Magnets/magnetic fields and electromagnets

Question 1

What do north poles repel and attract?

Answer 1

North poles repel north poles and attract south poles.

Question 2

What do south poles repel and attract?

Answer 2

South poles repel south poles and attract north poles.

Question 3

What are two ways that you can find out the shape of a magnetic field?

Answer 3

1) using plotting compasses.

2) using iron fillings.

Question 4

What makes a magnetic field stronger?

Answer 4

The closer together the magnetic field lines are the stronger the magnetic field.

Question 5

What are three things that affect the strength of an electromagnet?

Answer 5

1) the number of turns, or loops, on the coil. More turns of wire will make the electromagnet stronger.
2) The current flowing in the wire. More current will make a stronger electromagnet.
3) The type of core. Using a magnetic material will make a stronger electromagnet.

Question 6

Why does the needle of a compass always point in the same direction wherever you point it?

Answer 6

A magnet lines up with the Earth’s magnetic field which is north to south.