Magnets

About magnetism Magnetism is an invisible force. It pulls metal objects which are magnetic towards a magnet. There are lots of different types of magnets. These include….. bar magnets and… circular magnets. horseshoe magnets,

All magnets have two poles – a South pole and a North pole All magnets have two poles – a South pole and a North pole. You can see them marked on these pictures. South pole North pole North pole South pole South pole North pole

Attraction Poles that are different attract each other. This means the invisible magnetic force will pull the poles together like this.

Attract and repel are opposites. Repulsion Poles that are the same do not attract each other. These will repel. This means they will push each other apart and will not touch or attract each other at all. Attract and repel are opposites.

The nail is attracted to the magnet because iron is a magnetic metal. Some metals are magnetic. Objects made of these metals are attracted to a magnet. Just because an object is made from metal does not make it magnetic. This nail is made from iron. Will this be attracted to the magnet if we put it underneath? This can is made from aluminium. Will it be attracted to the magnet if we put it underneath? The aluminium can is not attracted to the magnet. Aluminium is a metal but it is not magnetic. The nail is attracted to the magnet because iron is a magnetic metal.

This knife is made of steel, which is magnetic. Let’s look at some other objects. Can you guess which ones will be magnetic? This knife is made of steel, which is magnetic. The pencil is not made from a magnetic material . This ball is made of rubber and is not magnetic. The screw is made from iron, just like the nail. Yes! It’s magnetic Now, let’s see what you can remember about magnetism. A screw A pencil A knife A paper clip A ball

Are all magnets the same shape? No. There are lots of different types. Here are some of them. bar magnets and… circular magnets. horseshoe magnets,

What do all magnets have? All magnets have a North pole and a South pole. South pole North pole

What do different poles do ? Different poles attract.

What do poles that are the same do ? Poles that are the same repel.

Are all metals magnetic ? No. Only some metals are magnetic Aluminium is not magnetic. Iron is magnetic.

PCS images -©Mayer-Johnson Produced by Bev Evans, 2006.