Magnetic poles
I can describe how magnets can attract magnetic materials, as well as attract and repel other magnets.
Magnetic poles
I can describe how magnets can attract magnetic materials, as well as attract and repel other 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 similar magnetic poles repel each other.
- Magnetic materials are attracted to both north–seeking and south–seeking magnetic poles.
- Just three metal elements (iron, cobalt and nickel) are magnetic; other metal and non–metal elements are not magnetic.
- A north–seeking pole will point towards the North Pole because Earth has a magnetic field.
Common misconception
All metals are magnetic and an object with a static electric charge is magnetic.
Provide opportunities for pupils to test some metals that are not magnetic, and a balloon with a static electric charge with a magnet.
Keywords
North–seeking magnetic pole - the end of a magnet that points to the north
South–seeking magnetic pole - the end of a magnet that points to the south
Attract - a force that makes things move together
Magnetic field - an area where a magnetic pole will align in a particular direction
Repel - a force that makes things move apart
Equipment
Bar magnets and iron nails.
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
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