GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -This means it aligns itself along magnetic field lines, forming tiny magnets with north and south poles. Tiny bits of iron, such as iron filings, align to form a detailed map of field lines because the north pole of one piece orients to repel the north pole of another piece and attract its south pole.

Detailed explanation-2: -By sprinkling iron filings on a piece of paper placed on top of a magnet (or a couple of magnets), you can see the field lines. Our Snack, Magnetic Lines of Force, demonstrates this phenomenon. Field lines come from the north pole of a magnet and return to the south pole.

Detailed explanation-3: -Iron filings trace out the lines of a magnetic field in three dimensions. Iron filings will line up parallel to a magnetic field, making the pattern of the field visible.

Detailed explanation-4: -The lines along which the iron filings align themselves around a bar magnet represent magnetic field lines.

Detailed explanation-5: -The magnetic field lines show the direction in which the magnetic force is acting at any particular point. The density of the magnetic field lines shows the strength of the magnetic force acting. If the lines are close together the magnetic force is great, if the lines are spread out the force is weak.