Multiple choice

When a bar magnet immersed in a heap of iron fillings is taken out, it is observed that iron fillings stick to the surface of the bar magnet. The iron fillings would be observed to

  1. stick uniformly throughout the surface of the bar magnet

  2. stick randomly on the surface of bar magnet

  3. have maximum concentration at the two ends of the bar magnet

  4. have maximum concentration slightly away from the two ends of the bar magnet

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The magnetic field of a bar magnet is strongest at its poles (the two ends). This is why iron filings cluster most densely at the ends - they are attracted to the regions of maximum magnetic field strength, not the middle.