Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Exploring Magnets Notes | NCERT Curiosity 2026-27
Class 6 Science Chapter 4 Exploring Magnets – NCERT Curiosity Notes 2026-27
Class 6 Science | NCERT Curiosity | Chapter 4 | Exploring Magnets
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Have you ever noticed a pencil box that closes with a magnet? Have you used a magnetic toy, a fridge magnet, or a compass? Magnets are present in many things around us and have some very interesting properties.
In Class 6 Science Chapter 4 – Exploring Magnets, from the new NCERT Curiosity Science textbook, we learn how magnets interact with different materials, what magnetic poles are, how a compass helps us find directions, why magnets attract or repel one another, and how magnets can be used in simple activities.
This chapter is especially useful because it encourages students to observe, predict, experiment, record observations and draw conclusions rather than simply memorising facts.
What You Will Learn in Chapter 4 – Exploring Magnets
In this chapter, students explore:
Magnetic and non-magnetic materials
Different shapes of magnets
Poles of a magnet
Strength of a magnet at different parts
Finding directions using a freely suspended magnet
Magnetic compass
Attraction and repulsion between magnets
Simple activities using magnets
How to store and care for magnets
1. What is a Magnet?
A magnet is an object that attracts certain materials and has the property of producing magnetic effects.
Magnets have been known since ancient times. A naturally occurring magnetic rock called magnetite was known to possess magnetic properties. Later, people learned to make magnets from materials such as iron.
Today, magnets are made in different shapes and are used in many everyday objects.
Common shapes of magnets
Magnets may have different shapes according to their uses, such as:
Bar magnet
U-shaped magnet
Ring magnet
Magnets are used in toys, pencil boxes, bags, writing boards and many other objects.
2. Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Materials
Do all materials get attracted by a magnet?
No.
Some materials are attracted towards a magnet, while others are not.
Magnetic materials
Materials that are attracted towards a magnet are called magnetic materials.
Examples include:
Iron
Nickel
Cobalt
Some objects made using these materials can be attracted by magnets.
Non-magnetic materials
Materials that are not attracted towards a magnet are called non-magnetic materials.
Examples include:
Wood
Plastic
Glass
Paper
Rubber
Remember
The material of an object is more important than its appearance. We should test an object with a magnet instead of deciding only by looking at it.
3. Activity – Which Objects Are Attracted by a Magnet?
Take a magnet and collect objects made from different materials.
For example:
Iron nail
Steel paper clip
Pencil
Eraser
Piece of paper
Plastic object
Wooden object
First, predict which objects will be attracted to the magnet.
Then bring the magnet close to each object and observe what happens.
What do we learn?
The objects made of magnetic materials are attracted towards the magnet, while objects made of non-magnetic materials are generally not attracted.
This activity demonstrates an important scientific process:
Predict → Observe → Record → Conclude
This type of observation-based learning is an important part of science.
4. Do All Parts of a Magnet Attract Equally?
Imagine bringing a bar magnet close to iron pins.
You may notice that the pins are attracted more strongly near the two ends of the magnet.
The two ends of a magnet are called its poles.
A magnet has two poles:
North Pole (N)
South Pole (S)
The magnetic effect is strongest near the poles.
5. Poles of a Magnet
Every magnet has two poles:
North Pole
It is represented by N.
South Pole
It is represented by S.
One important property of magnets is that their poles always occur in pairs.
Can we obtain a single magnetic pole?
No.
Even if a magnet is broken into smaller pieces, each piece has both a north pole and a south pole.
Therefore:
A single North pole or a single South pole cannot be obtained by simply breaking a magnet.
This is an important concept for examination questions.
6. Finding Directions Using a Magnet
How can a magnet help us find directions?
Take a bar magnet and suspend it freely using a thread.
Allow it to come to rest without disturbing it.
You will observe that the magnet settles approximately along the north-south direction.
This property of magnets has been useful to travellers and sailors for finding directions.
This idea led to the development and use of the magnetic compass.
7. Magnetic Compass
A magnetic compass is a device used for finding directions.
A compass contains a small magnetised needle that is free to move.
When the compass is kept undisturbed, the needle settles approximately in the north-south direction.
The compass can therefore help us identify directions.
Why is a compass useful?
It can help people:
Find directions while travelling
Navigate on land and water
Identify north, south, east and west
Find their way when familiar landmarks are not available
In the chapter's introductory situation, the compass is particularly useful because sailors could use it even when the sky was cloudy and stars could not be seen.
8. Attraction Between Magnets
Magnets interact with other magnets.
Suppose the North pole of one magnet is brought near the South pole of another magnet.
They move towards each other.
This is called attraction.
Rule:
Unlike poles attract each other.
Therefore:
North + South → Attraction
9. Repulsion Between Magnets
Now bring the North pole of one magnet near the North pole of another magnet.
The magnets tend to move away from each other.
This is called repulsion.
Similarly, two South poles repel each other.
Rule:
Like poles repel each other.
Therefore:
North + North → Repulsion
South + South → Repulsion
Easy way to remember
Like poles → Repel
Unlike poles → Attract
This is one of the most important rules of the chapter.
10. How Can We Identify the Poles?
Some magnets have N and S marked on them.
In some cases, different colours may be used to indicate the poles.
But if the poles are not marked, the direction-finding property of a freely suspended magnet can help identify them.
A freely suspended magnet settles in the north-south direction. Its poles can therefore be identified using the known directions.
11. Fun with Magnets
Magnets can be used to perform interesting activities and experiments.
For example, a magnet can attract a steel object even when there is a layer of another material between them, provided the magnetic effect is sufficiently strong.
Magnets can also be used in simple games and models.
Example: Magnetic Maze
A small steel ball can be moved through a maze using a magnet placed below the maze.
As the magnet is moved, the steel ball follows its magnetic pull.
This is a simple way to observe that a magnet can exert an effect without directly touching the object.
12. Magnet and Water Activity
A magnetic object such as a steel paper clip can be attracted by a magnet through water.
For example, a paper clip placed in water can be pulled towards a magnet without putting the magnet directly into the water.
This activity helps students explore how magnets can attract magnetic materials even when the objects are separated by another material.
13. Magnets Around Us
Magnets are not limited to science laboratories.
We can find them in many everyday objects.
Examples include:
Pencil boxes
Small magnets may help keep the box closed.
Bags and purses
Magnetic fasteners can be used for closing them.
Writing boards
Magnetic objects can be attached to some boards.
Toys
Magnets are used in many educational and recreational toys.
Compass
A magnetic needle helps in finding directions.
The use of magnets in daily life shows how scientific properties are applied to solve practical problems.
14. How to Keep Magnets Safe?
Magnets need to be handled carefully.
According to the chapter, magnets should be stored properly and protected from damage.
Important precautions
Do not heat a magnet unnecessarily.
Do not drop or hammer magnets.
Store magnets properly.
Keep magnets away from objects that may be affected by strong magnetic fields.
Follow proper storage methods for different types of magnets.
For bar magnets, appropriate storage can involve keeping them in pairs with unlike poles on the same side, using a wooden separator and soft iron pieces as described in the textbook.
Remember: Handle magnets carefully during classroom activities.
Important Terms – Exploring Magnets
Magnet
An object that attracts certain materials and has magnetic properties.
Magnetic Materials
Materials that are attracted towards a magnet.
Non-Magnetic Materials
Materials that are not attracted towards a magnet.
Pole
Either of the two ends/regions of a magnet where its magnetic effect is strongest.
North Pole
One of the two poles of a magnet, represented by N.
South Pole
The other pole of a magnet, represented by S.
Attraction
The force by which unlike magnetic poles move towards each other.
Repulsion
The interaction in which like magnetic poles move away from each other.
Magnetic Compass
A device containing a magnetic needle used for finding directions.
Quick Revision – Class 6 Science Chapter 4
Remember these points before your exam:
A magnet attracts certain materials.
Iron, nickel and cobalt are magnetic materials.
Wood, plastic, glass and rubber are examples of non-magnetic materials.
A magnet has two poles – North and South.
The magnetic effect is strongest near the poles.
A magnet always has both poles.
A freely suspended magnet settles approximately in the north-south direction.
A magnetic compass is used to find directions.
Like poles repel each other.
Unlike poles attract each other.
Magnets can be used in many everyday objects.
Magnets should be handled and stored carefully.
Important Science Questions – Exploring Magnets
Very Short Answer Questions
1. Name two magnetic materials.
Answer: Iron and nickel are magnetic materials.
2. How many poles does a magnet have?
Answer: A magnet has two poles – North and South.
3. What is a magnetic compass used for?
Answer: A magnetic compass is used for finding directions.
4. What happens when like poles of two magnets are brought close together?
Answer: Like poles repel each other.
5. What happens when unlike poles are brought close together?
Answer: Unlike poles attract each other.
Short Answer Questions
1. What are magnetic materials? Give examples.
Magnetic materials are materials that are attracted towards a magnet. Iron, nickel and cobalt are examples of magnetic materials.
2. What are non-magnetic materials?
Non-magnetic materials are materials that are not attracted towards a magnet. Wood, plastic, glass and rubber are examples.
3. Why is a magnetic compass useful?
A magnetic compass contains a magnetised needle that settles approximately in the north-south direction. It is therefore useful for finding directions.
4. What are the poles of a magnet?
The two poles of a magnet are called the North Pole and South Pole. The magnetic effect is strongest near these poles.
5. What happens when a magnet is broken into two pieces?
Each piece still has both a North Pole and a South Pole. Breaking a magnet does not produce an isolated single pole.
Competency-Based Questions
Case Study 1
Riya collected a wooden pencil, a plastic scale, an iron nail, a steel paper clip and a rubber eraser. She brought a magnet close to each object.
a) Which objects are most likely to be attracted by the magnet?
b) Which objects are likely to show no attraction?
c) What conclusion can Riya draw from the activity?
Answer:
a) The iron nail and steel paper clip are likely to be attracted.
b) The wooden pencil, plastic scale and rubber eraser are likely to show no attraction.
c) The activity shows that different materials behave differently when brought near a magnet and that magnetic materials are attracted towards a magnet.
Case Study 2
A student brings the North pole of one magnet close to the North pole of another magnet. The two magnets move apart.
a) Name this interaction.
b) What rule does this demonstrate?
Answer:
a) Repulsion.
b) Like poles of magnets repel each other.
Think and Answer
1. Why should we test an object with a magnet rather than decide whether it is magnetic just by looking at it?
Because objects can look similar but may be made from different materials. Testing helps us determine whether the material is attracted by the magnet.
2. Why can a compass be useful to a traveller?
A compass helps the traveller identify directions using its magnetic needle.
3. A student says, “A magnet has only one pole.” Is the statement correct? Explain.
No. Every magnet has two poles – North and South.
4. What would happen if the North pole of a magnet is brought near the South pole of another magnet?
The two unlike poles will attract each other.
Multiple Choice Questions – Chapter 4
1. Which of the following is a magnetic material?
A. Wood
B. Plastic
C. Iron
D. Rubber
Answer: C. Iron
2. A magnet has:
A. One pole
B. Two poles
C. Three poles
D. No poles
Answer: B. Two poles
3. Like poles of two magnets:
A. Attract each other
B. Repel each other
C. Do not interact
D. Melt
Answer: B. Repel each other
4. Unlike poles of two magnets:
A. Attract each other
B. Repel each other
C. Have no effect
D. Break automatically
Answer: A. Attract each other
5. Which instrument uses a magnetic needle to find directions?
A. Thermometer
B. Compass
C. Barometer
D. Measuring cylinder
Answer: B. Compass
6. Which of the following is non-magnetic?
A. Iron
B. Nickel
C. Cobalt
D. Wood
Answer: D. Wood
7. The magnetic effect of a bar magnet is strongest near its:
A. Centre
B. Poles
C. Middle only
D. Entire surface equally
Answer: B. Poles
8. The two poles of a magnet are called:
A. East and West
B. Up and Down
C. North and South
D. Left and Right
Answer: C. North and South
Fill in the Blanks
A magnet has ______ poles.
The two poles of a magnet are called ______ and ______.
Materials attracted towards a magnet are called ______ materials.
A magnetic compass is used for finding ______.
Like poles ______ each other.
Unlike poles ______ each other.
Iron is a ______ material.
A freely suspended magnet rests approximately along the ______ direction.
Answers
two
North, South
magnetic
directions
repel
attract
magnetic
north-south
True or False
A magnet has only one pole.
Iron is a magnetic material.
Like poles attract each other.
Unlike poles attract each other.
A compass can help us find directions.
A freely suspended magnet settles approximately along the north-south direction.
Plastic is generally a magnetic material.
The magnetic effect is strongest near the poles.
Answers
False
True
False
True
True
True
False
True
Chapter 4 Exploring Magnets – One-Minute Revision
Magnetic material: Attracted by a magnet
Non-magnetic material: Not attracted by a magnet
Number of poles: Two
Poles: North and South
Like poles: Repel
Unlike poles: Attract
Compass: Helps find directions
Freely suspended magnet: Settles approximately north-south
Strongest magnetic effect: Near the poles
Learning by Doing
Science becomes easier when we investigate it ourselves.
Try these safe activities at home or in the classroom:
Activity 1 – Magnet Test
Collect five objects made of different materials and predict which ones will be attracted by a magnet. Test them one by one and record the results.
Activity 2 – Find the Direction
Suspend a bar magnet freely using a thread. Wait until it becomes still and observe the direction in which it settles.
Activity 3 – Pole Interaction
Bring two magnets close to each other in different combinations and observe attraction and repulsion.
While doing these activities, remember:
Predict → Experiment → Observe → Record → Conclude
This approach helps build scientific thinking.
NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 4 – Summary
Exploring Magnets introduces students to the fascinating world of magnets. Students learn that magnets attract certain materials called magnetic materials. They also learn about non-magnetic materials, different shapes of magnets and the two poles of a magnet.
A freely suspended magnet settles approximately along the north-south direction. This property is used in a magnetic compass to find directions.
The interaction between magnetic poles follows a simple rule:
Like poles repel and unlike poles attract.
The chapter also encourages students to explore magnets through activities, observations and experiments and understand their applications in everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Class 6 Science Chapter 4?
Class 6 Science Chapter 4 in the new NCERT Curiosity textbook is Exploring Magnets.
What is taught in Exploring Magnets?
The chapter covers magnetic and non-magnetic materials, poles of magnets, finding directions, magnetic compass, attraction and repulsion, activities with magnets and safe handling of magnets.
What are the two poles of a magnet?
The two poles are the North Pole and South Pole.
Which poles attract each other?
Unlike poles attract each other.
Which poles repel each other?
Like poles repel each other.
What is a magnetic compass?
A magnetic compass is a device with a magnetic needle that helps in finding directions.
Can a magnet have only one pole?
No. A magnet always has two poles – a North Pole and a South Pole.
Is Class 6 Science Chapter 4 useful for exams?
Yes. Students should understand the concepts as well as practise questions based on magnetic materials, poles, compass, attraction and repulsion.
Practice More with Pathshala Notes
After studying Class 6 Science Chapter 4 – Exploring Magnets, students should practise MCQs, fill in the blanks, true or false, short-answer questions and competency-based questions.
Regular practice helps students improve conceptual understanding, observation skills, reasoning and application of scientific ideas.
Keep visiting Pathshala Notes for NCERT Class 6 Science notes, worksheets, practice questions and revision material.
Study • Practice • Revise • Improve
Source Note
This post is based on the new NCERT Class 6 Science – Curiosity textbook, Chapter 4 Exploring Magnets. The official NCERT-linked ePathshala resource lists “Exploring Magnets” as Chapter 4, and the 2026–27 reprint of the textbook confirms the chapter and its core topics.
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