Question

State whether the following statements are ‘True’ or ‘False’.

(i) A cylindrical magnet has only one pole.

(ii) Artificial magnets were discovered in Greece.

(iii) Similar poles of a magnet repel each other.

(iv) Maximum iron filings stick in the middle of a bar magnet when it is bought near them.

(v) Bar magnets always point towards the North−South direction.

(vi) A compass can be used to find the East−West direction at any place.

(vii) Rubber is a magnetic material.

Answer 1

(i) False

Magnets always have two poles; the north pole and the south pole. A cylindrical magnet also has two poles.

(ii) False

Artificial magnets were not discovered in Greece. Only natural magnets were discovered in Greece.

(iii) True

Like poles of magnets repel each other, while unlike poles of magnets attract each other. The south pole of a magnet attracts the north pole of another magnet and repels the south pole of that magnet.

(iv) False

The amount of iron filings that stick to a bar magnet depends on the strength of the magnet. The magnetism of a bar magnet is maximum at its two poles and minimum in the middle. Hence, maximum iron filings will stick at the two ends of the magnet and minimum in the middle.

(v) True

A freely suspended magnet always points towards the North−South direction.

(vi) True

A magnetic compass always points towards the North−South direction.

If the North−South direction is known, then the East−West direction can also be determined. This direction is perpendicular to the North-South direction, i.e., perpendicular to the compass needle in the same plane.

(vii) False

Rubber is not attracted by a magnet. Hence, it is a non-magnetic material.