The part of a magnet that is attracted to the south–seeking pole of another magnet, and to Earth's magnetic North Pole.

A material that is attracted to a magnet. The elements iron, cobalt and nickel, and their alloys (such as steel), are magnetic; non–metals and other metals are not magnetic.

A tiny magnet in a compass that freely turns to line up with the direction of a magnetic field.

A line with an arrow, showing the direction in which a force acts on the north–seeking pole of a magnet in a magnetic field.

Plotting magnetic fields

Combined science

In the Magnets and electromagnets unit, pupils learnt about rules for magnets, magnetic fields of bar magnets, and the properties and uses of electromagnets. 

This unit explores magnetism, including permanent and induced magnets, magnetic fields, and Earth's magnetism. It covers current-induced magnetic effects, electric motors, and devices like microphones and loudspeakers, with an emphasis on models, calculations, and practical applications.

Electromagnetism

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Inside a compass there is a freely rotating magnet which lines up with the magnetic field it is in. Which of the following is the term used for this magnet?

Which of the following metals do magnets attract?

The object is always attracted to magnets.

The object must have a north–seeking pole and a south–seeking pole.

The object experiences a force when it is near a magnet.

An object is made of a magnetic material. Which of the following statements must be correct?

It is attracted to the north–seeking poles of other magnets.

It is attracted to the south–seeking poles of other magnets.

The full name for the north pole of a magnet is ‘north–seeking pole’. Which of the following statements about a north–seeking pole are correct?

Where field lines are closer together, the field is stronger.

The arrows on field lines show the direction of force on a positive charge.

Which of the following statements about the magnetic field lines around a bar magnet is correct?

It looks like the field of a single bar magnet.

There is no magnetic field around the magnets.

It looks like the field of two bar magnets next to each other.

Two bar magnets are placed end–to–end, as shown in the diagram. Which of the following describes the magnetic field around both magnets? 

They can exist between objects if they are touching.

They can only exist between objects if they are touching.

They can only exist between objects if they are not moving.

They can only exist between objects if they are not touching.

They can exist between objects even if they are not touching.

Which of the following statements correctly describes non–contact forces?

Which of the following are types of non–contact force?

Which of the following is the correct definition of the word ‘repel’?

Earth has two poles: a north–seeking pole and a {{}} pole.

The rod does not exert a force on the magnet.

It is not possible to say whether the rod exerts a force on the magnet.

A magnet exerts an attractive force on a metal rod. Which of the following statements is correct?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Plotting magnetic fields

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.