CBSE Class 6 Science Revision Notes Chapter 4: Exploring Magnets

Magnets attract certain materials, have two poles and can exert force without directly touching an object. A freely suspended magnet aligns itself in the north-south direction and forms the basis of a magnetic compass.

Magnets are present in pencil boxes, toys, purses, stickers and school equipment. They can attract certain materials, move some objects without contact and help us find directions. However, every metal is not magnetic, and all parts of a magnet do not attract with equal strength.

These CBSE Class 6 Science Revision Notes Chapter 4 follow the current 2026–27 chapter. Revise magnetic and non-magnetic materials, poles of a magnet, magnetic compasses, attraction and repulsion, and the effect of magnets through different materials. The notes also explain how to make a simple compass and store magnets safely.

Key Takeaways

• Magnetic materials: Iron, nickel and cobalt are attracted towards magnets.
• Two poles: Every magnet has a North pole and a South pole.
• Direction: A freely suspended magnet rests along the north-south direction.
• Pole interaction: Like poles repel, while unlike poles attract.

Access Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Exploring Magnets Notes in 30 Minutes

Revise the chapter in three parts:

• First 10 minutes: Magnetic materials, magnet shapes and poles
• Next 10 minutes: Direction-finding, magnetic compass and making a magnet
• Final 10 minutes: Attraction, repulsion, magnetic effect and magnet care

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Magnets in Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Notes

A magnet is an object that attracts certain materials.

Magnets may occur naturally or may be made by people for different purposes.

Natural Magnets

Naturally occurring magnets are called natural magnets.

Lodestone is an example of a naturally occurring magnetic material.

Magnets used by early travellers and sailors were based on naturally occurring magnets.

Artificial Magnets

Magnets made by humans are called artificial magnets.

They are used in:

• Pencil boxes
• Purses
• Toys
• Stickers
• Writing-board dusters
• Laboratory activities
• Magnetic compasses

Artificial magnets are made in different shapes according to their use.

Common Shapes of Magnets

Common magnet shapes include:

• Bar magnet
• U-shaped magnet
• Ring magnet
• Disc magnet
• Cylindrical magnet
• Spherical magnet
• Magnetic needle

The shape may differ, but every magnet has two poles.

Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Materials Revision Notes

Magnets attract objects made from certain materials.

Testing different objects with a magnet helps us classify them as magnetic or non-magnetic.

Magnetic Materials

Materials attracted towards a magnet are called magnetic materials.

Examples include:

• Iron
• Nickel
• Cobalt
• Steel objects containing iron
• Some combinations of magnetic metals

Common magnetic objects include:

• Iron nail
• Steel pin
• Paper clip
• U-clip
• Iron screw

Non-Magnetic Materials

Materials that are not attracted towards a magnet are called non-magnetic materials.

Examples include:

• Wood
• Plastic
• Rubber
• Glass
• Paper
• Cardboard
• Cloth

Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Materials Table

Are All Metals Magnetic?

No. Every metal is not attracted towards a magnet.

Iron, nickel and cobalt are magnetic, but many other metals do not show the same strong attraction.

Therefore, an object should be tested instead of assuming that all metals are magnetic.

Poles of a Magnet in Exploring Magnets Notes

All parts of a magnet do not attract magnetic materials equally.

The regions near its ends show the strongest attraction.

Locating the Poles

Spread iron filings on a sheet of paper and place a bar magnet over them.

The filings gather mainly near the two ends of the magnet. Fewer filings stick near the middle.

The two ends are called the poles of the magnet.

They are:

• North pole
• South pole

Where Is Magnetic Attraction Strongest?

Magnetic attraction is strongest near the poles.

This is why the largest number of iron filings or steel pins collect near the ends of a bar magnet.

The middle region attracts fewer filings.

Do Magnets of Other Shapes Have Poles?

Yes. Magnets of every shape have two poles.

In a U-shaped magnet, ring magnet or cylindrical magnet, the poles may appear at different positions, but they still occur in pairs.

Can a Single Magnetic Pole Exist?

No. A magnet cannot have only one pole.

If a bar magnet is broken into two pieces, each piece develops:

• A North pole
• A South pole

Breaking it into smaller pieces still produces magnets with both poles.

Therefore, magnetic poles always occur in pairs.

Finding Directions with a Magnet

A freely suspended magnet shows a special directional property.

This property was used by travellers and sailors to find directions.

Freely Suspended Magnet Activity

Tie a thread around the middle of a bar magnet.

Suspend it horizontally and allow it to move freely.

Rotate it gently and wait until it stops.

Repeat the activity several times.

Each time, the magnet comes to rest along the same direction.

North-South Direction

A freely suspended magnet rests along the north-south direction.

The end pointing towards the north is called:

• North-seeking pole
• North pole

The other end pointing towards the south is called:

• South-seeking pole
• South pole

Why Does a Magnet Point North-South?

The Earth behaves like a giant magnet.

A freely moving magnet aligns itself with the Earth’s magnetic direction.

This makes magnets useful for finding direction.

Magnet and Iron Bar Comparison

A suspended magnet repeatedly rests along the north-south direction.

An ordinary iron bar may stop in any direction.

Therefore, north-south alignment can help distinguish a magnet from an ordinary metal bar.

Magnetic Compass in Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Revision Notes

A magnetic compass is a small device used to find directions.

It works because its needle is a freely rotating magnet.

Parts of a Magnetic Compass

A magnetic compass usually contains:

• A circular box
• A transparent cover
• A magnetic needle
• A central pin
• A direction dial
• North, South, East and West markings

The North-pointing end of the needle is often coloured red.

How Does a Magnetic Compass Work?

The magnetic needle rotates freely.

After some time, it comes to rest in the north-south direction.

The compass box is then rotated until the North and South markings on the dial align with the needle.

The remaining directions can then be read from the dial.

Uses of a Magnetic Compass

A compass can help:

• Sailors find direction
• Travellers navigate
• Hikers identify routes
• Students understand directions
• Surveyors and explorers orient themselves

Nearby magnets or large iron objects can disturb a compass reading, so the compass should be used away from them.

How to Make a Simple Magnetic Compass

A simple magnetic compass can be made using an iron needle, a magnet, cork and water.

The activity shows how an iron needle can be magnetised.

Materials Required

• Iron sewing needle
• Permanent bar magnet
• Cork
• Glass bowl
• Water
• Steel pins or iron filings for testing

Magnetising the Needle

1. Place the needle on a wooden surface.
2. Put one pole of a bar magnet at one end of the needle.
3. Stroke the magnet along the full length of the needle.
4. Lift the magnet after reaching the other end.
5. Bring the same pole back to the original starting end.
6. Repeat the stroke in the same direction 30 to 40 times.
7. Test whether the needle attracts steel pins.

If it attracts the pins, the needle has become magnetised.

Making the Floating Compass

1. Pass the magnetised needle horizontally through a cork.
2. Float the cork in a bowl of water.
3. Keep the needle above the water level.
4. Allow it to rotate freely.
5. Wait until it stops.
6. Observe the direction of its ends.
7. Rotate the cork and repeat.

The needle repeatedly settles along the north-south direction.

Why Should the Magnet Be Stroked in One Direction?

The magnet should move from one end to the other in the same direction.

Moving it randomly back and forth may not magnetise the needle properly.

Matsya-Yantra

Long before the widespread use of the modern compass, Indians used a navigation device called matsya-yantra or machchhyantra.

It consisted of a magnetised fish-shaped iron piece floating in a vessel of oil.

It worked on the same basic directional principle as a compass needle.

Attraction and Repulsion between Magnets

When two magnets are brought close together, they may pull towards each other or move apart.

The result depends on which poles face each other.

Attraction

Unlike poles attract each other.

This means:

• North attracts South
• South attracts North

The magnets move towards each other.

Repulsion

Like poles repel each other.

This means:

• North repels North
• South repels South

The magnets move away from each other.

Pole Interaction Table

Simple Activity with Pencils

Place one bar magnet over round pencils so it can roll easily.

Bring one pole of another magnet near it without touching.

Depending on the poles:

• The rolling magnet moves closer.
• The rolling magnet moves away.

This shows that magnetic force can act without direct contact.

Repulsion as a Test for Magnetism

Attraction alone cannot always prove that an object is a magnet.

An ordinary iron bar is attracted by both poles of a magnet.

Magnet and Iron Bar

Bring the North pole of a magnet near both ends of an iron bar.

Both ends of the iron bar are attracted.

The same happens with the South pole.

Therefore, attraction may occur between:

• A magnet and another magnet
• A magnet and an iron object

Why Is Repulsion a Better Test?

Repulsion occurs only when like poles of two magnets face each other.

An ordinary iron bar is not able to repel a magnet.

Therefore:

Repulsion is a reliable test for magnetism.

Identifying Magnets among Metal Bars

Suppose three similar bars are given, and two are magnets while one is iron.

Bring one end of the first bar near both ends of the second bar.

• If repulsion occurs at one end, both are magnets.
• If only attraction occurs, one may be an iron bar.

Repeat the test carefully to identify the two magnets.

Compass Needle and a Bar Magnet

A compass needle is itself a small magnet.

Therefore, it shows attraction and repulsion when another magnet is brought near it.

North Pole near the Compass North Pole

When the North pole of a bar magnet approaches the North pole of the compass needle, the needle moves away.

This is repulsion between like poles.

South Pole near the Compass North Pole

When the South pole of a bar magnet approaches the North pole of the needle, the needle moves towards it.

This is attraction between unlike poles.

What Does Deflection Show?

Movement of the compass needle shows that the nearby magnet exerts a force.

The magnet does not need to touch the needle.

Magnetic Effect through Non-Magnetic Materials

A magnet can exert force through some non-magnetic materials.

The material placed between the magnet and compass does not always block the magnetic effect.

Activity

Place a magnet near a magnetic compass and observe the needle’s deflection.

Then place a thin sheet of material between them.

Test:

• Wood
• Cardboard
• Plastic
• Glass

The compass needle continues to deflect.

Main Conclusion

Magnetic effect can pass through thin non-magnetic materials.

This is why a magnet can:

• Move a steel ball below cardboard
• Pick a paper clip through a glass container
• Move an object through plastic
• Attract a pin through paper

Does Every Material Allow the Same Effect?

The NCERT activity uses thin sheets of common non-magnetic materials.

Very thick objects or a large distance may weaken the observed effect.

The activity mainly shows that direct contact is not necessary.

Uses and Fun Activities with Magnets

Magnets can move or attract some objects without touching them directly.

This makes them useful in toys and simple activities.

Magnetic Garland

Magnets and steel objects can be arranged to create a hanging magnetic garland.

The activity demonstrates magnetic attraction.

Steel Ball Maze

A steel ball can be moved through a cardboard maze using a magnet below the board.

The magnet acts through the cardboard.

Paper Clip in Water

A steel paper clip can be removed from water by moving a magnet outside the container.

The magnet does not need to touch the water.

Magnetic Cars

Attach magnets to two toy cars.

If like poles face each other, the cars move apart.

If unlike poles face each other, the cars move closer.

Hopping Frog

Ring magnets arranged with like poles facing each other can create a repulsive effect.

A toy frog attached to a magnet can appear to hop as it moves over the arranged magnets.

Everyday Uses of Magnets

Magnets are commonly used in:

• Pencil boxes
• Purse fasteners
• Toys
• Magnetic stickers
• Writing-board dusters
• Compasses
• Refrigerator doors
• Tool holders
• Magnetic games
• Separating iron objects from mixtures

The shape and size of a magnet depend on the purpose for which it is made.

Care and Storage of Magnets

Magnets may lose strength if handled carelessly.

They should be kept away from conditions that can damage their magnetic properties.

What Should Be Avoided?

Do not:

• Heat magnets
• Hammer magnets
• Drop magnets repeatedly
• Throw them against hard surfaces
• Keep them carelessly near sensitive devices

The textbook also advises keeping magnets away from mobile phones and remote controls.

Storing Bar Magnets

Bar magnets should be stored in pairs.

Keep:

• Unlike poles on the same side
• A wooden piece between the two magnets
• Soft iron pieces across both ends

The soft iron pieces are sometimes called keepers.

Storing a U-Shaped Magnet

A soft iron piece should be placed across the two poles.

This helps protect its magnetic strength.

Why Is Proper Storage Important?

Improper storage, repeated dropping and heating may weaken a magnet.

Careful storage helps magnets remain useful for a longer time.

Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Summary Notes

Important Terms from Exploring Magnets

Magnet: An object that attracts certain materials.

Natural magnet: A magnet occurring naturally, such as lodestone.

Artificial magnet: A magnet made by humans.

Magnetic material: A substance attracted towards a magnet.

Non-magnetic material: A substance that is not attracted towards a magnet.

Pole: A region near the end of a magnet where attraction is strongest.

North pole: The end of a freely suspended magnet that points north.

South pole: The end that points south.

Magnetic compass: A device containing a freely rotating magnetic needle used to find directions.

Attraction: Pulling force between unlike poles.

Repulsion: Pushing force between like poles.

Magnetisation: The process of making a magnetic object from a suitable material.

Magnetic effect: The influence of a magnet on another magnetic object or magnet.

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