Question

4.1.4 quiz: magnetism
question 10 of 10
iron filings were sprinkled around these two magnets. what do the iron filings show?
a. they show that magnetic field lines point away from the north pole of magnets.
b. they show the locations of the magnetic domains in the magnets.
c. they show that magnetic field lines often cross over each other when magnets repel.
d. they show the pattern made by the magnetic field lines around the magnets.

Explanation:

• Option A: While it's true that magnetic field lines point away from the north pole, the iron filings here are mainly showing the overall pattern of the field lines between the two magnets, not just the direction from a single north pole.
• Option B: Magnetic domains are within the magnet's material and not shown by iron filings around the magnets.
• Option C: Magnetic field lines do not cross each other. This is a fundamental property of magnetic fields.
• Option D: Iron filings align themselves along the magnetic field lines. The pattern formed by the iron filings around the two magnets directly represents the pattern of the magnetic field lines in that region.

Answer:

D. They show the pattern made by the magnetic field lines around the magnets.