Magnets are objects that attract certain materials and show direction-finding properties.
A magnet always has two poles, and a freely suspended magnet rests along the north-south direction.
Magnets help us understand attraction, repulsion, direction-finding and invisible magnetic effects through simple activities. Important Questions Class 6 Science Chapter 4 help students practise magnetic and non-magnetic materials, poles of a magnet, magnetic compass, north-south alignment, attraction and repulsion, magnetic effects through non-magnetic materials, and safe handling of magnets. The CBSE 2026 chapter explains these ideas through Reshma’s story about sailors, lodestones, artificial magnets, compass needles and fun magnet activities.
Key Takeaways
- Magnetic Materials: Iron, nickel and cobalt are attracted by magnets.
- Magnet Poles: A magnet has a North pole and a South pole.
- Compass Needle: A freely suspended magnet rests along the north-south direction.
- Magnet Interaction: Like poles repel, while unlike poles attract.
Important Questions Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Structure 2026
| Concept |
Rule |
Example |
| Magnetic Materials |
Attracted by a magnet |
Iron nail, steel clip |
| Poles of Magnet |
Maximum attraction occurs near poles |
Ends of a bar magnet |
| Compass |
Freely suspended magnet points north-south |
Magnetic compass needle |
Important Questions Class 6 Science Chapter 4 with Answers
Exploring Magnets introduces magnets through materials, poles, direction-finding and interaction activities.
Students should connect every answer with attraction, repulsion, compass direction or magnetic materials.
These exploring magnets class 6 questions follow the NCERT 2026 chapter flow.
1. What does Important Questions Class 6 Science Chapter 4 mainly teach?
Important Questions Class 6 Science Chapter 4 mainly teach magnetic materials, non-magnetic materials, magnet poles, compass use, attraction and repulsion. The chapter also explains magnetic effects through non-magnetic materials.
- Material Skill: Identify magnetic and non-magnetic objects.
- Pole Skill: Locate where attraction is maximum.
- Compass Skill: Use a magnet to find directions.
- Interaction Skill: Predict attraction and repulsion.
- Final Result: Chapter 4 teaches basic properties and uses of magnets.
2. What is the name of Class 6 Science Chapter 4?
The name of Class 6 Science Chapter 4 is Exploring Magnets. It explains magnets through stories, experiments and activities.
- Chapter Number: 4.
- Chapter Name: Exploring Magnets.
- Textbook: Curiosity.
- Final Result: Chapter 4 is about magnets and their properties.
3. Why did Reshma learn about magnets?
Reshma learnt about magnets while writing a story about sailors. She needed a way for sailors to find directions when stars were not visible.
- Story Setting: A ship carrying spices from Kerala.
- Problem: Storm and overcast sky hid the stars.
- Solution: Sailors could use a magnetic compass.
- Final Result: Reshma learnt that a magnetic compass helps find directions.

Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Important Questions
Class 6 Science Chapter 4 important questions focus on observations from magnet activities.
The chapter uses objects like pencil boxes, purses, magnetic dusters, bar magnets and compass needles.
Students should answer using direct activity-based facts from NCERT.
4. What is a magnet?
A magnet is an object that attracts certain materials such as iron. It also has two poles called North pole and South pole.
- Attraction: Magnet pulls magnetic materials.
- Poles: Every magnet has two poles.
- Direction Property: A freely suspended magnet points north-south.
- Final Result: A magnet attracts magnetic materials and shows poles.
5. What were lodestones?
Lodestones were naturally occurring magnets known in ancient times. Early magnets used by travellers were based on lodestones.
- Type: Natural magnet.
- Use: Direction finding in olden days.
- Importance: Led to magnetic compass use.
- Final Result: Lodestones are natural magnets.
6. What are artificial magnets?
Artificial magnets are magnets made by humans from suitable materials. Magnets used in pencil boxes, stickers, toys and laboratories are artificial magnets.
- Made By: Humans.
- Used In: Pencil boxes and toys.
- School Example: Laboratory bar magnet.
- Final Result: Artificial magnets are human-made magnets.
7. Name different shapes of magnets.
Magnets can be bar-shaped, U-shaped, ring-shaped, disc-shaped, cylindrical or spherical. Their poles always occur in pairs.
- Bar Magnet: Straight rectangular magnet.
- U-shaped Magnet: Horseshoe-like magnet.
- Ring Magnet: Circular magnet with a hole.
- Final Result: Magnets are made in many shapes.
8. Why are magnets made in different shapes?
Magnets are made in different shapes to suit different uses. Their shape changes with requirement, but their poles remain in pairs.
- Toys: May use ring magnets.
- Laboratory: Often uses bar magnets.
- Devices: May need small disc magnets.
- Final Result: Magnet shape depends on use.
Magnetic and Non Magnetic Materials Class 6 Questions
Magnetic and non magnetic materials class 6 questions help students classify objects by testing them with a magnet.
Objects made of iron, nickel and cobalt show attraction.
Objects made of wood, plastic, rubber and glass usually do not stick to magnets.
9. What are magnetic materials?
Magnetic materials are materials that are attracted towards a magnet. Iron, nickel and cobalt are magnetic materials.
- Iron: Attracted by a magnet.
- Nickel: Attracted by a magnet.
- Cobalt: Attracted by a magnet.
- Final Result: Magnetic materials stick to magnets.
10. What are non-magnetic materials?
Non-magnetic materials are materials that are not attracted towards a magnet. Wood, rubber, plastic and glass are common examples.
- Wood: Not attracted by a magnet.
- Rubber: Not attracted by a magnet.
- Plastic: Not attracted by a magnet.
- Final Result: Non-magnetic materials do not stick to magnets.
11. How can we test whether a material is magnetic?
We can bring a magnet near the object and observe whether it is attracted. If it sticks to the magnet, the object contains a magnetic material.
- Step 1: Bring magnet near the object.
- Step 2: Observe attraction.
- Step 3: Record Yes or No.
- Final Result: Attraction shows that the material is magnetic.
12. Is a wooden pencil magnetic?
A wooden pencil is not magnetic because wood is not attracted by a magnet. The graphite part is also not used as a magnetic material here.
- Object: Pencil.
- Material: Wood.
- Magnet Test: It does not stick.
- Final Result: A wooden pencil is non-magnetic.
13. Is a steel U-clip magnetic?
A steel U-clip is usually attracted by a magnet. Steel contains iron, which is a magnetic material.
- Object: Steel U-clip.
- Material: Steel.
- Reason: Steel contains iron.
- Final Result: A steel U-clip is magnetic.
14. Why do some objects stick to magnets and others do not?
Some objects stick to magnets because they are made of magnetic materials. Others do not stick because they are made of non-magnetic materials.
- Magnetic Object: Iron nail.
- Non-magnetic Object: Plastic ruler.
- Reason: Material decides attraction.
- Final Result: Magnet attraction depends on material.
Magnetic Materials Class 6 Science Questions
Magnetic materials class 6 science questions focus on the materials attracted by magnets.
The chapter names iron, nickel and cobalt as magnetic metals.
Some combinations of these metals also get attracted towards magnets.
15. Which metals are magnetic in Class 6 Science?
Iron, nickel and cobalt are magnetic metals. Some combinations of these metals are also attracted by magnets.
- Iron: Magnetic.
- Nickel: Magnetic.
- Cobalt: Magnetic.
- Final Result: Iron, nickel and cobalt are magnetic metals.
16. Why is iron called a magnetic material?
Iron is called a magnetic material because it is attracted towards a magnet. Iron filings stick strongly near the poles of a magnet.
- Material: Iron.
- Property: Attracted by magnet.
- Example: Iron filings stick to a bar magnet.
- Final Result: Iron is a magnetic material.
17. Are all metals magnetic?
No, all metals are not magnetic. Only some metals such as iron, nickel and cobalt are magnetic.
- Magnetic Metals: Iron, nickel and cobalt.
- Non-magnetic Metals: Many other metals do not show strong attraction.
- Test: Bring magnet near the metal.
- Final Result: All metals are not magnetic.
18. Why should predictions be tested in magnet activities?
Predictions should be tested because some objects may look metallic but may not be attracted. Testing gives the correct observation.
- Prediction: Guess before testing.
- Observation: Check with a magnet.
- Conclusion: Classify the material.
- Final Result: Testing confirms whether an object is magnetic.
Poles of Magnet Class 6 Questions
Poles of magnet class 6 questions explain where magnet attraction is strongest.
Iron filings collect mostly near the ends of a bar magnet.
These ends are called the North pole and the South pole.
19. What are poles of a magnet?
Poles of a magnet are the regions where magnetic attraction is strongest. A magnet has a North pole and a South pole.
- Strong Attraction: Near the ends.
- Two Poles: North and South.
- Bar Magnet: Poles lie near both ends.
- Final Result: Magnet poles are strongest attraction regions.
20. Where do most iron filings stick on a bar magnet?
Most iron filings stick near the two ends of a bar magnet. Very few stick to the middle part.
- Ends: Maximum filings collect.
- Middle: Few filings collect.
- Conclusion: Ends are poles.
- Final Result: Magnetic attraction is strongest near the poles.
21. Do all parts of a magnet attract equally?
No, all parts of a magnet do not attract equally. The poles attract magnetic materials most strongly.
- Pole Region: Strong attraction.
- Middle Region: Weak attraction.
- Observation: More iron filings near ends.
- Final Result: A magnet attracts most strongly at its poles.
22. Can a magnet have only one pole?
No, a magnet cannot have only one pole. North and South poles always exist in pairs.
- Whole Magnet: Has two poles.
- Broken Magnet: Each piece gets two poles.
- Single Pole: Cannot be obtained.
- Final Result: A single magnetic pole cannot exist.
23. What happens if a magnet is broken into two pieces?
Each broken piece becomes a smaller magnet with a North pole and a South pole. The pieces do not become single poles.
- Original Magnet: Has N and S poles.
- Broken Piece 1: Has N and S poles.
- Broken Piece 2: Has N and S poles.
- Final Result: Breaking a magnet gives smaller two-pole magnets.
24. Are poles present in magnets of all shapes?
Yes, poles are present in magnets of all shapes. Bar, U-shaped, ring and other magnets have poles in pairs.
- Bar Magnet: Has two poles.
- U-shaped Magnet: Has two poles.
- Ring Magnet: Has poles.
- Final Result: Every magnet has paired poles.
Magnetic Compass Class 6 Questions
Magnetic compass class 6 questions explain how magnets help find directions.
A compass has a freely rotating magnetic needle.
The needle indicates the north-south direction.
25. What is a magnetic compass?
A magnetic compass is a device used to find directions. It has a magnetic needle that can rotate freely.
- Needle: Small magnet.
- Dial: Shows directions.
- Use: Finds north, south, east and west.
- Final Result: A magnetic compass is a direction-finding device.
26. What direction does a compass needle show?
A compass needle shows the north-south direction. Its north-seeking end points towards the north.
- North End: Usually painted red.
- South End: Points south.
- Needle: Comes to rest along north-south.
- Final Result: Compass needle indicates north-south direction.
27. Why is one end of a compass needle painted red?
One end is painted red to show the North pole of the needle. This helps users identify north direction easily.
- Red End: Points north.
- Needle: Acts as a magnet.
- Use: Helps align the compass dial.
- Final Result: The red end usually shows north direction.
28. How should a compass be used?
A compass should be kept at the place where directions are needed. After the needle rests, the dial is aligned with the needle.
- Step 1: Keep compass flat.
- Step 2: Wait for needle to rest.
- Step 3: Rotate dial to match N-S marks.
- Final Result: The compass dial then shows all directions.
29. Why did sailors use a magnetic compass?
Sailors used a magnetic compass to find directions at sea. It helped them navigate when stars were not visible.
- Problem: Clouds can hide stars.
- Device: Magnetic compass.
- Use: Finding directions.
- Final Result: Compass helped sailors navigate in cloudy conditions.
30. What was matsya-yantra?
Matsya-yantra was an old Indian direction-finding device. It used a magnetised fish-shaped iron piece kept in oil.
- Shape: Fish-shaped iron piece.
- Material: Magnetised iron.
- Use: Navigation at sea.
- Final Result: Matsya-yantra was an early compass-like device.
Finding Directions With Magnet Class 6
Finding directions with magnet class 6 questions focus on the north-south property of a freely suspended magnet.
This property works because Earth behaves like a giant magnet.
It also helps identify whether a metal piece is a magnet.
31. What happens when a bar magnet is freely suspended?
A freely suspended bar magnet comes to rest along the north-south direction. This happens every time it is allowed to settle.
- Suspension: Magnet hangs freely.
- Rest Direction: North-south.
- Repeat Test: Same direction appears again.
- Final Result: A freely suspended magnet points north-south.
32. Why does a freely suspended magnet point north-south?
A freely suspended magnet points north-south because Earth behaves like a giant magnet. The magnet aligns with Earth’s magnetic direction.
- Earth: Behaves like a magnet.
- Bar Magnet: Aligns with Earth’s magnetic effect.
- Direction: North-south.
- Final Result: Earth’s magnetism makes the magnet align north-south.
33. What is the North pole of a magnet?
The North pole is the end of a freely suspended magnet that points towards north. It is also called the North-seeking pole.
- Direction: Points north.
- Other Name: North-seeking pole.
- Symbol: N.
- Final Result: North pole points towards north.
34. What is the South pole of a magnet?
The South pole is the end of a freely suspended magnet that points towards south. It is also called the South-seeking pole.
- Direction: Points south.
- Other Name: South-seeking pole.
- Symbol: S.
- Final Result: South pole points towards south.
35. How can a freely suspended magnet test whether a metal bar is a magnet?
A metal bar is likely a magnet if it repeatedly rests in the north-south direction when freely suspended. An ordinary iron bar can rest in any direction.
- Magnet: Always aligns north-south.
- Iron Bar: Does not always align north-south.
- Test: Suspend and observe direction.
- Final Result: North-south alignment helps identify a magnet.
Attraction and Repulsion Between Magnets Class 6
Attraction and repulsion between magnets class 6 questions explain how two magnets interact.
Unlike poles attract each other.
Like poles repel each other.
36. What happens when unlike poles of two magnets come near each other?
Unlike poles attract each other. The North pole of one magnet attracts the South pole of another magnet.
- Pair: N and S.
- Interaction: Attraction.
- Motion: Magnets move closer.
- Final Result: Unlike poles attract.
37. What happens when like poles of two magnets come near each other?
Like poles repel each other. North-North and South-South pairs push away from each other.
- Pair 1: N and N.
- Pair 2: S and S.
- Interaction: Repulsion.
- Final Result: Like poles repel.
38. How can repulsion identify a magnet?
Repulsion can identify a magnet because only like poles of two magnets repel. An iron bar is attracted by both poles of a magnet.
- Magnet-Magnet Case: Like poles repel.
- Magnet-Iron Case: Both poles attract iron.
- Conclusion: Repulsion proves magnetism.
- Final Result: Repulsion is a sure test of a magnet.
39. What happens when a magnet is brought near an iron bar?
Both poles of the magnet attract the iron bar. The iron bar does not repel either pole.
- North Pole: Attracts iron.
- South Pole: Attracts iron.
- Observation: No repulsion.
- Final Result: Iron is attracted by both magnet poles.
40. What happens when North pole of a magnet is brought near North pole of a compass needle?
The North pole of the compass needle moves away. Like poles repel each other.
- Bar Magnet Pole: North.
- Compass Needle End: North.
- Interaction: Repulsion.
- Final Result: North-North poles repel.
41. What happens when South pole of a magnet is brought near North pole of a compass needle?
The North pole of the compass needle moves closer. Unlike poles attract each other.
- Bar Magnet Pole: South.
- Compass Needle End: North.
- Interaction: Attraction.
- Final Result: South-North poles attract.
Like Poles and Unlike Poles Class 6 Questions
Like poles and unlike poles class 6 questions help students predict magnet movement.
The rule is simple: same poles repel and opposite poles attract.
This rule also explains magnetic toy cars and floating ring magnets.
42. What are like poles of magnets?
Like poles are the same poles of two magnets. North-North and South-South are like pole pairs.
- Pair 1: N-N.
- Pair 2: S-S.
- Interaction: Repulsion.
- Final Result: Like poles are same magnetic poles.
43. What are unlike poles of magnets?
Unlike poles are opposite poles of two magnets. North-South is an unlike pole pair.
- Pair: N-S.
- Interaction: Attraction.
- Example: One magnet’s North pole pulls another magnet’s South pole.
- Final Result: Unlike poles are opposite magnetic poles.
44. Why do two matchbox-magnet cars run away from each other?
They run away when like poles face each other. Repulsion pushes the cars apart.
- Car 1 Magnet: Has one pole facing out.
- Car 2 Magnet: Same pole faces it.
- Interaction: Repulsion.
- Final Result: Like poles make the cars move apart.
45. Why can one ring magnet float above another?
One ring magnet can float above another when like poles face each other. Repulsion prevents the upper magnet from moving down.
- Lower Magnet: One pole faces up.
- Upper Magnet: Same pole faces down.
- Force: Repulsion.
- Final Result: Magnetic repulsion can support the upper ring magnet.
46. How can the upper ring magnet be brought in contact with the lower one?
The upper ring magnet can be turned over so that unlike poles face each other. Then attraction brings the magnets together.
- Initial Case: Like poles face each other.
- Change: Reverse one magnet.
- New Interaction: Unlike poles attract.
- Final Result: Turning one magnet can change repulsion into attraction.
Freely Suspended Magnet Class 6 Questions
Freely suspended magnet class 6 questions connect magnets with Earth’s magnetic direction.
A suspended magnet must be balanced and allowed to rotate freely.
Once it stops, it indicates north-south direction.
47. How can we suspend a bar magnet for the direction activity?
A bar magnet can be tied at its middle with a thread and hung freely. The thread position should balance it horizontally.
- Thread: Tied near the middle.
- Balance: Magnet should remain horizontal.
- Rotation: Magnet should move freely.
- Final Result: A balanced freely suspended magnet can show direction.
48. What line does a suspended magnet mark on the ground?
It marks the north-south line when its two resting ends are joined. Repeating the activity gives the same line.
- First Rest Position: Mark both ends.
- Second Trial: Rotate and repeat.
- Line Direction: North-south.
- Final Result: The joined line shows north-south direction.
49. What happens if an ordinary iron bar is suspended like a magnet?
An ordinary iron bar does not always rest along the north-south direction. It can stop in any direction.
- Iron Bar: Not a magnet.
- Rest Direction: Not fixed.
- Comparison: Magnet has fixed north-south alignment.
- Final Result: Ordinary iron bar does not behave like a compass.
50. Why is a compass needle also a magnet?
A compass needle is a magnet because it has poles and aligns north-south. It also responds to nearby magnets.
- Needle: Magnetised material.
- Alignment: North-south.
- Interaction: Attracts or repels with magnet poles.
- Final Result: Compass needle is a small magnet.
Magnetic Effect Through Non Magnetic Materials Class 6 Questions
Magnetic effect through non magnetic materials class 6 questions explain how a magnet affects a compass even through barriers.
Wood, cardboard, plastic and glass do not block the magnetic effect appreciably in the chapter activity.
This helps students understand action without direct contact.
51. Can magnetic effect pass through non-magnetic materials?
Yes, magnetic effect can pass through non-magnetic materials. Wood, cardboard, plastic and glass do not show appreciable blocking in the activity.
- Material 1: Wood.
- Material 2: Cardboard.
- Material 3: Plastic or glass.
- Final Result: Magnetic effect can act through non-magnetic sheets.
52. How can a magnet pick a steel paper clip from water without touching it?
A magnet can attract the steel paper clip through the container or water. The clip moves towards the magnet.
- Object: Steel paper clip.
- Material: Magnetic steel.
- Magnet: Brought near from outside.
- Final Result: Magnetic force can pull the clip without wetting fingers.
53. How can a magnet move steel balls in a maze?
A magnet below the cardboard tray can attract steel balls above it. Moving the magnet moves the balls through the maze.
- Steel Balls: Magnetic objects.
- Cardboard Tray: Non-magnetic material.
- Magnetic Effect: Acts through cardboard.
- Final Result: A magnet can move steel balls without touching them.
Artificial Magnets Class 6 Questions
Artificial magnets class 6 questions include magnet-making and magnet care.
The chapter shows how an iron sewing needle can be magnetised.
It also warns students not to heat, drop or hammer magnets.
54. How can an iron needle be made into a magnet?
An iron needle can be magnetised by rubbing one pole of a bar magnet along its length repeatedly in the same direction. The process should be repeated many times.
- Needle: Place on a wooden table.
- Magnet Movement: Rub from one end to the other.
- Repetition: Repeat 30 to 40 times.
- Final Result: Repeated rubbing can magnetise an iron needle.
55. How can we check whether the needle has become a magnet?
We can bring iron filings or steel pins near the needle. If they are attracted, the needle has become a magnet.
- Test Material: Iron filings or steel pins.
- Observation: Attraction.
- Conclusion: Needle is magnetised.
- Final Result: Attraction confirms the needle is a magnet.
56. How can a simple magnetic compass be made at home?
A simple compass can be made by floating a magnetised needle on a cork in water. The needle comes to rest along north-south direction.
- Magnetise Needle: Rub with magnet.
- Fix Needle: Pass through cork.
- Float Cork: Place in water.
- Final Result: A floating magnetised needle works as a compass.
57. How should magnets be kept safe?
Magnets should not be heated, dropped or hammered. They should also be kept away from mobile phones and remote controls.
- Avoid Heating: Heat can damage magnetism.
- Avoid Dropping: Shock may weaken a magnet.
- Avoid Electronics: Keep away from devices.
- Final Result: Magnets need careful handling.
58. How should magnets be stored properly?
Magnets should be stored in pairs with unlike poles on the same side. A wooden piece is kept between them, and soft iron pieces are placed across the ends.
- Pair Storage: Keep unlike poles nearby.
- Wood: Place between magnets.
- Soft Iron: Place across ends.
- Final Result: Proper storage helps protect magnets.
NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Questions
NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 4 questions test definitions, true-false statements, pole interaction and practical reasoning.
Students should answer using observation-based rules from activities.
These NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 4 questions follow the exercise pattern.
59. Fill in the blank: Unlike poles of two magnets each other.
Unlike poles of two magnets attract each other. North and South poles pull each other.
- Unlike Pair: N-S.
- Interaction: Attraction.
- Movement: Magnets move closer.
- Final Result: Unlike poles attract.
60. Fill in the blank: Like poles of two magnets each other.
Like poles of two magnets repel each other. North-North and South-South pairs push away.
- Like Pair: N-N or S-S.
- Interaction: Repulsion.
- Movement: Magnets move apart.
- Final Result: Like poles repel.
61. Fill in the blank: Materials attracted towards a magnet are called what?
Materials attracted towards a magnet are called magnetic materials. Iron, nickel and cobalt are examples.
- Property: Attracted by magnet.
- Name: Magnetic materials.
- Example: Iron.
- Final Result: Magnetic materials stick to magnets.
62. Fill in the blank: The needle of a magnetic compass rests along which direction?
The needle of a magnetic compass rests along the north-south direction. It is a small magnet.
- Needle Type: Magnet.
- Direction: North-south.
- Use: Finding directions.
- Final Result: Compass needle rests north-south.
63. Fill in the blank: A magnet always has how many poles?
A magnet always has two poles. These are the North pole and the South pole.
- Pole 1: North pole.
- Pole 2: South pole.
- Single Pole: Not possible.
- Final Result: A magnet always has two poles.
64. Why is the statement “A magnet can be broken to obtain a single pole” false?
The statement is false because a single magnetic pole cannot exist. Every broken piece has both North and South poles.
- Breaking: Creates smaller magnets.
- Each Piece: Has N and S.
- Single Pole: Cannot be obtained.
- Final Result: Magnet poles always exist in pairs.
65. Why is the statement “Iron filings mostly stick in the middle of a bar magnet” false?
The statement is false because iron filings mostly stick near the two ends. These ends are the poles of the magnet.
- Middle: Weak attraction.
- Ends: Strong attraction.
- Observation: More filings near poles.
- Final Result: Iron filings mostly stick near magnet poles.
66. How can Reshma identify two magnets among three metal bars without any other material?
Reshma can test the bars pairwise for repulsion. The two bars that show repulsion with each other are magnets.
- Try Pair 1: Bring ends close.
- Try Pair 2: Check attraction or repulsion.
- Key Test: Repulsion proves magnetism.
- Final Result: Only two magnets can repel each other.
67. How can you find poles of an unmarked magnet using a marked magnet?
Bring the marked North pole near each end of the unmarked magnet. The end that repels it is North pole.
- Known Pole: Marked North.
- Repulsion: Same pole.
- Attraction: Opposite pole.
- Final Result: Repulsion identifies the same pole.
68. How can you find North pole of an unmarked bar magnet without another magnet?
Suspend the bar magnet freely with a thread. The end pointing towards north is its North pole.
- Suspend: Tie at centre.
- Wait: Let it come to rest.
- Observe: End pointing north.
- Final Result: The north-pointing end is the North pole.
69. How can a mechanic stop steel screws from falling repeatedly?
The mechanic can magnetise the screwdriver slightly. A magnetised screwdriver can hold steel screws.
- Problem: Screws fall.
- Tool: Screwdriver.
- Solution: Make it magnetic.
- Final Result: A magnetised screwdriver holds steel screws.
70. Why does a magnet pick up more U-clips at its ends than at its centre?
A magnet picks more U-clips at its ends because poles are located near the ends. Magnetic attraction is strongest there.
- Position A: End of magnet.
- Position B: Middle of magnet.
- Position C: Other end.
- Final Result: Ends attract more clips than the centre.
Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Questions and Answers
Class 6 Science Chapter 4 questions and answers should use simple terms and activity-based evidence.
Students should mention poles, direction, magnetic materials and repulsion wherever required.
These answers support quick revision before exams.
71. What is the difference between a magnet and an ordinary iron bar?
A magnet aligns north-south when freely suspended, while an ordinary iron bar does not. A magnet can also repel another magnet.
- Magnet: Has poles.
- Iron Bar: Attracted by magnet but does not repel.
- Test: Repulsion identifies magnet.
- Final Result: A magnet has special directional and repulsion properties.
72. Why does a magnet attract a steel pin?
A magnet attracts a steel pin because steel contains iron. Iron is a magnetic material.
- Object: Steel pin.
- Material: Steel with iron.
- Property: Attracted by magnet.
- Final Result: Steel pins are magnetic objects.
73. Why does a magnet not attract a plastic ruler?
A magnet does not attract a plastic ruler because plastic is non-magnetic. It does not stick to a magnet.
- Object: Plastic ruler.
- Material: Plastic.
- Property: Non-magnetic.
- Final Result: Plastic ruler is not attracted by a magnet.
74. What happens when cardboard is placed between a magnet and compass needle?
There is no appreciable change in the compass needle’s deflection. Magnetic effect can pass through cardboard.
- Barrier: Cardboard.
- Material Type: Non-magnetic.
- Observation: Needle still deflects.
- Final Result: Cardboard does not block magnetic effect appreciably.
75. Why should magnets not be kept near mobile phones or remote controls?
Magnets should not be kept near mobile phones or remote controls because their magnetic effect may disturb such devices. The chapter warns against this.
- Objects: Mobile phones and remotes.
- Risk: Magnetic effect may harm function.
- Care Rule: Store magnets safely.
- Final Result: Magnets should be kept away from electronic devices.
Class 6 Science Important Links