magnets

Magnets and their forces

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What are magnets?

That red and blue, metal object you see is called a magnet! A magnet is made of a north pole and a south pole. Magnets can use both a pushing and a pulling force to move objects. Magnets are everywhere!

Where can you find a magnet?

Opposite poles attract

Opposite poles on magnets attract one another. The north pole and south pole pull toward one another.

Same poles repel

The same poles repel one another. The north poles on both magnets push away from each other. The south poles on both magnets push away from each other.

Magnets can push and pull objects!

A magnet is the only object that can push another magnet away. Anything else will not interact with a magnet or make it move. Magnets can interact with metal objects, such as paper clips or rings. These paper clips are attracted to the magnet, and the magnet pulls them closer.

Multiple Choice

When you hold two south pole ends of a magnet together are they going to attract (pull together) or repel (push apart)?

• repel (push apart)

• attract (pull together)

Multiple Select

Is the magnet being pushed or pulled to the other magnet?

• pushed

• pulled

Multiple Choice

Will north and south poles attract or repel?

• attract (pull together)

• repel (push apart)

Multiple Select

Are the paper clips being pushed or pulled to the magnet?

• pushed

• pulled

Multiple Select

Check all of the items that are magnetic.

• paper clip

• plastic cup

• key

• stuffed animal

Open Ended

What can you use a magnet for?