P4 Interactions

1. Poles of a magnet -The parts of a magnet with the strongest pull or attraction are the poles of the magnet. - A magnet has two poles. - A freely suspended magnet will rest with the N-pole pointing to the North and the S-pole pointing to the South. Different types of magnets P4 Interactions How do magnets interact with each other? - Magnets can attract or repel each other. - Unlike poles of magnets (one N-pole and one S-pole) attract each other. - Like poles of magnets (two N-poles or two S-poles) repel each other. Characteristics of magnets - A magnet can be made of magnetic materials such as iron or steel. - A magnet can attract magnetic materials. - A magnet has two poles: N-pole and S-pole. How do magnets interact with other objects? - Magnets attract magnetic materials such as iron and steel. - Magnets do not attract non-magnetic materials such as aluminium, copper, gold, wood, glass, cloth, rubber and plastics. Characteristics of magnets - Unlike poles attract, like poles repel. - If a magnet is allowed to turn freely, it will come to rest in the North-South direction.

2. Uses of magnets • Holding things • - Separating wastes made of magnetic materials from other wastes in recycling centres • - Lifting heavy iron and steel objects such as old cars in scrap yards • - Finding directions (compass) • - Used in some electrical appliances and maglev trains Making a magnet using the ‘stroke’ method P4 Interactions Making a magnet using the electrical method Electromagnet - An electromagnet becomes magnetised when a current flows through the coil of wire around it. - It is no longer magnetised when no current flows through the wire.