3. Properties of magnet

Magnets are attracting material that work on three important properties. They are,

The first and foremost property of a magnet is its attraction towards a material.

 

When a magnet is rubbed against sand or soil, some particles stick to the magnet. The magnet is shaken well to remove these particles of sand or soil.

 

 

But, still, a few particles stay in the magnet. These particles are small pieces of iron called iron filings. Iron, cobalt, and nickel are the metals always attracted by magnets.

 

 

When a magnet is placed in a sheet spread with iron filings, the filings get attracted towards the ends of a magnet.

In a container filled with iron filings, a bar magnet is placed. As compared to the middle of the bar magnet, more iron filings stick to the ends. This demonstrates that the attraction between the poles of a bar magnet is greatest. This applies not only to a bar magnet but also to all kinds of magnets.

 

 

A bar magnet, even when shattered, acts as a separate bar magnet. For example, if a bar magnet is split into three pieces, six poles are formed in total.

 

 

The magnet's length is modified when broken vertically, and each piece functions as a magnet. If a magnet is broken horizontally, the length of the new parts and their polarity remain unchanged. The strength of the magnet is diminished in both cases.