When two magnets are close, they
create pushing or pulling forces on
one another. These forces are
strongest at the ends of the magnets.
A magnet has
two en ds:
the north pole
an d the so uth pole.
N
S
Some magnets are stronger than
others. Strong magnets will create
bigger pushing or pulling forces
than weak magnets.
© Teacher’s Pet 2013 www.tpet.co.uk
What happens if we put 2
magnets together?
N
S
N
S
N
S
S
N
e
h
t
d
n
a
le
o
p
h
t
u
o
s
e
Th
h
c
a
e
t
c
a
r
t
t
a
le
o
p
h
t
r
no
other.
The magnets mo ve
towards each other.
The two so uth poles
repel each other.
The magnets mo ve
away fro m each other.
Will these attract or repel?
Just remember
that opposites
attract!
S
N
S
N
S
N
N
S
© Teacher’s Pet 2013 www.tpet.co.uk
So are all metals magnetic?
Magnets attract other magnets but they can also attract
magnetic materials. Magnetic materials act like magnets
when they are put close to a magnet.
Non-metallic
materials are
not magnetic
materials.
Metals
Magnetic
iron
steel
nickel
Some metallic materials are
magnetic but some are not magnetic.
Non-magnetic
brass
tin
co pper
alu miniu m
gold
silver
© Teacher’s Pet 2013 www.tpet.co.uk
in everyday life...
Magnetic forces are often very strong compared to other
forces, so they can be used to lock doors and gates and
even hold carriages together.
The ‘Stealth’ roller coaster
ride at Thorpe Park
accelerates to 80mph in
un der 2.3 secon ds.
They use magnets to help the
ride slow down and brake safely.
© Teacher’s Pet 2013 www.tpet.co.uk