The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Magnets are broadly classified into natural magnets, which occur naturally in the Earth's crust, and artificial magnets, which are manufactured by humans. The shape, strength, and utility of a magnet depend heavily on its origin.Statement 1 is Correct: Ball-ended magnets, which typically consist of a rod with magnetic spheres at the ends, are manufactured for specific experimental or educational purposes. Since they are man-made, they are classified as artificial magnets.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Natural magnets, such as lodestone (an ore of magnetite), are found in nature as rocks. Consequently, they possess irregular, rough, and non-geometric shapes. They do not naturally occur in perfect geometric forms.
Statement 3 is Correct: Artificial magnets are fabricated from magnetic materials (such as iron, cobalt, nickel, or their alloys) and can be cast or molded into specific shapes to suit various applications. Common shapes include bar magnets, cylindrical magnets, horseshoe magnets, and ring magnets.
Key Takeaway: Natural magnets are irregular in shape and generally weaker, whereas artificial magnets are man-made, stronger, and crafted into precise geometric shapes like bars, cylinders, or horseshoes for specific utility.