Magnetic Force


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Magnetic Force

A magnet attracts things made of iron (or steel). So, if we bring a magnet near iron nails or pins, the magnet pulls them towards it as shown in the figure. The magnet exerts a force on them is known as magnetic force. The magnetic force acts even from a distance. The magnet exerts a magnetic force on objects made of iron, steel, nickel and cobalt. It does not exert a force on objects made of copper, wood or glass.

A magnet can exert its magnetic force on iron objects from a distance without touching them, therefore, magnetic force is a non-contact force. The magnetic force between a magnet and an iron (or steel) object is always that of attraction.

A magnet also exerts a magnetic force on another magnet placed near it. The magnetic force between two magnets placed near one another can be that of 'attraction' or 'repulsion' depending upon which poles of the two magnets are facing one another. The like poles of two magnets repel each other whereas unlike poles of magnets attract each other. This means that there is a magnetic force of repulsion between the like poles of two magnets. On the other hand, there is a magnetic force of attraction between the unlike poles of two magnets. We do not have to bring the two magnets in contact with each other for observing the magnetic force between them. A magnet can exert a force on another magnet even from a distance, without touching the other magnet (or without being in contact with the other magnet). So, the magnetic force exerted by one magnet on the other magnet is an example of a non-contact force. We will now perform an activity to show the magnetic force of attraction as well as repulsion between two bar magnets.

 

The magnetic force is widely used in our everyday life. For example,

1. Many toy work due to the magnetic force exerted by magnets fixed inside them.

2. The magnetic strip help to keep the refrigerator door closed tightly.

3. Certain stickers stick to the iron object like steel almirahs, refrigerators, etc., without any glue. Such stickers contain tiny magnets and hence stick to the iron objects due to magnetic force.

4. The magnetic force exerted by powerful electromagnets is used to separate scrap iron objects from among a heap of waste materials.

Sample Questions
(More Questions for each concept available in Login)
Question : 1

The examples of non contact forces are ____________________

Right Option : B
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Explanation
Question : 2

What will  happen when we place north pole of one magnet close to the south of pole of other magnet?

Right Option : A
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Explanation
Question : 3

Which of the following are correct ?

(a) A magnetic strip help to keep the refrigerator door closed tightly is an example of the magnetic force.

(b) Stickers contain tiny magnets and hence stick to the iron objects due to magnetic force.

(c) The gravitational  force exerted by powerful electromagnets is used to separate scrap iron objects from a heap of waste materials.

Right Option : A
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Explanation
 
 
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