Observing the magnetic force in Force – Class 8 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Force

Activity Name: Observing the magnetic force in Force

Activity Description:

Required Items:

1. Sewing needle
2. Bar magnet
3. Magnetic compass
4. Red colored foam ball
5. White colored foam ball
6. Bowl of water

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Take a sewing needle and rub it with a bar magnet several times, always moving the magnet in the same direction.
2. Check if the needle gets magnetized by observing whether it behaves like a magnet.
3. Using a magnetic compass, identify the north and south poles of the needle.
4. Pin a red colored foam ball to the south pole and a white ball to the north pole of the needle.
5. Drop the magnetized needle into a bowl of water and observe that it floats due to its magnetic properties.
6. Repeat the process to make another magnetized needle.

Experiment Observations:

• When two magnetized needles with like ends (either red or white balls) are placed side by side, they will repel each other.
• When two magnetized needles with unlike ends (white ball of the first needle and red ball of the second needle) face each other, they will attract each other.

Precautions:

1. Be careful while handling the sharp sewing needle to avoid any accidents or injuries.
2. Ensure the magnetization process is consistent by always moving the bar magnet in the same direction over the sewing needle.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

Through this experiment, we observe the principles of magnetism. Like poles of magnets repel each other, and unlike poles attract each other. The attraction or repulsion between magnets occurs due to the magnetic force, which is a field force. A magnet can exert its influence on another magnet without any direct contact, demonstrating the concept of magnetic fields.