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Year 9 - Science

The magnetic field of a bar magnet

Magnets and electromagnets

Unit Summary

This unit explores magnetism, including magnetic poles, fields, and Earth's magnetism, along with the principles of electromagnets and DC motors. It focuses on conducting precise scientific enquiries and identifying variables and emphasises accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to plot a magnetic field around a bar magnet.

Key Notes

  • The needle of a plotting compass lines up with the magnetic field of a magnet.
  • A magnetic field line can be followed from the north–seeking pole to the south–seeking pole of a magnet.
  • Arrows on magnetic field lines show the direction in which the north–seeking pole of another magnet would be forced.
  • The magnetic field of a bar magnet is symmetrical.
  • Magnetic field lines do not cross over and are continuous.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • magnetic field: A region where a magnetic material experiences a force.
  • plotting compass: A small compass that can show the field of a magnet.
  • north-seeking magnetic pole: The end of a compass needle which points to the north of Earth.
  • south-seeking magnetic pole: The end of a compass needle which points to the south of Earth.
  • field line: An imaginary line that shows the direction and shape of a magnetic field.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The magnetic field is only at the poles of a magnet.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

The needle of a plotting compass lines up with the magnetic field of a magnet. A magnetic field line can be followed from the north–seeking pole to the south–seeking pole of a magnet.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'magnetic field'

A region where a magnetic material experiences a force. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: The magnetic field is only at the poles of a magnet. Correction: Provide opportunities for pupils to plot magnetic field lines around a bar magnet and to experiment with a second magnet, as described in the teacher tip.

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