Class 6 Exploring Magnets - Attraction and Repulsion Between Magnets

Attraction and Repulsion Between Magnets

Magnets have an amazing property — they can attract or repel each other without even touching! Let’s explore how magnets interact, through simple experiments and exciting facts that help you truly understand the invisible force of magnetism.

Activity: Bar Magnets on Pencils

Materials needed:

2 bar magnets
2 pencils
Cardboard or flat surface

Place each magnet on a pencil so that they can rotate freely. Now, slowly bring the two magnets closer and observe what happens.

When North pole is brought near South pole: The magnets attract.
When North is brought near North (or South near South): The magnets repel and move away from each other.

Pro Tip: Always use light, smooth pencils so the magnets can rotate easily and show clear attraction or repulsion!

Identifying a Magnet Using Repulsion

If you’re unsure whether an object is a magnet or just a piece of magnetic material (like iron), the best way to test it is through repulsion.

Why? Because only a magnet repels another magnet. Magnetic materials are only attracted, never repelled!

Did You Know? Repulsion is considered the “sure test” of magnetism because only magnets repel — other materials cannot.

Activity: Compass Needle Deflection

Materials: A magnetic compass and a bar magnet

Place the compass on a table and slowly bring the bar magnet near it. Observe how the compass needle behaves:

Bring the North pole of the magnet near the North pole of the needle: The needle repels and turns away.
Bring North near South (or vice versa): The needle attracts and swings toward the magnet.

Fun Fact: The compass works because Earth itself is a giant magnet! Its magnetic field interacts with your bar magnet.

Why Does This Happen?

Magnets have two poles: North and South. These poles interact based on these rules:

Like poles repel
Unlike poles attract

These invisible magnetic forces work through the air — there’s no need for direct contact!

Real-Life Examples of Magnetic Interaction

Fridge magnets: Use attraction to stick to the fridge (metal door)
Magnetic clasps: Used in purses and wallets to close easily
Maglev trains: Use magnetic repulsion to float above the tracks!

Did You Know? The fastest train in the world (in Japan) floats on magnets and travels at speeds over 600 km/h!

Conclusion

Understanding how magnets attract and repel helps us unlock many wonders of science and technology. Whether it's identifying magnets using repulsion or observing how poles behave with compasses — every little experiment reveals the magical world of invisible forces.

Fun Fact: Some animals like pigeons and sea turtles use Earth’s magnetic field to navigate — it’s like they have built-in compasses!

Try out these activities at home or in class, and start seeing magnets in action all around you!