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2. Magnetism Magnetic Fields Magnetic Poles and Forces Plotting Magnetic Field Lines Earth’s Magnetism and Compasses
Year 8 • Physics
Magnetism
This lesson explores magnetic fields, magnetic poles and forces, how magnetic field lines are plotted, and how Earth behaves like a giant magnet — helping explain how compasses work.
Lesson Objectives
- Understand what magnetic fields are.
- Describe magnetic poles and magnetic forces.
- Plot magnetic field lines.
- Explain Earth’s magnetism.
- Understand how compasses work.
1. Magnetic Fields
A magnetic field is the region around a magnet where magnetic forces can be felt.
You cannot see magnetic fields, but you can see their effects.
[ Image Placeholder – Magnetic Field Around a Magnet ]
Real-life examples:
• A fridge magnet attracting paper clips
• A compass needle moving near a magnet
• Motors and speakers using magnetic fields
• A fridge magnet attracting paper clips
• A compass needle moving near a magnet
• Motors and speakers using magnetic fields
2. Magnetic Poles and Forces
Every magnet has two poles: a north pole and a south pole.
[ Image Placeholder – Attraction and Repulsion of Poles ]
Key rules:
• Like poles repel (N–N or S–S)
• Unlike poles attract (N–S)
• Poles always come in pairs
• Like poles repel (N–N or S–S)
• Unlike poles attract (N–S)
• Poles always come in pairs
Curiosity:
If you cut a magnet in half, each piece becomes a smaller magnet with two poles.
3. Plotting Magnetic Field Lines
Magnetic field lines show the shape and direction of a magnetic field.
[ Image Placeholder – Magnetic Field Lines with Iron Filings ]
Field line rules:
• Lines go from north to south
• Lines never cross
• Closer lines = stronger field
• Lines go from north to south
• Lines never cross
• Closer lines = stronger field
Real-life connection:
Iron filings line up to reveal the invisible magnetic field.
4. Earth’s Magnetism
Earth behaves like a giant bar magnet.
It has a magnetic north and south.
[ Image Placeholder – Earth’s Magnetic Field ]
• Earth’s magnetic field protects us from harmful solar radiation
• It helps animals migrate
• It allows compasses to work
• It helps animals migrate
• It allows compasses to work
5. Compasses
A compass contains a small magnet that aligns with Earth’s magnetic field.
[ Image Placeholder – Compass and Direction ]
• The needle points north–south
• Used for navigation
• Works anywhere on Earth
• Used for navigation
• Works anywhere on Earth
Real-life curiosity:
Birds and turtles use Earth’s magnetic field to navigate long distances.
Practice Questions
A. Fill in the Blanks
- A region where magnetic forces act is called a __________.
- Magnets have __________ poles.
- Like poles __________ each other.
- Magnetic field lines go from __________ to __________.
- A compass needle is a small __________.
B. True or False
- Magnetic fields can be seen directly.
- Unlike poles attract each other.
- Field lines cross each other.
- Earth has a magnetic field.
- Compasses work because of Earth’s magnetism.
C. Short Answer
- What is a magnetic field?
- Name the two poles of a magnet.
- How can we show magnetic field lines?
- Why does a compass point north?
- Give one use of magnetism in daily life.
D. Thinking Questions
- Why does a fridge magnet stick to metal but not wood?
- Why do iron filings form patterns near a magnet?
- Why can’t we have a magnet with only one pole?
- How does Earth’s magnetic field protect us?
- Why do animals migrate using magnetism?
✅ Show Answer Key
A. Fill in the Blanks
- magnetic field
- two
- repel
- north, south
- magnet
B. True or False
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
C. Short Answer
- The region around a magnet where forces act.
- North pole and south pole.
- Using iron filings or a plotting compass.
- It aligns with Earth’s magnetic field.
- Electric motors / fridge magnets (any one).
D. Thinking Questions
- Because metal is magnetic.
- They align with the magnetic field.
- Poles always exist in pairs.
- It deflects harmful charged particles.
- They sense Earth’s magnetic field.
© Aviate Learning – Magnetism (Year 8)
🧲 Interactive Magnetic Field Simulator
Move your mouse around the magnet to see how magnetic field lines behave.
Notice how the field is stronger near the poles and flows from North to South.
What to observe:
- Magnetic field lines go from North → South
- Field is strongest near the poles
- A compass aligns with the magnetic field
- Field direction changes around the magnet