Vocabulary
What do we call the ability of an object to attract or repel other objects?
Magnetism
What happens when two like poles of a magnet are brought close together?
They repel.
What happens when opposite poles are next to each other?
They attract.
What is the invisible area around a magnet where forces act?
The magnetic field.
A magnet pulls a paperclip toward it. What kind of force is this?
An attractive force.
A magnet exerts a push or pull on another object. What is this push or pull called?
Magnetic force
What are the two poles of a magnet called?
North and South poles.
A student says, “Magnets always attract.” Explain why this is incorrect.
It’s incorrect because magnets sometimes repel.
What do magnetic field lines show?
The direction and strength of the magnetic field.
What determines whether two magnets attract or repel?
The alignment of their poles (opposite = attract, same = repel).
What is the area around a magnet where magnetic forces act called?
Magnetic field
True or False: Magnets can attract all types of metal.
False — only certain metals like iron, nickel, and cobalt.
True or False: Magnets can attract or repel objects even when they are not touching.
True. Magnets exert force at a distance.
Where is the magnetic field of a magnet the strongest?
Near the poles of the magnet.
What type of force is magnetism: contact or non-contact?
Non-contact force.
What instrument uses a magnetized needle to show direction?
Compass
What happens when you cut a magnet in half?
Each piece becomes its own magnet with both north and south poles.
True or False: Magnets sometimes exert forces on other magnets.
False. Magnets always exert forces on other magnets.
True or False: Earth's magnetic field extends into space.
True. It extends far enough to reach the Moon!
True or False: Earth’s geographic North Pole and magnetic North Pole are in the same place.
False. Earth's geographic North Pole is actually Earth's magnetic South Pole.
What is the process that creates a planet-wide magnetic field?
Geomagnetism
Why do magnets exert force without touching other objects?
Because of their magnetic fields that extend through space.
How does distance affect magnetic force?
The farther apart the objects, the weaker the magnetic force.
Describe what happens to field lines when two opposite poles are near each other. AND does it show attraction or repulsion?
The lines connect between the poles, showing attraction.
What causes Earth’s magnetic field?
Movements of molten iron in Earth’s outer core.