Magnets

• What is a magnet?

  Any 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
• How do you draw field lines around a magnet?

  From the north pole to the south pole
• What are the steps to draw magnetic field lines?

  1. Draw a straight line into the south pole.
  2. Draw a line coming out of the north pole.
  3. Add a pair of slightly curved lines into the south pole.
  4. Add a similar pair coming out of the north pole.
  5. Draw loops from north to south.
  6. Ensure arrows point out of north and into south.
• Why is it important to check the direction of arrows on field lines?

  To ensure they point out of north and into south
• What does the density of field lines indicate?

  The strength of the magnetic field
• Where is the magnetic field strongest around a magnet?

  Near the north pole
• How can we find the poles of a magnet in real life?

  By using a compass
• Why does a compass needle point towards the south pole of a magnet?

  Because it is a tiny bar magnet
• What happens when you push the north poles of two magnets together?

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

  They attract each other
• What is the interaction of magnetic fields between two magnets?

  • North poles repel each other.
  • Opposite poles attract each other.
  • Field lines illustrate these interactions.
• What is the purpose of field lines in representing magnetic fields?

  To show direction and strength of the field