Finding out whether the given object is a magnet or not in Playing With Magnets – Class 6 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Playing With Magnets

Activity Name: Finding out whether the given object is a magnet or not in Playing With Magnets

Activity Description:

In this experiment, you are given three objects that are identical in size, shape, and color. You also have a bar magnet.

The objective is to determine which one of the three objects is a magnet, which one is made up of a magnetic material but is not a magnet, and which one is made up of a non-magnetic material.

You will observe the behavior of each object when brought close to different poles of the bar magnet and record your observations.

Required Items:

• Three identical objects
• Bar magnet

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Gather the three identical objects and the bar magnet.
2. Label the objects as Object-1, Object-2, and Object-3 for easy reference.
3. Take Object-1 and bring it close to one pole of the bar magnet.
4. Observe and record whether Object-1 is attracted, repelled, or not attracted to the magnet pole.
5. Repeat step 4 with Object-2 and Object-3, recording their observations as well.
6. Now, bring each object close to the other pole of the bar magnet and repeat steps 4 and 5, recording the observations.

Experiment Observations:

Object-1:

• Changes observed when brought close to one pole of the bar magnet: [Attracted / Repelled / Not Attracted]
• Changes observed when brought close to the other pole of the bar magnet: [Attracted / Repelled / Not Attracted]

Object-2:

• Changes observed when brought close to one pole of the bar magnet: [Attracted / Repelled / Not Attracted]
• Changes observed when brought close to the other pole of the bar magnet: [Attracted / Repelled / Not Attracted]

Object-3:

• Changes observed when brought close to one pole of the bar magnet: [Attracted / Repelled / Not Attracted]
• Changes observed when brought close to the other pole of the bar magnet: [Attracted / Repelled / Not Attracted]

Note down your observations in below table format

Precautions:

• Ensure that the objects being tested are identical in size, shape, and color to eliminate any external factors.
• Handle the bar magnet with care to avoid injury or damage.
• Keep other magnetic objects away from the experiment area to prevent interference.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

• If an object is attracted by one pole of the bar magnet and repelled by the other pole, it can be classified as a magnet.
• If an object is attracted by both poles of the bar magnet and not repelled by any pole, it is not a magnet but a magnetic substance.
• If an object is neither attracted nor repelled by the magnet, it can be concluded that it is neither a magnet nor a magnetic substance.