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Primary Science · Year 3Chapter 10 · Magnets
Year 3 · Chapter 10

Magnets

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Say that magnets can attract or repel each other, and that a magnet attracts some materials
  • Sort everyday objects into magnetic and non-magnetic materials, using a magnet
  • Explain that a magnet attracts some metals but not all metals
  • Say that a bar magnet has two poles, one at each end
  • Predict whether two magnets will attract or repel, by looking at the poles that face each other
  • Plan and read a fair test that compares two magnets, and find the average

You should already know

  • Forces, including magnetic forces that act at a distance (Year 3 Science, Chapter 9)
  • Fair tests, and changing only one thing at a time (Year 3 Science, Chapter 1)

Where this leads

  • Forces in more detail, including gravity and resistance (Year 5 Science)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 2 science, Year 3. Content: F3 observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others, F4 compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of whether they are attracted to a magnet, and identify some magnetic materials, F5 describe magnets as having 2 poles, F6 predict whether 2 magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing.

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWhat do we call a test in which only one thing is changed, and everything else is kept the same? Write the words.
2
FCan a magnetic force act at a distance, without touching? Write yes or no.
3
FWhich kind of surface lets a toy car travel furthest: a rough surface or a smooth surface? Write the word.
4
FWhich word describes a material that light cannot pass through? Write the word.
5
FWhat is the average of 2, 4 and 6? Write the number.
10.1

Magnets attract and repel

Year 3
F3: observe how magnets attract or repel each other
Video lesson: Magnets attract and repelComing soon
Story. Sam holds two magnets, and they snap together. Ruby turns one of them round, and the two magnets push apart. Mr Patel says, “When magnets pull together, they attract. When they push apart, they repel.”

A magnet is an object that pulls some materials towards it. A magnet can also pull another magnet towards it, or push it away.

When two magnets pull towards each other, we say that they attract. When two magnets push away from each other, we say that they repel.

Magnets can attract or repel each other across a small gap. They do not have to touch.

AttractRepelpull togetherpush apart
Left: two magnets pull together, so they attract. Right: two magnets push apart, so they repel. The arrows show the direction of each push or pull.

The table explains the words we use for magnets.

WordWhat it means
magnetan object that attracts some materials, and can attract or repel other magnets
attractpull towards each other
repelpush away from each other

Key ideas

  • A magnet attracts some materials, and it can attract or repel other magnets.
  • Attract means to pull towards each other.
  • Repel means to push away from each other.
  • Magnets can attract or repel across a small gap, without touching.
Worked example 10.1.1
Sam’s two magnets snap together. Do the magnets attract or repel each other? Write the word.

Method. Think about what the magnets do.

  1. Read the story. The two magnets snap together, so they pull towards each other.
    pull together
  2. Name the word. Pulling towards each other is called attract.
    attract
  3. Write the answer.
    attract

Check. Two magnets that pull together attract. ✓

Watch out. Attract means pull together, not push apart.

Worked example 10.1.2
Ruby turns one magnet round, and the two magnets push apart. Do they attract or repel each other? Write the word.

Method. Think about what the magnets do.

  1. Read the story. The two magnets push apart from each other.
    push apart
  2. Name the word. Pushing away from each other is called repel.
    repel
  3. Write the answer.
    repel

Check. Repel means push away. ✓

Watch out. Repel means push apart, not pull together.

Worked example 10.1.3
A magnet pulls a steel paper clip towards it. Does the magnet attract or repel the paper clip? Write the word.

Method. Think about the direction the paper clip moves.

  1. Read the sentence. The paper clip moves towards the magnet, so they pull together.
    towards the magnet
  2. Name the word. Pulling towards each other is attract.
    attract
  3. Write the answer.
    attract

Check. The steel paper clip is attracted to the magnet. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: attract and repel are about direction. Attract means the two things pull towards each other. Repel means they push away from each other.

Try it at home or school (with a grown-up). Hold two bar magnets or two fridge magnets, with a grown-up. Bring them close, and notice whether they pull together or push apart. Keep magnets away from your mouth, away from small children, and away from phones and bank cards.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Did they pull together or push apart? Did they need to touch?” Let your child use the words attract and repel.

Exercise 10A  Magnets attract and repel

1
FDo two magnets that snap together attract or repel each other? Write the word.
2
FDo two magnets that push apart attract or repel each other? Write the word.
3
FFill in the gap: magnets can pull towards each other. This is called ___. Write the word.
4
FFill in the gap: magnets can push away from each other. This is called ___. Write the word.
5
FCan magnets attract or repel each other without touching? Write yes or no.
6
FLook at the left picture in section 10.1. Do the two magnets attract or repel? Write the word.
7
FLook at the right picture in section 10.1. Do the two magnets attract or repel? Write the word.
8
FA magnet pulls a steel paper clip towards it. Does the magnet attract or repel the paper clip? Write the word.
9
FHow many magnets are needed to show that magnets can repel each other? Write the number.
10
PSSam says magnets always stick together. Is Sam right? Write no or yes.
11
PSWorking scientifically. Plan how you would show whether two magnets attract or repel. Write one thing you would watch.
12
RExplain the difference between attract and repel. Write one sentence.
10.2

Magnetic and non-magnetic materials

Year 3
F3: attract some materials and not others, F4: identify some magnetic materials
Video lesson: Magnetic and non-magnetic materialsComing soon
Story. Priya tests the things in her pencil case with a magnet. The magnet picks up a steel paper clip, but it does not pick up her plastic ruler or her rubber band. “Why does it only pick up the clip?” Priya asks. Mr Patel says, “Some metals are magnetic, and some metals are not.”

A magnet does not attract everything. It attracts only some materials. A material that a magnet attracts is a magnetic material. A material that a magnet does not attract is a non-magnetic material.

Some metals are magnetic, such as iron, steel and nickel. Other metals are not magnetic, such as aluminium and copper. So a magnet attracts some metals, but not all metals.

Materials such as wood, plastic, glass, paper and rubber are not magnetic.

AttractedNot attractedthe steel paper clip sticksto the magnetfoil and plastic do not stick
Left: a magnet attracts a steel paper clip. Right: a magnet does not attract a foil ball or a plastic bottle top.

The table shows eight objects that were tested with a magnet.

ObjectWhat it is made ofDoes a magnet attract it?
Steel paper clipsteelyes
Steel nailsteelyes
Aluminium foil ballaluminiumno
Copper wirecopperno
Plastic bottle topplasticno
Wooden lolly stickwoodno
Glass marbleglassno
Rubber bandrubberno

Key ideas

  • A magnetic material is a material that a magnet attracts.
  • A non-magnetic material is a material that a magnet does not attract.
  • Iron, steel and nickel are magnetic materials.
  • A magnet attracts some metals, but not all metals.
Worked example 10.2.1
Look at the table in section 10.2. Is a steel nail a magnetic material? Write yes or no.

Method. Find the row for the steel nail.

  1. Find the row. The row says Steel nail.
    Steel nail
  2. Read the last column. The last column says that the magnet attracts it.
    yes
  3. Write the answer.
    yes

Check. Steel is a magnetic material. ✓

Worked example 10.2.2
Look at the table in section 10.2. Is aluminium foil a magnetic material? Write yes or no.

Method. Find the row for the aluminium foil.

  1. Find the row. The row says Aluminium foil ball.
    Aluminium foil ball
  2. Read the last column. The last column says that the magnet does not attract it.
    no
  3. Write the answer.
    no

Check. Aluminium is a metal, but it is not magnetic. ✓

Watch out. A metal is not always a magnetic material.

Worked example 10.2.3
Look at the table in section 10.2. How many of the eight objects does a magnet attract? Write the number.

Method. Count the rows that say yes.

  1. Read the last column. Only the steel paper clip and the steel nail say yes.
    two yes rows
  2. Count them. So the magnet attracts two of the eight objects.
    2
  3. Write the answer.
    2

Check. The other six objects say no. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: a metal is not always magnetic. A magnet does not attract aluminium foil or copper wire, even though both are metals. Some kinds of steel, such as some stainless steel, are not attracted either, so test each object yourself rather than guessing.

Try it at home or school (with a grown-up). Choose four safe objects from around the home, such as a paper clip, a plastic lid, a rubber band and a piece of aluminium foil. With a grown-up, hold a fridge magnet close to each one. Does it stick? Put the objects into two groups: magnetic and non-magnetic. Keep magnets away from your mouth, and never let small children swallow or play with small magnets.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Which objects stuck to the magnet? Did any object that looks like metal not stick?” Let your child use the words magnetic and non-magnetic.

Exercise 10B  Magnetic and non-magnetic materials

1
FIs wood a magnetic material or a non-magnetic material? Write the words.
2
FIs iron a magnetic material? Write yes or no.
3
FIs glass a magnetic material? Write yes or no.
4
FFill in the gap: a magnet attracts some metals, but not ___ metals. Write the word.
5
FLook at the table in section 10.2. Which object is attracted to the magnet: the steel paper clip or the copper wire? Write the name.
6
FLook at the table in section 10.2. Write the name of one object that is a metal, but is not attracted to the magnet.
7
FLook at the table in section 10.2. How many of the eight objects are not attracted to the magnet? Write the number.
8
FName a magnetic material that is not steel. Write one word.
9
FWrite the words for a material that a magnet does attract.
10
PSMo says a magnet attracts every shiny object. Is Mo right? Write no or yes.
11
RExplain why a magnet picks up a steel nail but not a plastic bottle top. Write one sentence.
12
PSWorking scientifically. Plan a test to find out whether a rubber band is magnetic. Write one thing you would keep the same each time.
10.3

Sorting objects with a magnet

Year 3
F4: compare and group together everyday materials on the basis of whether they are attracted to a magnet
Video lesson: Sorting objects with a magnetComing soon
Story. Leo has a box of ten objects. He holds the same magnet over each object in turn. The objects that stick go into one pile, and the others go into another pile. “Let’s count them,” says Leo. Mr Patel says, “Grouping means sorting things that have something in common.”

Grouping means sorting things into sets that share a feature. Leo grouped his objects by whether a magnet attracts them. He used the same magnet every time, and he held it at the same distance from each object.

The picture shows the two groups. The table records how many objects are in each group.

Attracted (4)Not attracted (6)Steel paper clipSteel nailSteel nutIron washerAluminium foil ballCopper wirePlastic bottle topWooden lolly stickGlass marbleRubber band
Two boxes. Attracted to the magnet: four objects. Not attracted: six objects.

The table records Leo’s sorting.

GroupObjects in the groupHow many
Attracted to the magnetsteel paper clip, steel nail, steel nut, iron washer4
Not attracted to the magnetaluminium foil ball, copper wire, plastic bottle top, wooden lolly stick, glass marble, rubber band6

Key ideas

  • Group things by whether a magnet attracts them.
  • Use the same magnet and the same way every time, so the sorting is fair.
  • Magnetic materials are attracted, and non-magnetic materials are not.
  • The groups must add up to the total number of objects you started with.
Worked example 10.3.1
Look at the table in section 10.3. How many objects were attracted to the magnet? Write the number.

Method. Read the first row of the table.

  1. Find the first row. The first row is the group attracted to the magnet.
    attracted
  2. Read the number. The number in that row is 4.
    4
  3. Write the answer.
    4

Check. The four objects are a steel paper clip, a steel nail, a steel nut and an iron washer. ✓

Worked example 10.3.2
Look at the table in section 10.3. How many objects were not attracted to the magnet? Write the number.

Method. Read the second row of the table.

  1. Find the second row. The second row is the group not attracted to the magnet.
    not attracted
  2. Read the number. The number in that row is 6.
    6
  3. Write the answer.
    6

Check. Six objects were not attracted. ✓

Worked example 10.3.3
Look at the table in section 10.3. How many objects did Leo sort altogether? Write the number.

Method. Add the two groups together.

  1. Read the two numbers. The attracted group has 4 objects, and the not attracted group has 6 objects.
    4 and 6
  2. Add them. Four objects and six objects make ten objects.
    4 + 6 = 10
  3. Write the answer.
    10

Check. Leo started with ten objects, so the groups must add up to ten. ✓

Watch out. Check the groups add up to the number you started with.

Watch out

Watch out: the objects in the two groups must add up to the total you started with. If they do not, you may have counted one object twice, or missed one.

Try it at home or school (with a grown-up). With a grown-up, collect ten safe objects from around the home, such as a paper clip, a plastic spoon, a rubber band, a piece of foil and a wooden peg. Sort them with a fridge magnet into two groups. Count each group, and check that the two numbers add up to ten. Keep magnets away from your mouth.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “What is the same about the objects in this group?” and “Do the two groups add up to ten?” Let your child count each group and check the total.

Exercise 10C  Sorting objects with a magnet

1
FHow many objects were attracted to the magnet? Write the number.
2
FWrite the name of one object that was attracted to the magnet.
3
FWhich group does the plastic bottle top belong to? Write attracted or not attracted.
4
FWhich group does the steel nut belong to? Write attracted or not attracted.
5
FHow many objects were not attracted to the magnet? Write the number.
6
FHow many objects did Leo sort altogether? Write the number.
7
FWhich group had more objects? Write attracted or not attracted.
8
FHow many more objects were not attracted than were attracted? Write the number.
9
PSLeo says the copper wire is attracted, because copper is a metal. Is Leo right? Write no or yes.
10
PSLeo finds a new steel bolt, and the magnet attracts it. How many objects are in the attracted group now? Write the number.
11
PSPriya says the sorting is correct, because each object was tested with the same magnet. Write one more way Priya could check the sorting.
12
RExplain why a magnet can sort steel objects from wooden objects. Write one sentence.
10.4

Two poles on a magnet

Year 3
F5: describe magnets as having 2 poles
Video lesson: Two poles on a magnetComing soon
Story. Ruby and Sam have a bar magnet and a tray of paper clips. Sam dips the magnet into the tray and lifts it out. The clips cling to both ends of the magnet, and very few cling to the middle. “Why are the ends different?” asks Ruby. Mr Patel says, “Those ends are the poles of the magnet.”

A pole is one of the places on a magnet where its pulling is strongest. A bar magnet has two poles, one at each end.

Many magnets have their poles marked with the letters N and S. In our pictures, the N pole is red and the S pole is blue.

Most of the paper clips cling to the poles. Very few cling to the middle of the magnet.

NSpolepolethe paper clips cling to the two poles, at the ends
A bar magnet, with an N pole at the left end and an S pole at the right end. Three paper clips cling to each end.

Key ideas

  • A bar magnet has two poles.
  • The poles of a bar magnet are at its two ends.
  • The pulling is strongest at the poles, where the paper clips cling.
  • Many magnets mark their poles with the letters N and S.
Worked example 10.4.1
How many poles does a bar magnet have? Write the number.

Method. Think about the ends of a bar magnet.

  1. Look at the bar magnet. A bar magnet has a pole at each of its two ends.
    two ends
  2. Count the poles. One pole at each end makes two poles.
    1 + 1 = 2
  3. Write the answer.
    2

Check. The middle of the magnet is not a pole. ✓

Worked example 10.4.2
Look at the picture in section 10.4. How many paper clips cling to the left end? Write the number.

Method. Look at the left end of the magnet.

  1. Count the clips. Three paper clips are stuck to the left-hand end.
    three clips
  2. Write the number. So three paper clips cling to the left end.
    3
  3. Write the answer.
    3

Check. Three clips cling to the left pole, and three to the right pole. ✓

Worked example 10.4.3
Ruby says a bar magnet has only one pole, in the middle. Is Ruby right? Write no or yes.

Method. Think about where the poles are.

  1. Think about the ends. The poles of a bar magnet are at its two ends, not in the middle.
    ends
  2. Decide. So Ruby is not right.
    no
  3. Write the answer.
    no

Check. Most of the paper clips cling to the ends, not the middle. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: the middle of a bar magnet is not a pole. The poles are the two ends, where the pulling is strongest.

Try it at home or school (with a grown-up). With a grown-up, use a bar magnet and a small pile of paper clips. Dip one end of the magnet into the pile, and count the clips that stick. Repeat with the other end, and then with the middle of the magnet. Which part picks up the most clips? Keep magnets away from your mouth, and never let small children play with them.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Where did the most clips stick? How many poles does the magnet have?” Let your child find the poles by counting the clips at each part of the magnet.

Exercise 10D  Two poles on a magnet

1
FHow many poles does a bar magnet have? Write the number.
2
FWhere are the poles on a bar magnet? Write the word.
3
FFill in the gap: a magnet has two ___. Write the word.
4
FLook at the picture in section 10.4. Which letter is on the pole at the left end? Write the letter.
5
FLook at the picture in section 10.4. Which letter is on the pole at the right end? Write the letter.
6
FLook at the picture in section 10.4. How many paper clips cling to the right-hand end? Write the number.
7
FLook at the picture in section 10.4. How many paper clips cling to the two ends altogether? Write the number.
8
FDoes the middle of a bar magnet have a pole? Write yes or no.
9
FWhich part of a magnet picks up the most paper clips: the poles or the middle? Write the word.
10
PSA horseshoe magnet is bent into a U shape. It has one pole at each end of the U. How many poles does it have? Write the number.
11
PSTom says a magnet has one pole. Priya says it has two poles. Who is right? Write Tom or Priya.
12
PSWorking scientifically. Plan a test to find where the poles of a bar magnet are. Write one thing you would count.
13
RExplain how paper clips show where the poles of a magnet are. Write one sentence.
10.5

Like poles repel, unlike poles attract

Year 3
F6: predict whether 2 magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing
Video lesson: Like poles repel, unlike poles attractComing soon
Story. Ruby holds two magnets with their N poles facing each other. They push apart. “Like poles repel,” says Mr Patel. Ruby turns one magnet over, so that its S pole faces an N pole. The magnets snap together. “Unlike poles attract,” says Mr Patel.

Two poles can be like poles or unlike poles. Two N poles are like poles. Two S poles are like poles. An N pole and an S pole are unlike poles.

Like poles repel: they push apart. Unlike poles attract: they pull together.

To predict what two magnets will do, look only at the two poles that will face each other. Then ask: are they like poles, or unlike poles?

Like polesUnlike polesSNNSlike poles repelSNSNunlike poles attract
Left: two N poles face each other, and the magnets push apart. Right: an N pole faces an S pole, and the magnets pull together.

The table predicts what happens for four pairs of poles that face each other.

Which poles face each other?Attract or repel?
north pole and north polerepel
south pole and south polerepel
north pole and south poleattract
south pole and north poleattract

Key ideas

  • Like poles repel: two N poles, or two S poles.
  • Unlike poles attract: an N pole and an S pole.
  • To predict, look only at the two poles that face each other.
  • The size or the colour of a magnet does not decide whether it attracts or repels.
Worked example 10.5.1
Two north poles face each other. Do the magnets attract or repel? Write the word.

Method. Decide whether the poles are like or unlike.

  1. Read the poles. Two north poles face each other.
    north and north
  2. Name the kind. Two north poles are like poles.
    like poles
  3. Use the rule. Like poles repel, so the magnets push apart.
    repel
  4. Write the answer.
    repel

Check. The table also says north and north repel. ✓

Watch out. Like poles push apart. Do not say they attract just because both are magnets.

Worked example 10.5.2
A north pole faces a south pole. Do the magnets attract or repel? Write the word.

Method. Decide whether the poles are like or unlike.

  1. Read the poles. A north pole faces a south pole.
    north and south
  2. Name the kind. A north pole and a south pole are unlike poles.
    unlike poles
  3. Use the rule. Unlike poles attract, so the magnets pull together.
    attract
  4. Write the answer.
    attract

Check. The table also says north and south attract. ✓

Worked example 10.5.3
Look at the table in section 10.5. How many of the four pairs attract? Write the number.

Method. Count the rows that say attract.

  1. Read the last column. The rows that say attract are north pole and south pole, and south pole and north pole.
    two attract rows
  2. Count them. So two of the four pairs attract.
    2
  3. Write the answer.
    2

Check. The other two rows, the two like pairs, say repel. ✓

Watch out

Watch out: the size or the colour of a magnet does not decide whether it attracts or repels. Only the poles that face each other decide this.

Try it at home or school (with a grown-up). With a grown-up, take two bar magnets. Before you bring them together, predict whether each pair of ends will attract or repel. Then test each pair, with the two ends facing each other, and record the results in a table. Keep the magnets away from your mouth, phones and bank cards.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “Which ends are facing? Are they like poles or unlike poles?” Let your child use the words like and unlike.

Exercise 10E  Like poles repel, unlike poles attract

1
FTwo north poles face each other. Do they attract or repel? Write the word.
2
FTwo south poles face each other. Do they attract or repel? Write the word.
3
FA north pole faces a south pole. Do they attract or repel? Write the word.
4
FFill in the gap: like poles ___. Write the word.
5
FFill in the gap: unlike poles ___. Write the word.
6
FAre two north poles like poles or unlike poles? Write the word.
7
FAre a south pole and a north pole like poles or unlike poles? Write the word.
8
FLook at the table in section 10.5. How many of the four pairs repel? Write the number.
9
FLook at the picture in section 10.5. In which picture do the poles repel: left or right? Write the word.
10
PSPredict: the south pole of one magnet faces the north pole of another magnet. Do they attract or repel? Write the word.
11
PSAli says two magnets with their north poles facing always attract. Is Ali right? Write no or yes.
12
PSWorking scientifically. Write one prediction for two magnets with a north pole facing a north pole. Write what will happen.
13
RExplain how you could make two magnets attract each other, using the words unlike poles. Write one sentence.
10.6

A fair test with two magnets

Year 3
F3: observe how magnets attract materials, in a fair test, Working scientifically: a fair test, a results table, and an average
Video lesson: A fair test with two magnetsComing soon
Story. Aisha and Sam want to find out which of two magnets picks up more paper clips. Aisha says, “The bigger one will win.” Sam says, “We must test it fairly, so that we know.”

To compare two magnets, do a fair test. Change only one thing: the magnet. Keep everything else the same:

Count the paper clips that stick after each trial. Repeat each test three times. Add the three trials together, then divide by three, to find the average.

0246810average paper clips picked up5 clipsMagnet A9 clipsMagnet B
Bar chart of the average number of paper clips picked up: Magnet A 5 clips, and Magnet B 9 clips.

Aisha and Sam recorded their results in the table.

TrialMagnet A (paper clips)Magnet B (paper clips)
Trial 169
Trial 248
Trial 3510
Average59

Key ideas

  • In a fair test of two magnets, change only the magnet.
  • Keep the paper clips, the tray and the way of lifting the same.
  • Repeat each trial three times, and find the average.
  • The magnet with the higher average picked up more paper clips in this test.
Worked example 10.6.1
Look at the table in section 10.6. Which magnet picked up more paper clips on average? Write the magnet letter.

Method. Compare the two averages.

  1. Read the averages. Magnet A averages 5 clips, and Magnet B averages 9 clips.
    5 and 9
  2. Choose the bigger one. Nine is more than five, so Magnet B picked up more.
    Magnet B
  3. Write the answer.
    B

Check. Magnet B picked up more clips on average. ✓

Worked example 10.6.2
Look at the table in section 10.6. What is the average for Magnet A? Write the number.

Method. Add the three trials, then divide by three.

  1. Add the trials. The three trials for Magnet A are 6, 4 and 5 clips.
    6 + 4 + 5 = 15
  2. Divide by three. Divide 15 by 3 to get the average.
    15 divided by 3 is 5
  3. Write the answer.
    5

Check. Check: 5 + 5 + 5 = 15. ✓

Watch out. Divide by three, because there are three trials.

Worked example 10.6.3
How many more paper clips did Magnet B pick up than Magnet A, on average? Write the number.

Method. Subtract the smaller average from the bigger one.

  1. Read the two averages. Magnet B averages 9, and Magnet A averages 5.
    9 and 5
  2. Subtract. The difference is 9 minus 5, which is 4.
    9 - 5 = 4
  3. Write the answer.
    4

Check. Check: 5 + 4 = 9. ✓

Watch out. Subtract the smaller average from the bigger one.

Watch out

Watch out: if you use more clips for one magnet, or lift one magnet from a different end, the test is not fair. You will not know which change made the difference.

Try it at home or school (with a grown-up). With a grown-up, put ten paper clips in a tray. Dip one bar magnet into the tray, at the same end each time, and count the clips that stick when you lift it out. Put the clips back in the tray, and repeat three times. Then do the same with a second magnet, using the same ten clips. Find the average for each magnet. Keep magnets away from your mouth.

Exam tip

Grown-up tip. Ask: “What did you keep the same? Which magnet picked up more clips on average?” Let your child add the three trials and divide by three.

Exercise 10F  A fair test with two magnets

1
FLook at the table in section 10.6. How many clips did Magnet A pick up in trial 2? Write the number.
2
FLook at the table in section 10.6. How many clips did Magnet B pick up in trial 3? Write the number.
3
FWhat is the total number of clips that Magnet B picked up in the three trials? Write the number.
4
FWhat is the total number of clips that Magnet A picked up in the three trials? Write the number.
5
FLook at the table in section 10.6. What is the average for Magnet B? Write the number.
6
FIn which trial did Magnet A pick up the most clips? Write the trial number.
7
FSam says the test shows that Magnet B picked up more paper clips on average than Magnet A. Is Sam right? Write yes or no.
8
FWrite one thing that must stay the same in a fair test of two magnets.
9
PSPriya uses 20 paper clips for Magnet A, and 10 paper clips for Magnet B. Is her test fair? Write yes or no.
10
PSMagnet C picks up 7, 5 and 6 paper clips in three trials. What is its average? Write the number.
11
PSMagnet D picks up 3, 4 and 2 paper clips in three trials. Did Magnet D pick up more or fewer clips on average than Magnet B? Write more or fewer.
12
RExplain why the fair test is repeated three times. Write one sentence.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Attract and repelMagnets attract (pull towards each other) or repel (push away from each other). They can do this across a small gap.
Magnetic materialsA magnet attracts some materials, such as iron, steel and nickel. It does not attract wood, plastic, glass or rubber, and it does not attract all metals.
Sorting with a magnetSort objects into two groups with the same magnet, then count each group. The groups add up to the total.
PolesA bar magnet has two poles, one at each end, where the pulling is strongest.
Like and unlike polesLike poles repel: two N poles, or two S poles. Unlike poles attract: an N pole and an S pole.
Fair test of magnetsChange only the magnet. Keep the clips, the tray and the way of lifting the same. Repeat three times and find the average.

Can you…?

  • I can say what attract and repel mean, and give an example of each
  • I can sort objects into magnetic and non-magnetic materials, using a magnet
  • I can say that a magnet attracts some metals, but not all metals
  • I can say that a bar magnet has two poles, one at each end
  • I can predict whether two magnets will attract or repel, from the poles that face each other
  • I can plan and read a fair test that compares two magnets, and find the average

Key terms

magnet
an object that attracts some materials, and can attract or repel other magnets
attract
to pull towards each other
repel
to push away from each other
magnetic material
a material that a magnet attracts, such as iron, steel or nickel
non-magnetic material
a material that a magnet does not attract, such as wood, plastic, glass or aluminium
pole
one of the two places on a magnet where its pulling is strongest, usually at its ends
N and S
the letters often used to mark the two poles of a magnet: N for north and S for south
like poles
two north poles, or two south poles, which repel each other
unlike poles
a north pole and a south pole, which attract each other
fair test
a test where only one thing is changed, and everything else is kept the same
average
the total of several results, divided by how many results there are

Exercise 10Z  Check-up

1
Write the word for pushing away from each other: attract or repel.
2
Which material is attracted to the magnet: plastic or steel? Write the word.
3
Is copper a magnetic material? Write yes or no.
4
Fill in the gap: a bar magnet has two ___. Write the word.
5
Two south poles face each other. Do they attract or repel? Write the word.
6
A north pole faces a south pole. Do they attract or repel? Write the word.
7
Look at the bar chart. Which magnet picked up more paper clips on average? Write the name.
0246810average paper clips picked up5 clipsMagnet A9 clipsMagnet B
8
Write two magnetic materials.
9
Write one thing that must stay the same in a fair test of two magnets.
10
Explain why a magnet picks up a steel paper clip but not a rubber band. Write one sentence.

Total 17 marks. Allow about 17 minutes.

Exercise 10X  Practice test questions

1
FTwo magnets snap together when they are brought close. Write the word for what the magnets do: attract or repel.[1 mark]
2
FWrite the words for a material that a magnet does not attract, such as wood or plastic.[1 mark]
3
FHere are four objects: a steel paper clip, an aluminium foil ball, a rubber band and a steel nail. Write the two objects that a magnet would attract.[2 marks]
4
FHow many poles does a bar magnet have? Write the number.[1 mark]
5
FTwo magnets are placed with their north poles facing each other. Write whether they attract or repel. Then write the name for two poles of the same kind.[2 marks]
6
FA north pole faces a south pole. Do the two magnets attract or repel? Write the word.[1 mark]
7
RSam tests three objects with a magnet: a steel nail, a plastic lolly stick and a copper wire. Write the two objects that the magnet does not attract. Then write one sentence that explains why copper is not attracted.[3 marks]
8
FRuby tests magnet X in three trials, and it picks up 7, 5 and 6 paper clips. Work out the average number of clips for magnet X. Write the number.[2 marks]
9
FRuby and Sam test two magnets with the same paper clips, in a fair test. Write one thing that must stay the same.[1 mark]
10
RRuby says a magnet will attract a steel paper clip and a plastic ruler. Is Ruby right? Write no, and explain why in one sentence.[3 marks]
← Chapter 9: Forces

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