Magnetism: a force at a distance
Magnetism is a force at a distance — a magnet can pull or push without touching. Every magnet has two ends called poles (north and south). Unlike poles attract (pull together); like poles repel (push apart).
Test it: magnetic or not?
Q1. Test each object with a magnet. Tick whether it is attracted (magnetic) or not attracted.
| Object | Attracted | Not attracted |
|---|---|---|
| Steel paperclip | ||
| Plastic ruler | ||
| Iron nail | ||
| Wooden spoon | ||
| Aluminium foil | ||
| Coin | ||
| Eraser | ||
| Metal key |
Q2. Look at your results. What kind of material seems to be attracted to magnets?
Q3. What happens when you bring two north poles together? What about a north and a south pole?
Q4. Magnetism and gravity are both forces that act at a distance. Explain what "at a distance" means, and name one everyday use of a magnet.
Q5. A common mistake is thinking gravity only pulls things "down". In fact, gravity pulls objects with mass together — it pulls us towards the Earth because the Earth is so big. Draw an arrow showing which way gravity pulls a dropped ball.