Magnetism
Primary 6 · Science and Elementary Technology
Magnetism
Lesson 1 of 6
12 min
Let's begin
Byiringiro knocks a box of pins off the teacher's desk, and they scatter all over the classroom floor. Everyone groans. Then Mutesi takes a small magnet from her pencil case and sweeps it just above the floor.
The pins jump up and cling to it! In one minute the floor is clear. How can a magnet pull things without touching them?
A magnet is an object that attracts (pulls) iron, steel and a few other metals. A magnet can also attract or repel (push away) another magnet. This special property is called magnetism, and the pull or push is called a magnetic force.
A magnetic force can act without touching. The pins in the story jumped up before the magnet reached them. That is why we call it a non-contact force: it acts across a distance.
Most magnets are made of iron, steel, or mixtures of metals (alloys) that contain iron, nickel or cobalt. Very strong small magnets, like those in earphones, are made from a mixture of the metals neodymium, iron and boron. The flat magnets stuck on fridges are often made of a hard, clay-like material that contains iron.
| Type | Example | Keeps its magnetism? |
|---|---|---|
| Natural | Lodestone | Yes |
| Artificial, permanent | Steel bar magnet, horseshoe magnet | Yes, for a long time |
| Artificial, temporary | Iron nail touching a magnet | No, only for a short time |
| Electromagnet | Coil of wire around a nail, joined to a battery | Only while the current flows |
Tip
Found or made? Stays or goes?
Natural magnets are FOUND (lodestone). Artificial magnets are MADE by people. Permanent magnets STAY magnets. Temporary magnets GO back to normal.
Try each one on your own first, then tap Show answer to check.
What is a magnet?
Answer: An object that attracts iron, steel and some other metals, and can attract or repel other magnets.
Name a natural magnet.
Answer: Lodestone (made of the mineral magnetite).
Name three shapes of artificial magnets.
Answer: Any three: bar, horseshoe (U-shaped), ring, disc (button), rod.
What is the difference between a permanent magnet and a temporary magnet?
Answer: A permanent magnet keeps its magnetism for a long time; a temporary magnet loses it soon after the magnet or current is taken away.
Is magnetic force a contact force?
Answer: No. It is a non-contact force: it can act across a distance without touching.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
Quick check
Match each type of magnet to an example.
Tap one on the left, then its partner on the right.
