Question

The force with which a magnet attracts objects like iron is called _________
A. Electric force
B. Magnetic force
C. Electromagnetic force
D. Gravitational force

Answer 1

A magnet is a material that produces magnetic fields in its surroundings. A magnet can be available naturally or it can also be prepared artificially. When a ferromagnetic material is placed near a magnet, the magnet exerts a force of attraction called magnetic force on the ferromagnetic material.

Complete answer:
Let us first understand what a magnet is.A magnet is a material that produces magnetic fields in its surroundings. A magnet can be available naturally or it can also be prepared artificially. The artificially manufactured magnets are of mainly two types and that are bar magnetic magnets and horseshoe magnets (shaped in the form of a horseshoe).

One of the properties of a magnet is two attract other magnetic materials. The materials that get attracted by a magnet are called ferromagnetic materials. When a ferromagnetic material is placed near a magnet, the magnet exerts a force of attraction called magnetic force on the ferromagnetic material. Then the material aligns itself in the direction of the magnetic field and the material is said to be magnetised. One of the ferromagnetic materials is iron. Therefore, when iron is placed near a magnet, the magnet attracts the iron with a magnetic force.

Hence, the correct option is B.

Note: Note that magnetic force is not always attractive in nature. It can be attractive or repulsive depending on the nature and type of materials. Not only a magnet, but a current carrying conductor also exerts a magnetic force on a magnetic material. The force of attraction between two masses, separated by some distance is called gravitational force. Unlike magnetic force, gravitational force is always attractive.