Properties of magnets

Properties of magnets

1.     Magnetic poles: magnets are double poled substances with both the North and South poles. When a bar magnet is broken into small pieces, every piece acquires North and South pole

The strength of a magnet is at the poles. This can be shown by dipping into or sprinkling iron fillings on the magnet.

The greatest magnetic force is concentrated around the poles of a magnet.

QUIZ: Describe an experiment to show that the strength of a magnet is at the poles

2.     Directional property: when a magnet is suspended freely with a string, it always settles in a north-south direction. The side facing north is the North Pole while South Pole is the side facing pointing to the south.

 

This is the method used to identify the poles of a magnet as well identifying magnets.

QUIZ: Given two rods, one a bar magnet and the other an iron rod. Using a string, describe how you would identify the bar magnet.