Magnets

• What is a magnet?

  A material that produces a magnetic field
• What is the most common type of magnet?

  Bar magnet
• What do all magnets have in common?

  They have a north and a south pole
• How do we represent magnetic fields?

  Using field lines
• What do field lines represent?

  The direction and strength of the magnetic field
• How do you draw field lines for a magnet?

  From the north pole to the south pole
• What is the easiest way to draw field lines?

  Draw a straight line into the south pole
• What do denser field lines indicate?

  A stronger magnetic field
• How does the strength of the magnetic field vary?

  Stronger near the poles, weaker away
• How can we find the poles of a magnet?

  Using a compass
• What does the needle of a compass represent?

  A tiny bar magnet
• What direction does a compass needle point?

  Towards the south pole of a magnet
• How do you recreate field lines using a compass?

  Join up the arrows from the compass
• What happens when you push two north poles together?

  They repel each other
• What occurs when opposite poles of magnets are close together?

  They attract each other
• What are the key features of magnetic field lines?

  • Arrows indicate direction (north to south)
  • Density shows strength (closer lines = stronger field)
  • Lines never cross each other
  • Form closed loops
• How do magnetic fields interact between two magnets?

  • Like poles repel (north-north or south-south)
  • Opposite poles attract (north-south)
  • Interaction creates forces of repulsion or attraction