When a bar magnet is rolled in a bowl filled with iron filings and lifted up, why do almost all the filings…

When a bar magnet is rolled in a bowl filled with iron filings and lifted up, why do almost all the filings cluster near the two ends rather than staying evenly spread?
  1. The middle section is covered with protective coating
  2. Magnetic force of attraction is concentrated at the magnetic poles
  3. Iron filings prefer cooler temperatures at the magnet's ends
  4. The central region possesses only repulsive magnetic forces

Solution

The poles of a magnet located near its two ends have the highest concentration of magnetic field lines, exerting maximum attractive force.

Asked in: Homi Bhabha Practice

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