Question

You are given two rods. Out of these, one is an iron rod and the other one is a magnet, how can you identify these rods?

Answer 1

The magnetic property of the magnet is an important aspect which will differentiate a common iron rod from a magnetic rod. And the rotational property of a magnet is very much different from that of iron rod.

Complete step by step answer:
First of all let us discuss the magnetic properties. Magnetic properties are the characteristic properties which are shown by a magnetic material. In the rotational view, magnets can align in the same direction finally whenever it is rotated in any way. This is a peculiar property of a magnet. So when we are given two identical looking magnets and iron rods, one way to distinguish between them is by the magnetism property of a magnet. Both the rods can be placed near a pin or steel rod which will be attracted by the magnet. Iron will not have any response for this. Another way is by hanging both the rods from the middle and rotating both in 2-3 times. Iron rods will stop in different ways, but the magnetic rod will be aligned only in one direction. In this way also we can find the real magnetic rod among them.

Note: The basic three properties that every magnets possess is that they all attract certain metals, they are having north and south poles. And the peculiar property is that the same poles of a magnet will repel each other, while opposite poles will be attracted to each other. Some other properties of the magnet include the one is known as inductive property. It is when a magnetic material is placed near a magnet it will also acquire magnetism. Another one is called directive property. This is when a bar magnet, when suspended freely, aligns itself approximately along the geographical north-south line.