Download Physical Science: Magnets Study Guide

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Physical Science: Magnets Study Guide
VOCABULARY
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Magnetism - a force by which objects are attracted to other objects or repelled by other objects.
Attract – pulls an object closer
Repel – pushes an object away
Magnetic field – the area or power around a magnet.
Electromagnet – a magnet that can be turned on and off by using electricity
Generator – a device that uses a magnet to produce electricity
Poles – the strongest point on a magnet; each magnet has a NORTH and SOUTH pole
Permanent magnet – a magnet that never loses its magnetism
Temporary magnet – iron material you can magnetize to attract items for a short period of time
Magnet – a piece of iron or steel that attracts certain metals
Force – energy that can cause something to be pushed or pulled
Compass – an instrument with a needle that points North and used to determine directions
Electricity – used to create a magnetic field
Metals – materials such as iron, steel, and copper
Lodestone – a magnetic iron ore, or mineral, that is capable of attracting small bits of iron
KEY IDEAS
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Magnets come in all shapes and sizes.
Magnets react the same no matter what size or shape they are.
Magnets attract things made of iron, nickel, and cobalt.
When a magnet is brought closer to an object made of iron, the object is attracted, or pulled
toward, the magnet and becomes attached to it.
5. All magnets have a north and south pole.
6. Opposite poles (north & south) attract. For example, the north pole of a magnet is attracted to
the south pole of another magnet. They will “stick” to each other.
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7. The same poles (north & north/south & south) will repel. For example, the north pole of one
magnet will repel, or push away from the north pole of another magnet. They will NOT “stick”
together.
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8. A magnetic field surrounds a magnet in all directions.
Magnet
Magnetic field
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9. The closer the object is to the magnet, the stronger the magnetic field.
10. The farther away the object is, the weaker the magnetic field.
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11. In this diagram, the moon has a stronger magnetic field because it is closer. The sun has a
weaker magnetic field because it is farther away.
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12. Magnetic forces control the power of magnets.
13. Magnets have many uses. Some of these uses include:
 Keeping doors closed
 Holding papers
 Used in tools
 Games
 Make electricity and in generators
14. Magnets are all alike because they
 Attract things made of iron
 Have a north and south pole
15. Magnets are all different because they
 Can have different shapes
 Can be used in different ways
16. Temporary magnets are created by stroking objects made of iron or steel with a magnet.
17. There are many kinds of magnets. These include temporary magnets, electromagnets, and
permanent magnets.
18. An example of a temporary magnet a gem clip used to pick up staple. The gem clip will only act
as a magnet after it has been rubbed with a magnet.
19. An example of a permanent magnet is the Earth. The Earth is one giant magnet with opposite
poles.
20. An example of an electromagnet is a generator. It uses magnet to make electricity and can be
turned on and off.