To confirm whether an unknown metal strip is a permanent magnet or just an ordinary iron piece, which of the…

To confirm whether an unknown metal strip is a permanent magnet or just an ordinary iron piece, which of the following is the only sure test?
  1. Attraction towards the North pole of a test magnet
  2. Attraction towards the South pole of a test magnet
  3. Repulsion from one of the poles of a test magnet
  4. Attraction of small iron filings to the strip

Solution

An ordinary iron piece is attracted by both poles of a magnet, but repulsion occurs only between two like magnetic poles. Hence, repulsion is the sure test of magnetism.

Asked in: Homi Bhabha Practice

Practice more Fun with Magnets questions on Aicharya