Plotting magnetic fields
I can plot and describe magnetic fields around bar magnets.
Plotting magnetic fields
I can plot and describe magnetic fields around bar magnets.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- All magnets have a north–seeking pole and a south–seeking pole.
- Unlike magnetic poles attract each other, and like magnetic poles repel each other.
- Just three metal elements (iron, cobalt and nickel) are magnetic; other metals and non–metals are not magnetic.
- The needle of a plotting compass lines up with the magnetic field of a magnet.
- Arrows on magnetic field lines show the direction in which the north–seeking pole of another magnet would be forced.
Common misconception
The magnetic field is only at the poles of a magnet.
Provide opportunity for pupils to plot magnetic field lines around pairs of bar magnets and to experiment with a second magnet as described in the teacher tip.
Keywords
North–seeking pole - The part of a magnet that is attracted to the south–seeking pole of another magnet, and to Earth's magnetic North Pole.
Magnetic material - 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.
Compass needle - A tiny magnet in a compass that freely turns to line up with the direction of a magnetic field.
Magnetic field line - 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.
Equipment
A pair of bar magnets and a plotting compass for each pupil so they can plot magnetic field lines onto A4 plain paper.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
