NIOS Class 10 Science Activity 17.1 Magnetic Effect of Electric Current

This activity demonstrates the properties of a bar magnet through a simple experiment that can be performed in the school laboratory and at home.

Magnetic Effect of Electric Current Activity Solution

This activity is based on the NIOS Class 10 science and technology (212) Chapter 17- Magnetic Effect of Electric Current, Module 4- Energy

Properties of Magnet

Aim

To study the properties of a bar magnet, such as direction of rest, attraction and repulsion, magnetization, etc.

Materials Required

   1. Bar magnets (two)

   2. Magnetic needle

   3. Iron filings

   4. Iron Alpin

   5. String and hook

Procedure

1.  We tie a string in the middle of a bar magnet and hang it with the help of a hook, and notice what happens.

2. Now we take iron filings near the bar magnet and observe what happens to them.

3. After that, we bring one pole of the bar magnet near the pole of the suspended bar magnet and observe.

4. Now we place an Alpin near the bar magnet and notice the change in the Alpin.

5. We break the bar magnet into smaller pieces and test each piece for magnetic properties.

Observation

   1. The bar magnet always rests in the north-south direction.

   2. Iron filings stick to the magnet. The density of filings is higher near the poles of the magnet.

   3. We can see that like poles repel each other, but unlike poles attract each other.

   4. The Alpin becomes a magnet and attracts iron filings.

   5. Each piece of the broken bar magnet behaves like a complete magnet and has the same properties as the original bar magnet.

Explanation

A freely suspended bar magnet always aligns itself along the Earth’s magnetic field, pointing north-south. The magnetic field is strongest at the poles, so iron filings gather there. Like poles repel each other and unlike poles attract each other; this is a fundamental property of magnets.

When a magnetic material is placed near a magnet for some time, it acquires magnetism by magnetic induction. Each broken part of a magnet acts as a separate magnet with north and south poles.

Conclusion

We can conclude that:

   1.  A magnet always points in the north-south direction when suspended freely.

   2. Magnetic force is strongest at the poles.

   3. There is attraction between unlike poles and repulsion between like poles of a magnet.

   4. Magnetism can be induced in iron materials.

   5. Each broken piece of a large magnet acts as a small magnet with the same properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

   1. Why does a bar magnet always rest in the north-south direction?

Answer – A bar magnet always rests in the north-south direction because of the Earth’s magnetic field, which exerts a force on the magnet.

   2. Where is the magnetic force strongest on a magnet?

Answer – The magnetic force is strongest at the poles of the magnet.

   3. What happens when a magnet is broken into two pieces?

Answer – Each piece becomes a new magnet with all properties with its own north and south poles.

Related Topics 

1.  Activity 17.2 Solutions