Science Curiosity Notes Class 6 English Medium 2026-27

Science Curiosity Chapter 4. Exploring Magnets

CBSE Notes New Syllabus: Class 6

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Chapter 4. Exploring Magnets

Magnets are special objects that attract certain materials such as iron. They are used in many everyday objects like compasses, refrigerator doors, speakers, and electric motors. This chapter explains the properties, types, and uses of magnets.

Detailed Notes

Magnets

Magnet: A magnet is an object that attracts magnetic materials such as iron, nickel, and cobalt.

Examples of Magnets

(i) Bar Magnet

(ii) Horseshoe Magnet

(iii) Ring Magnet

(iv) Disc Magnet

Characteristics of Magnets

(i) Attract magnetic materials.

(ii) Have two magnetic poles.

(iii) Produce a magnetic field.

(iv) Exert force without touching objects.

Magnetism

Magnetism: The property of a magnet to attract magnetic materials is called magnetism.

Magnetic Materials

(i) Iron

(ii) Nickel

(iii) Cobalt

(iv) Steel

Non-Magnetic Materials

(i) Wood

(ii) Plastic

(iii) Glass

(iv) Rubber

(v) Paper

Natural Magnets

Natural Magnet: A natural magnet is a magnet found in nature.

Example

(i) Lodestone

Characteristics of Natural Magnets

(i) Found naturally.

(ii) Have weak magnetic strength.

(iii) Attract magnetic materials.

Artificial Magnets

Artificial Magnet: An artificial magnet is a magnet made by humans for different purposes.

Common Shapes of Artificial Magnets

(i) Bar Magnet

(ii) Horseshoe Magnet

(iii) Ring Magnet

(iv) Disc Magnet

(v) Cylindrical Magnet

Characteristics of Artificial Magnets

(i) Stronger than natural magnets.

(ii) Available in different shapes.

(iii) Used in many devices and machines.

Magnetic Materials

Magnetic Materials: Materials that are attracted by a magnet are called magnetic materials.

Examples of Magnetic Materials

(i) Iron

(ii) Nickel

(iii) Cobalt

(iv) Steel

Characteristics of Magnetic Materials

(i) Are attracted by magnets.

(ii) Can be magnetised.

(iii) Used to make many tools and machines.

Non-Magnetic Materials

Non-Magnetic Materials: Materials that are not attracted by magnets are called non-magnetic materials.

Examples of Non-Magnetic Materials

(i) Wood

(ii) Plastic

(iii) Glass

(iv) Rubber

(v) Cloth

Characteristics of Non-Magnetic Materials

(i) Are not attracted by magnets.

(ii) Cannot be magnetised.

(iii) Used to make many household objects.

Key Points

(i) Magnets attract only magnetic materials.

(ii) Magnetism is the attractive property of a magnet.

(iii) Magnets are of two types—natural and artificial.

(iv) Lodestone is a natural magnet.

(v) Artificial magnets are stronger and widely used.

Magnetic Poles

Magnetic Poles: The two ends of a magnet where the magnetic force is strongest are called magnetic poles.

Types of Magnetic Poles

(i) North Pole (N)

(ii) South Pole (S)

Characteristics of Magnetic Poles

(i) Every magnet has two poles.

(ii) Magnetic force is strongest at the poles.

(iii) Poles always exist in pairs.

(iv) A single pole cannot exist alone.

Properties of Magnets

Properties of Magnets: Magnets have special characteristics that make them different from ordinary objects.

Main Properties of Magnets

(i) Attract magnetic materials.

(ii) Have two magnetic poles.

(iii) Like poles repel each other.

(iv) Unlike poles attract each other.

(v) A freely suspended magnet points in the north-south direction.

Attraction

Attraction: The force by which unlike poles of two magnets pull each other is called attraction.

Examples of Attraction

(i) North Pole attracts South Pole.

(ii) South Pole attracts North Pole.

Repulsion

Repulsion: The force by which like poles of two magnets push each other away is called repulsion.

Examples of Repulsion

(i) North Pole repels North Pole.

(ii) South Pole repels South Pole.

Important Fact

(i) Repulsion is the surest test of a magnet.

Attraction and Repulsion of Magnetic Poles

Earth as a Giant Magnet

Earth as a Giant Magnet: The Earth behaves like a giant magnet because it has its own magnetic field.

Importance of Earth's Magnetism

(i) Helps in finding directions.

(ii) Makes a compass work.

(iii) Helps travellers and sailors in navigation.

Magnetic Compass

Magnetic Compass: A magnetic compass is an instrument used to find directions.

Parts of a Magnetic Compass

(i) Magnetised needle.

(ii) Pivot.

(iii) Compass box.

Uses of a Magnetic Compass

(i) Finding directions.

(ii) Navigation.

(iii) Surveying.

(iv) Trekking and mountaineering.

Working of a Compass

(i) The needle rotates freely.

(ii) It always points in the north-south direction.

(iii) It works due to the Earth's magnetic field.

Key Points

(i) Every magnet has a North Pole and a South Pole.

(ii) Like poles repel each other.

(iii) Unlike poles attract each other.

(iv) Repulsion is the surest test of a magnet.

(v) A compass helps us find directions.

(vi) The Earth behaves like a giant magnet.

Magnetic Force

Magnetic Force: Magnetic force is the force with which a magnet attracts or repels another magnet or magnetic material.

Characteristics of Magnetic Force

(i) Acts without touching the object.

(ii) Is strongest near the poles.

(iii) Can attract magnetic materials from a distance.

Magnetic Force Through Different Materials

Magnetic Force Through Materials: Magnetic force can pass through some non-magnetic materials.

Materials Through Which Magnetic Force Can Pass

(i) Paper

(ii) Plastic

(iii) Glass

(iv) Cardboard

(v) Thin wood

Important Fact

(i) Magnetic force cannot pass through thick iron objects.

Uses of Magnets

Uses of Magnets: Magnets are used in many devices at home, in schools, industries, and hospitals.

Common Uses of Magnets

(i) Magnetic compass.

(ii) Refrigerator doors.

(iii) Cupboard locks.

(iv) Electric motors.

(v) Electric generators.

(vi) Speakers and microphones.

(vii) Headphones.

(viii) Mobile phones.

(ix) Magnetic cranes.

(x) MRI machines.

Care of Magnets

Care of Magnets: Magnets should be handled carefully to keep their magnetic strength.

Precautions

(i) Do not heat magnets.

(ii) Do not hammer magnets.

(iii) Do not drop magnets.

(iv) Keep magnets away from electronic devices.

(v) Store bar magnets in pairs with unlike poles facing each other.

(vi) Use soft iron keepers while storing magnets.

Loss of Magnetism

Loss of Magnetism: A magnet may lose its magnetic strength if it is heated, hammered, or dropped repeatedly.

Causes of Loss of Magnetism

(i) Heating.

(ii) Hammering.

(iii) Dropping the magnet.

(iv) Improper storage.

Quick Revision

(i) Magnets attract magnetic materials such as iron, nickel, and cobalt.

(ii) Every magnet has two poles—North Pole and South Pole.

(iii) Like poles repel, while unlike poles attract.

(iv) A freely suspended magnet always points in the north-south direction.

(v) The Earth behaves like a giant magnet.

(vi) A magnetic compass is used to find directions.

(vii) Magnetic force can pass through materials like paper and plastic.

(viii) Magnets are used in electric motors, speakers, cranes, and MRI machines.

(ix) Heating, hammering, and dropping can weaken a magnet.

(x) Proper care helps a magnet retain its magnetic strength for a long time.