Page 77 - Science Class 6 Times Publication

Magnetic poles

The two ends of a magnet are called its poles. The two poles of a
magnet are denoted by N(north) and S(south). A magnet has more
power at poles. Each piece of a magnet has two poles and the poles of
a magnet cannot be separated.

Properties of a magnet

The magnets are found in different shapes, sizes and strengths. But
all the magnets possess some common properties. They are:
1. Attractive property

A magnet attracts magnetic substances such as iron, cobalt, nickel,
etc. This property of a magnet is called attractive property.

Activity 7.2
To show that a magnet attracts magnetic substances

Materials required: A bar magnet, iron llings (tiny pieces of iron),
sand, a bowl or plate, etc.

Procedure

1. Take a bowl or a plate and mix some sand and iron lling in it.
2. Move a bar magnet to and fro slowly over the mixture.

Observation: You will see that the iron
llings are attracted by the magnet. The

sand is not attracted.

Conclusion: Iron is a magnetic substance.
So, it is attracted by a magnet. This
experiment shows that a magnet has an
attracting property.

Times' Crucial Science and Environment 73 Book 6