: Like poles repel each other. This means a North pole will push away another North pole, and a South pole will push away another South pole.

In case A of Figure 13.1, the magnets on cars 1 and 2 are shown facing each other with opposite poles (one N and one S). Therefore, they will attract each other, causing the cars to move closer.

In case B of Figure 13.1, the magnets on cars 3 and 4 are shown facing each other with the same poles (both N or both S). Therefore, they will repel each other, causing the cars to move away from each other.

Question 2

The figure 13.2 shows four different arrangements (a), (b), (c), and (d) for storing two bar magnets. These arrangements involve wooden and metal blocks and plates. Which one of these arrangements is the correct way to store the magnets to preserve their magnetism?

Diagrams showing four different arrangements for storing bar magnets.

Solution:

The correct arrangement for storing two magnets is shown in option (b).

Explanation:

Magnets can lose their magnetic strength over time if not stored properly. The best way to store bar magnets is to keep them in pairs with opposite poles facing each other. They should be separated by a non-magnetic material, such as a piece of wood, and then joined at their ends by a piece of soft iron called a 'keeper'.

  • In arrangement (b), the two magnets are placed parallel to each other with their opposite poles aligned (e.g., North pole of one magnet facing the South pole of the other).
  • A wooden block is placed between them to maintain a small gap.
  • A metal keeper (likely soft iron) is placed across the ends of the magnets, connecting the North pole of one to the South pole of the other, and vice versa. This keeper completes the magnetic circuit and helps retain the magnetism.

Arrangements (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect because they either place the magnets too close without proper separation, use metal plates in a way that might interfere with magnetism, or do not use a keeper effectively.

Question 3

Three bar magnets, labeled A, B, and C, were individually dipped into a heap of iron filings. Figure 13.3 shows the amount of iron filings that stuck to each magnet. Magnet A has a large amount of iron filings sticking to it, magnet B has a moderate amount, and magnet C has the least amount. Based on this observation, what can be concluded about the relative strength of these magnets?

Diagram showing magnets A, B, and C with varying amounts of iron filings stuck to them.

Which of the following options correctly represents the strength of these magnets?

(a) A > B > C

(b) A < B < C

(c) A = B = C

(d) A > C

Solution:

The correct option is (a): A > B > C

Explanation:

The strength of a magnet is indicated by the amount of magnetic material it can attract. Iron filings are small pieces of iron that are attracted to magnets. The more iron filings a magnet attracts, the stronger its magnetic field is.

  • Magnet A has attracted the largest quantity of iron filings, indicating it has the strongest magnetic field and is the strongest magnet among the three.
  • Magnet B has attracted a moderate amount of iron filings, showing it is less strong than A but stronger than C.
  • Magnet C has attracted the least amount of iron filings, indicating it has the weakest magnetic field and is the weakest magnet.

Therefore, the order of strength of the magnets from strongest to weakest is A, then B, then C.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing attraction with repulsion based on pole orientation.
  • Incorrectly identifying the strongest magnet based on iron filings.
  • Choosing improper methods for storing magnets.

Revision tips

  • Review the definitions of like and unlike poles and their effects.
  • Pay close attention to the diagrams showing magnet interactions.
  • Understand the principle behind storing magnets using 'keep-rods' and 'dividers'.
  • Practice relating the iron filings collected to the magnet's strength.

Practice MCQs

Q1. In Figure 13.1 (A), two cars with magnets are shown. If car 1 and car 2 move closer, what does this indicate about their facing poles?

Q2. In Figure 13.1 (B), if cars 3 and 4 move away from each other, what can be concluded about their facing poles?

Q3. Which of the following is the correct way to store two bar magnets?

Q4. If a magnet attracts a large amount of iron filings, what does this imply about the magnet?

Q5. In Figure 13.3, magnet A attracts the most iron filings, followed by B, and then C. What is the order of their strength?

Frequently asked questions

What is the fundamental rule regarding the interaction between magnetic poles?

The fundamental rule is that unlike poles (North and South) attract each other, while like poles (North-North or South-South) repel each other.

How can we determine the strength of a magnet using iron filings?

The strength of a magnet is directly proportional to the amount of iron filings it attracts. A magnet that attracts more iron filings is stronger.

Why is it important to store magnets correctly?

Correct storage, typically with opposite poles facing each other and separated by a non-magnetic material, helps prevent the magnets from losing their magnetic strength over time.

What happens when two magnets are brought close together with their North poles facing each other?

When the North poles of two magnets face each other, they will repel or move away from each other because like poles repel.

What is the purpose of a 'keeper' when storing magnets?

A keeper is a piece of soft iron placed across the poles of bar magnets. It helps to complete the magnetic circuit and maintain the magnet's strength by reducing the demagnetizing effect.

Important links

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