The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, are strongly attracted by magnets. When an unmagnetized ferromagnetic material is brought near a magnet, it undergoes magnetic induction, where the material temporarily acquires magnetic properties.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: When a non-magnetized iron piece is brought near a magnet, magnetic induction occurs. The end of the iron piece closer to the magnet acquires a polarity opposite to that of the magnet's pole (e.g., a North pole induces a South pole). Since opposite poles attract, the magnet attracts the iron piece.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: A magnet does not repel a non-magnetized ferromagnetic material. Repulsion only occurs between two magnets when their like poles (North-North or South-South) face each other. Since the iron piece is not magnetized initially, it cannot present a like pole to cause repulsion; it will only experience attraction due to induction.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Nickel is a ferromagnetic material, similar to iron. When an unmagnetized piece of nickel is brought near a magnet, it is attracted due to magnetic induction. Repulsion would only be observed if the nickel piece were already magnetized and oriented with a like pole facing the magnet.
Key Takeaway:
Attraction can exist between a magnet and an unmagnetized magnetic material or between opposite poles of two magnets. However, repulsion is the surest test of magnetism because it only occurs between two magnetized objects with like poles.