The diagram shows the result when a student placed a magnet under a piece of paper, then sprinkled iron shavings on the paper.
The magnetic material is distributed this way because magnets
A.
have magnetic fields that repel magnetic materials and push the shavings away.
B.
have multiple magnetic fields that attract the shavings with different strengths.
C.
have uneven magnetic fields that attract the shavings in random patterns.
D.
have magnetic fields that flow from one pole of the magnet to the other.
The correct answer is D.
Magnets have magnetic fields that flow from one pole of the magnet to the other. These magnetic fields attract magnetic materials, such as iron shavings, towards them. Thus, when a magnet is placed under a piece of paper and iron shavings are sprinkled on the paper, the iron shavings align along the magnetic field lines of the magnet, creating a pattern that follows the flow of the magnetic field.
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand how magnets work and why the iron shavings arrange themselves in a specific pattern when a magnet is placed beneath the paper.
First, magnets have what is called a magnetic field, which is the area around the magnet where its influence can be felt. This magnetic field is produced by the alignment of the microscopic magnetic domains within the magnet.
Now, let's consider the options:
A. Have magnetic fields that repel magnetic materials and push the shavings away: This is not the correct answer because magnets generally attract magnetic materials, such as iron.
B. Have multiple magnetic fields that attract the shavings with different strengths: This is not the correct answer because while magnets do have different strengths in different regions of their magnetic field, the arrangement of iron shavings in a specific pattern suggests a more uniform magnetic field.
C. Have uneven magnetic fields that attract the shavings in random patterns: This is also not the correct answer because the iron shavings consistently arrange themselves in a specific pattern when exposed to the magnet.
D. Have magnetic fields that flow from one pole of the magnet to the other: This is the correct answer. When a magnet is placed under a piece of paper and iron shavings are sprinkled on top, the iron shavings align themselves along the magnetic field lines created by the magnet. The magnetic field lines flow from one pole of the magnet to the other, causing the iron shavings to form patterns that follow these lines.
Therefore, the correct answer is D. Magnets have magnetic fields that flow from one pole of the magnet to the other, which is why the iron shavings arrange themselves in a pattern when a magnet is placed beneath the paper.