3rd Grade Science : Physical Science

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 3rd Grade Science

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Question Cause/Effect Relationships Of Magnetism

Jake's mom made a pile of small, random household objects. Jake attached a magnet to the end of a string. If Jake goes "fishing" with his magnet in the pile of objects that his mom made, which object would he be most likely to pull out?

Possible Answers:

A penny

A soda can

A paper clip

A dog biscuit

Correct answer:

A paper clip

Explanation:

The only types of objects that Jake would "catch" are magnetic objects. Magnetic objects would stick onto his magnetic "fishing pole." Any objects that were not magnetic would not attach to the fishing pole. There is an attraction between magnets and items that have magnetic qualities. There is a relationship between magnets and objects with magnetic properties that cause movement and attraction. In this case, the only magnetic object would be the paper clip. The other objects are not attracted to magnets.

Example Question #4 : Question Cause/Effect Relationships Of Magnetism

Kelly and Daniel have two magnets. Every time the magnets are put near each other, they click together. The kids pull hard and separate them. They repeat this multiple times, and the same thing happens.

What is causing this relationship between the two magnets?

Possible Answers:

The magnets have opposite poles (charges).

The magnets have the same poles (charges).

The magnets are broken.

The magnets are not magnets.

Correct answer:

The magnets have opposite poles (charges).

Explanation:

Magnets have a cause and effect relationship with other magnets and objects that have magnetic properties. The magnets in the example are attracted to one another because they have opposite poles or charges. When the North and South poles of the magnets are placed near each other, the different charges are attracted. If the same poles (North-North or South-South) are around each other, they will be repelled because like charges are NOT attracted to each other.

Example Question #2 : Question Cause/Effect Relationships Of Magnetism

What happens when two magnets repel each other?

Possible Answers:

They point to the North Pole.

They push together.

They should push apart.

Their magnetic field gets bigger.

Correct answer:

They should push apart.

Explanation:

Magnets have a cause and effect relationship with other magnets and objects that have magnetic properties. The magnets in the example are attracted to one another because they have opposite poles or charges. When the North and South poles of the magnets are placed near each other, the different charges are attracted. If the same poles (North-North or South-South) are around each other, they will be repelled because like charges are NOT attracted to each other.

Example Question #1 : Question Cause/Effect Relationships Of Magnetism

Which items would a magnet attract?

Possible Answers:

Hat and t-shirt

Nail and sewing needle

Tennis ball and chocolate

Beach ball and glass

Correct answer:

Nail and sewing needle

Explanation:

This question is looking at the cause and effect relationship between magnets and other objects. Nails and sewing needles are metal, which would be attracted to a strong magnet. Placing the magnet over the items will pull them towards it.

Example Question #1 : Define A Problem That Be Solved With Magnets

How are magnets used in our everyday lives to solve a problem?

Possible Answers:

All of the examples are ways magnets are used in everyday life to solve a problem

They can remove magnetic items from a mixture

They hold papers up on a refrigerator

They are used to create a seal on the freezer and the freezer door

Correct answer:

All of the examples are ways magnets are used in everyday life to solve a problem

Explanation:

All of the problems listed can be solved with a magnet. When we want to display a picture or holiday card, we can use a magnet on the refrigerator. The freezer door is sealed shut and keeps our food cold when the magnets within are close to each other, and the attraction keeps it closed. If a mixture is presented with metallic objects within the magnet can be used to separate those items based on their magnetic properties. These are simple problems and have a simple solution, magnets!

Example Question #2 : Define A Problem That Be Solved With Magnets

Which situation could you help solve with a magnet?

Possible Answers:

You have a puzzle to put together but some of the pieces fell under the sofa.

Randi dropped paperclips in her water bottle and needs to remove them.

Natalie broke her plastic baby doll's arm and needed a new toy.

Adam needs to melt chocolate for a recipe he is making.

Correct answer:

Randi dropped paperclips in her water bottle and needs to remove them.

Explanation:

All of these answer choices are problems that people may be faced with every day, and only one can be solved with a magnet, "Randi dropped paperclips in her water bottle and needs to remove them.". This problem would be solved by putting a magnet near or in the bottle, and the metallic paperclips would be attracted to the magnet, and Randi could pull them out.

Example Question #3 : Define A Problem That Be Solved With Magnets

A hiker is lost in the woods and needs to get something from his pack to help him find his way back to the campsite.

Which magnetic item could help him solve this problem?

Possible Answers:

A compass

A granola bar

A water bottle

A sun hat

Correct answer:

A compass

Explanation:

A magnetic item in his backpack that could help him find his way back to the campsite would be the compass. The other things are helpful during hiking but do not use magnets and would not help him find his way back to camp. A compass uses the Earth's natural magnetic field to point towards the North Pole for people to use as a guide for direction.

Example Question #2 : Define A Problem That Be Solved With Magnets

What problem is this junkyard magnet solving?

Electromagnet, Magnet, Iron, Junk Yard

Possible Answers:

They are moving lots of heavy materials quickly and easily.

They are moving lots of light materials quickly and easily.

They are moving lots of heavy materials slowly and difficultly.

Junkyard magnets do not help solve any problems.

Correct answer:

They are moving lots of heavy materials quickly and easily.

Explanation:

Junkyard magnets were an ingenious invention that solved a daily problem for the workers. Instead of breaking their backs lifting heavy materials, they were able to steer the magnet, and it could do all the lifting for them. A driver can control the magnet and move cars, scrap metal, and old appliances in seconds. Not only does this save the workers from lifting heavy things, but it speeds up the job too!

Example Question #4 : Define A Problem That Be Solved With Magnets

Mrs. Addly wants to display her students' work on the metal door for other classes to see. She hangs up the work and uses magnets to keep it in place. Mrs. Addly solved a simple problem using a magnet.

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

This statement is true. Mrs. Addly did solve a simple problem by using a magnet. Her door was made of metal, so using something like thumbtacks would not work for hanging the students' work. A magnet would be strong enough to keep the papers up and on display, for all to see.

Example Question #1 : Define A Problem That Be Solved With Magnets

Nadine has a crane with a big magnet. She lowers the crane's magnet over a pile of garbage. Which object(s) are strongly attracted to the magnet?

Possible Answers:

A metal spoon

A paper plate

A sock

A plastic fork

Correct answer:

A metal spoon

Explanation:

Magnets attract objects made of certain materials. Objects that are strongly attracted to magnets will stick to them. The plastic fork, sock, and paper plate will not stick to the attraction. These objects are not strongly attracted to the magnetThe metal spoon will stick to the magnet. This object is strongly attracted to the magnet.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors