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Physics · Grades 2–5

Magnets: test rather than guess

Distinguish attraction, repulsion and the limits of material generalizations.

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Learn the idea

Two poles

A bar magnet has north and south poles. Like poles repel and unlike poles attract.

Materials

Iron and many steels can respond strongly to a magnet. Not every metal is strongly attracted.

Contact is not required

A magnetic interaction can act across a small gap. Its effect can change with separation.

Fair observation

Compare objects at similar distances. Keep small magnets away from mouths and follow adult supervision.

Worked examples

Two north poles are brought near each other. What interaction is expected?

Like magnetic poles repel.

Repulsion

A north pole approaches a south pole. What is expected?

Unlike poles attract.

Attraction

Check your understanding

  1. Which statement is the best testable prediction?

    1. Every metal is strongly attracted.
    2. This iron paper clip may be attracted; test it at the same gap.
    3. Colour alone decides attraction.

  2. Must a magnet touch an iron object to exert a force on it?

    1. Only if the object is red
    2. Yes, always
    3. No

  3. Why should two objects be tested at the same distance from a magnet?

Answers and marking notes

Answers and marking notes
  1. This iron paper clip may be attracted; test it at the same gap.

    Material and experimental conditions matter; all-metal claims are too broad.

  2. No

    Magnetic forces can act across a gap.

  3. Distance affects the interaction, so it should not change during the comparison.

    Credit a controlled variable and its purpose.

Further reading and review references

These are reference links, not copied exercises, institutional endorsement or proof of independent review.

Independent educational review required. Grade bands are approximate; these are not officially aligned curricula.