G8.C6.W1

Magnetic Forces & Fields

MS-PS2-3 · Why do magnets stick to some metals but not others?

📋 Instructions

Driving Question: What patterns exist in magnetic fields?

1. Click on the canvas to place a compass needle — it aligns with the field.

2. Drag magnets to move them. Click Flip to reverse polarity.

3. Test materials: click Iron, Copper, Wood, Nickel to see if they're attracted.

4. Notice: field lines always go from N (red) to S (blue).

Field Measurements

Magnet 1:N→S at center
Magnet 2:Off
Probe B:Click canvas
Material:None selected

Key Concepts

Magnetic field: invisible force field around magnets
Field lines: N pole → S pole (always closed loops)
Ferromagnetic: iron, nickel, cobalt are attracted
Non-magnetic: copper, wood, aluminum not attracted
Inverse square: force weakens with distance²
📊 Data JournalTrial 0
# Config Material Result Probe B
Data Journal — Record & Analyze Your Experiments
#Observation
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🤔 Predict

If you bring two N poles together, what will happen to the field lines between them? Draw your prediction.

👀 Observe

Place both magnets with N poles facing each other. Place compasses between them. What pattern do you see?

💬 Explain

Why do magnets attract iron but not copper? Use the concept of ferromagnetism and electron alignment to explain.