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

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

This chapter, 'Fun with Magnets,' for CBSE Class 6 Science, introduces students to the fascinating world of magnets. The NCERT Solutions cover fundamental concepts such as the different shapes of artificial magnets, identifying magnetic and non-magnetic materials, and understanding the properties of magnetic poles. It explains how magnets were historically used for navigation and the basic principles of attraction and repulsion between poles. The solutions also address common misconceptions, like the distribution of magnetic force along a magnet's length. These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations and answers to the exercises, making it easier for students to grasp the concepts and prepare effectively for their exams by reinforcing their understanding of magnetic phenomena.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 6
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 13: Fun with Magnets

Chapter summary

Chapter 13, 'Fun with Magnets,' for Class 6 Science NCERT Solutions, explores the basic properties of magnets. It covers the shapes of artificial magnets, distinguishing between magnetic and non-magnetic materials, and the concept of poles. The solutions explain the directional property of magnets and the principles of attraction and repulsion. Exercises focus on identifying magnetic materials, understanding pole behavior, and the historical use of magnets for navigation.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify different shapes of artificial magnets.
  • Distinguish between magnetic and non-magnetic materials.
  • Understand the concept of poles in a magnet.
  • Explain the properties of attraction and repulsion between magnetic poles.
  • Recognize the directional property of a magnet.
  • Identify materials that are attracted to magnets.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Shapes of Artificial Magnets
  • Magnetic Materials
  • Non-magnetic Materials
  • Poles of a Magnet
  • Attraction and Repulsion
  • Directional Property of Magnets
  • Historical Use of Magnets
  • Testing Magnetic Materials

Important topics

  • Identifying Magnetic Materials
  • Properties of Poles (Attraction/Repulsion)
  • Directional Property of Magnets
  • Shapes of Artificial Magnets

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Fill in the blanks in the following statements:

(i) Artificial magnets are made in different shapes such as _____, _____ and _____.

(ii) The materials which are attracted towards a magnet are called _____.

(iii) Paper is not a _____ material.

(iv) In olden days, sailors used to find direction by suspending a piece of _____.

(v) A magnet always has _____ poles.

Solution:

(i) Artificial magnets are made in different shapes such as bar magnet, cylindrical magnet and horse-shoe magnet.

(ii) The materials which are attracted towards a magnet are called magnetic materials.

(iii) Paper is not a magnetic material.

(iv) In olden days, sailors used to find direction by suspending a piece of magnetized needle (or bar magnet).

(v) A magnet always has two poles.

Question 2

State whether the following statements are true or false:

(i) A cylindrical magnet has only one pole.

(ii) Artificial magnets were discovered in Greece.

(iii) Similar poles of a magnet repel each other.

(iv) Maximum iron filings stick in the middle of a bar magnet when it is brought near them.

(v) Bar magnets always point towards North-South direction.

(vi) A compass can be used to find East-West direction at any place.

(vii) Rubber is a magnetic material.

Solution:

(i) False. A cylindrical magnet, like other magnets, has two poles (North and South).

(ii) False. Artificial magnets were discovered in a region called Magnesia, not Greece specifically, though it's in modern-day Turkey.

(iii) True. Like poles (North-North or South-South) always repel each other.

(iv) False. Maximum iron filings stick to the poles of a bar magnet, not the middle, because the magnetic field is strongest at the poles.

(v) True. When freely suspended, bar magnets align themselves in the North-South direction due to the Earth's magnetic field.

(vi) True. Once the North-South direction is known using a compass, the East-West direction can be determined as perpendicular to it.

(vii) False. Rubber is a non-magnetic material; it is not attracted to magnets.

Question 3

It was observed that a pencil sharpener gets attracted by both the poles of a magnet although its body is made of plastic. Name a material that might have been used to make some part of it.
Solution:

The pencil sharpener likely has a blade made of iron. Iron is a magnetic material, which explains why the sharpener is attracted to the magnet, even though its outer body is plastic.

Question 4

Column I shows different positions in which one pole of a magnet is placed near that of the other. Column II indicates the resulting action between them for each situation. Fill in the blanks.

Column I

Column II

  1. N ___ S
  2. N ___ N
  3. S ___ S

(Actions: Attraction, Repulsion)

Solution:

Let's fill in the blanks based on the interaction between magnetic poles:

Column I

Column II

  1. N Attraction S (Opposite poles attract)
  2. N Repulsion N (Similar poles repel)
  3. S Repulsion S (Similar poles repel)

Common mistakes

  • Assuming magnets have only one pole.
  • Incorrectly identifying materials as magnetic or non-magnetic.
  • Believing that maximum iron filings stick to the middle of a bar magnet.
  • Confusing similar and opposite poles' behavior.

Revision tips

  • Review the definitions of magnetic and non-magnetic materials.
  • Practice identifying the poles of a magnet and predicting attraction or repulsion.
  • Understand why bar magnets align in a North-South direction.
  • Use the provided examples to visualize the interaction between magnet poles.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following is NOT a common shape for an artificial magnet?

Q2. Materials that are attracted towards a magnet are called:

Q3. What happens when similar poles of two magnets are brought near each other?

Q4. Which material is typically used for the blade of a pencil sharpener that gets attracted to a magnet?

Q5. A bar magnet, when freely suspended, always points in which direction?

Frequently asked questions

What are the common shapes of artificial magnets?

Artificial magnets are commonly made in shapes such as bar magnets, cylindrical magnets, and horse-shoe magnets.

What is the difference between magnetic and non-magnetic materials?

Magnetic materials are attracted towards a magnet, while non-magnetic materials are not attracted.

How do poles of a magnet interact with each other?

Similar poles (North-North or South-South) repel each other, while opposite poles (North-South) attract each other.

Why do bar magnets always point North-South when suspended?

A freely suspended bar magnet aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, pointing towards the geographical North and South directions.

Can a compass be used to find the East-West direction?

Yes, a compass can be used to find the East-West direction once the North-South direction is established.

What part of a pencil sharpener might be attracted to a magnet?

The blade of a pencil sharpener, which is usually made of iron, is attracted to a magnet.

Important links

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