S2.8.2 For the adult
North and south poles
Why do two magnets sometimes push each other away?
What this chapter teaches
Every magnet has two poles. Like poles push apart, unlike poles pull together, and only a magnet can push another magnet.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- What do you think happens when two like poles meet?
- How could you find which end of a magnet is north using a second magnet?
- Why is an iron nail that is not a magnet only ever pulled?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Show that like poles push apart and unlike poles pull together
- Find the poles of a magnet using a second magnet
What they copy into their notebook
A magnet has two poles, N and S. Like poles push apart. Unlike poles pull together. Only a magnet can push another magnet. An iron nail that is not a magnet is only ever pulled.