tRAT: Magnets and its characteristics

Look at the diagram that shows a U-shaped magnet and a bar magnet. What are poles P and Q of the bar magnet?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer explanation

Unlike poles (North pole and South pole) attract.

Observe the set-up. What does it show?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer explanation

There are more paper clips attracted to the poles of the magnet. This shows that the strength is strongest at the poles.

Which sets of magnets will repel if one magnet approaches the other?

• A and B only

• A and C only

• B and D only

• C and D only

Answer explanation

Like poles (North pole and north pole) OR (south pole and south pole) of a magnet repel each other.

Three magnets, P, Q and R are brought close to each other as shown in the picture.

When magnets Q and R are brought close to magnet P, magnet Q will be ___________ and magnet R will be _________ by magnet P.

• attracted, attracted

• attracted, repelled

• repelled, attracted

• repelled, repelled

Answer explanation

Unlike poles (North pole and South pole) attract.

Like poles (South pole and South pole OR North pole and North pole) repel.

Objects A and B are attracted by a magnet. However, only object B is repelled by another magnet. What can be concluded?

• Both A and B are magnets.

• Both A and B are non-magnetic materials.

• A is a magnet but B is a magnetic material.

• B is a magnet but A is a magnetic material.

Answer explanation

Only magnets can repel another magnet.

Magnetic materials are attracted by a magnet.

1. James wanted to find out which magnet, A, B, C or D is the strongest. He used one pole of each magnet to attract as many steel clips as possible.

The results are shown in the table.

Which magnet is the strongest?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

The strongest magnet will be able to attract the most number of steel clips.

1. James wanted to find out which magnet, A, B, C or D is the strongest. He used one pole of each magnet to attract as many steel clips as possible.

The results are shown in the table.

Which magnet is the weakest?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

The weakest magnet will be able to attract the least number of steel clips.

1. James wanted to find out which magnet, A, B, C or D is the strongest. He used one pole of each magnet to attract as many steel clips as possible.

The results are shown in the table.

If James needs a magnet that can attract at least 30 steel clips, he can use magnet(s) ____________.

• A

• B

• C

• D