Page 78 - Science Class 6 Times Publication

2. Directional property

When a bar magnet tied to a piece of thread is suspended freely, it
always comes to rest pointing north and south directions. This property
of magnet is called directional property. The end of the magnet which
points towards the north is called north pole whereas the end of the
magnet which points towards the south is called south pole.

Activity 7.3
To show that a freely suspended magnet comes to rest showing
north-south directions.

Materials required: A bar magnet, a rigid support or a stand, a
piece of thread, etc.

Procedure
1. Tie a bar magnet at its middle
with a thread.
2. Suspend the magnet carefully
to make it horizontal. You may
use a stand or a rigid support to
suspend the bar magnet.
3. Allow the bar magnet to move
freely and come to rest by its
own. When it comes to rest,
note the directions pointed by it
and push it at one end so that it
moves. Let the magnet come to
rest again. Repeat this process
2-3 times.

Times' Crucial Science and Environment 74 Book 6