Consider the following statements: 1. Soil is completely free of any magnetic particles across all geographical regions. 2. A magnet can be used to separate iron filings from soil. 3. The separation of iron from soil is possible due to the difference in magnetic properties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c). Explanation Magnetic separation is a physical technique used to separate components of a mixture based on their differing magnetic susceptibilities. This method relies on the fact that some materials are strongly attracted to magnetic fields (ferromagnetic), while others are not. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Soil is not completely free of magnetic particles. Naturally occurring soils often contain magnetic minerals such as magnetite (Fe3O4) and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3). The concentration of these magnetic minerals varies across different geographical regions, but it is factually incorrect to state that soil is universally free of magnetic particles. - Statement 2 is Correct. Iron is a ferromagnetic material, meaning it is strongly attracted to a magnet. Most soil components (silica, clay, organic matter) are non-magnetic. Therefore, passing a magnet over a mixture of soil and iron filings will attract the iron filings, effectively separating them from the soil. - Statement 3 is Correct. The fundamental principle behind this separation is the difference in magnetic properties between the components. The process works because one component (iron) is magnetic and the other (soil) is largely non-magnetic. Key Takeaway: Mixtures containing ferromagnetic substances (like iron) and non-magnetic substances can be separated using magnetic separation, which exploits the difference in their response to a magnetic field.

NCERT Class 6 Science — Chapter 1: Fun with magnets

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Consider the following statements:

Soil is completely free of any magnetic particles across all geographical regions.
A magnet can be used to separate iron filings from soil.
The separation of iron from soil is possible due to the difference in magnetic properties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Magnetic separation is a physical technique used to separate components of a mixture based on their differing magnetic susceptibilities. This method relies on the fact that some materials are strongly attracted to magnetic fields (ferromagnetic), while others are not.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Soil is not completely free of magnetic particles. Naturally occurring soils often contain magnetic minerals such as magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃). The concentration of these magnetic minerals varies across different geographical regions, but it is factually incorrect to state that soil is universally free of magnetic particles.
Statement 2 is Correct. Iron is a ferromagnetic material, meaning it is strongly attracted to a magnet. Most soil components (silica, clay, organic matter) are non-magnetic. Therefore, passing a magnet over a mixture of soil and iron filings will attract the iron filings, effectively separating them from the soil.
Statement 3 is Correct. The fundamental principle behind this separation is the difference in magnetic properties between the components. The process works because one component (iron) is magnetic and the other (soil) is largely non-magnetic.

Key Takeaway:
Mixtures containing ferromagnetic substances (like iron) and non-magnetic substances can be separated using magnetic separation, which exploits the difference in their response to a magnetic field.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Fun with magnets

With reference to the discovery of magnets, consider the following statements: 1. Magnetite is a naturally occurring material that has the property of attracting iron. 2. The name 'magnetite' is derived solely from the chemical composition of the stone. 3. Magnetite is an artificial magnet created by heating iron pieces. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which of the following statements correctly describes the properties of 'Magnetite'?

easy

Consider the following materials: 1. Iron 2. Nickel 3. Cobalt 4. Plastic Which of the above are classified as magnetic materials?

medium

With reference to magnetic and non-magnetic materials, consider the following statements: 1. All materials found in soil are non-magnetic in nature. 2. A material is termed magnetic if it is attracted by a magnet. 3. Nickel and cobalt are examples of magnetic materials. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following actions can cause a magnet to lose its magnetic properties? 1. Heating 2. Hammering 3. Dropping from a height 4. Storing in a wooden box Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

Keep practising Chapter 1: Fun with magnets

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Soil is not completely free of magnetic particles. Naturally occurring soils often contain magnetic minerals such as magnetite (Fe₃O₄) and maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃). The concentration of these magnetic minerals varies across different geographical regions, but it is factually incorrect to state that soil is universally free of magnetic particles.
Statement 2 is Correct. Iron is a ferromagnetic material, meaning it is strongly attracted to a magnet. Most soil components (silica, clay, organic matter) are non-magnetic. Therefore, passing a magnet over a mixture of soil and iron filings will attract the iron filings, effectively separating them from the soil.
Statement 3 is Correct. The fundamental principle behind this separation is the difference in magnetic properties between the components. The process works because one component (iron) is magnetic and the other (soil) is largely non-magnetic.