You are given three magnetic needles \( N_F, N_p \) and \( N_D \) made up of ferromagnetic, paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials respectively.
If a magnet is brought close to each of the needle one by one, then the magnet will
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → attract \( N_F \) strongly and \( N_p \) weakly but repel \( N_D \) weakly
The response of a material to a magnet depends on its magnetic susceptibility.
Ferromagnetic (\( N_F \)) — very large positive susceptibility, so it is attracted strongly.
Paramagnetic (\( N_p \)) — small positive susceptibility, so it is attracted only weakly.
Diamagnetic (\( N_D \)) — small negative susceptibility, so it is repelled, and only weakly.
NCERT (2026-27):
Diamagnetism – “… In other words, unlike the way a magnet attracts metals like iron, it would repel a diamagnetic substance. … In most cases, this reduction is slight, being one part in 105.”
Paramagnetism – “… They have tendency to move from a region of weak magnetic field to strong magnetic field, i.e., they get weakly attracted to a magnet.”
Ferromagnetism – “… They have strong tendency to move from a region of weak magnetic field to strong magnetic field, i.e., they get strongly attracted to a magnet.”