Finding directions with a bar magnet in Playing With Magnets – Class 6 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Playing With Magnets

Activity Name: Finding directions with a bar magnet in Playing With Magnets

Activity Description:

In this experiment, we will suspend a bar magnet freely using a thread tied around its center. We will observe the behavior of the magnet and determine its directional properties.

Required Items:

• Bar magnet
• Thread
• Marker or colored pen

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Take the bar magnet and tie a thread around its center.
2. Suspend the magnet freely using the thread, allowing it to hang without any external interference.
3. Observe the initial position of the magnet and note whether it remains stationary or swings.
4. Wait for some time and observe any changes in the magnet’s position.
5. Notice that the magnet eventually comes to rest in the North-South direction.
6. Use a marker or colored pen to mark the end of the magnet that points towards the North.
7. Disturb the magnet by giving it a gentle push or twist, and again wait for some time.
8. Observe where the colored portion of the magnet comes to rest.
9. Repeat the experiment at another location and note the observations.

Experiment Observations:

1. Initially, the magnet may swing or remain stationary.
2. After some time, the magnet aligns itself in the North-South direction.
3. The marked end of the magnet consistently points towards the North.
4. When disturbed, the magnet returns to the North-South direction.

Precautions:

• Ensure the bar magnet is freely suspended without any external obstructions.
• Avoid strong magnetic fields or other magnets in the vicinity that may influence the experiment.
• Handle the magnet gently to prevent accidental demagnetization or damage.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

Through this experiment, we observe that magnets have a directional property. When freely suspended, a bar magnet aligns itself in the North-South direction.

The end of the magnet pointing towards the North is called the North pole, while the end pointing towards the South is called the South pole. This experiment helps us understand the behavior and directional properties of magnets.