Magnet Basics
What are the two ends of a magnet called?
North pole and South pole.
What invisible force makes magnets move objects without touching them?
Magnetic field
What happens when you rub a balloon on your sweater?
A) The balloon loses all its air
B) The balloon becomes charged and can stick to a wall
C) The sweater turns into a magnet
D) Nothing happens
B) The balloon becomes charged and can stick to a wall
What tool uses Earth’s magnetic field to help people find direction?
Compass
Multiple Choice: Which of these is a conductor?
A) Rubber band
B) Copper wire
C) Plastic cup
B) Copper wire
Which statement is true about magnets?
A) Like poles attract
B) Opposite poles attract
C) Magnets only work underwater
B) Opposite poles attract
Which of these will a magnet NOT attract?
A) Paperclip
B) Aluminum foil
C) Nail
B) Aluminum foil.
Multiple Choice: Which of these is an example of electric force?
A) Balloon sticking to your hair
B) A soccer ball rolling
C) Gravity pulling you down
A) Balloon sticking to your hair
Which of these uses both magnets and electricity?
A) Refrigerator
B) Electromagnet
C) Book
B) Electromagnet.
True or False: Wood is an insulator
True
True or False: Magnets can pull objects without touching them.
True
Which pole of a magnet would be attracted to the south pole of another magnet?
North Pole
True or False: Opposite electric charges repel each other.
False — they attract.
If you rub a balloon on your hair and stick it to the wall, is that an example of magnetism or electric force? Why?
Electric force — static electricity causes attraction.
Critical Thinking: Why are the cords on electrical devices covered in plastic?
Because plastic is an insulator that keeps people safe from electric shock.
If you cut a bar magnet in half, what happens?
Each piece becomes a smaller magnet with its own north and south pole.
If you place two bar magnets side by side with their north poles facing each other, what will happen?
They will push away (repel).
What type of charges repel each other?
Like charges (positive-positive or negative-negative).
How can you make an electromagnet stronger?
Add more coils of wire or increase the electric current.
Which material would be BEST for making a cooking pan handle—metal or wood? Why?
Wood, because it is an insulator and won’t get hot as quickly.
Which materials can magnets attract: wood, glass, iron, plastic?
Iron
Why does Earth act like a giant magnet?
It has mineral which makes a magnetic field
Why do you sometimes get shocked when touching a metal doorknob?
Because of static electricity—extra charges jump from your body to the doorknob.
A student says, “Magnets and electricity are the same thing.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
Disagree — they are related but not the same; magnets come from magnetic fields, electricity comes from electric charges, though both involve forces.
Multiple Choice: Which group lists only insulators?
A) Glass, rubber, wood
B) Copper, silver, gold
C) Iron, steel, aluminum
A) Glass, rubber, wood.