Magnets
Physical Science
S3P2. Students will investigate magnets and how they affect other magnets and common objects.
a. Investigate to find common objects that are attracted to magnets.
b. Investigate how magnets attract and repel each other.
Main Concepts About Magnets
-The ends of a magnet are where the magnetic effect is the strongest. These are called
“poles.” Each magnet has 2 poles – 1 north, 1 south.
-Magnets attract things made of iron, cobalt, or nickel. Steel is made from iron.
-Magnets can attract magnetic objects through most materials.
-Not all magnets have the same strength – some are stronger than others.
-The poles are the ends of the magnet, where the magnetism is the strongest.
-Magnetite is a mineral containing iron and oxygen. It is attracted to magnets.
-Lodestone is a type of magnetite. Lodestone is also magnetic.
magnet: an object that is attracted to iron
magnetic field: the invisible force that surrounds a magnet.
attract: to pull toward (poles that are different attract each other)
repel: to push away (poles that are alike repel each other)
magnetic: things that attract objects that have iron in them
poles: one of two ends of a magnet; where a magnet’s pull is the strongest
electromagnets: magnets that must have electricity to work
temporary magnet: an object that is magnetic but will only be a magnet for a short time
generator: a machine that uses a magnet to make electricity
Magnets
These magnets are repelling causing
them to “float” on the pencil.
bar magnet
horseshoe
magnet