Question

George holds a magnet above a paper clip. The paper clip moves toward the magnet and sticks to it before the magnet actually touches it.

A magnet is surrounded by _______, which applies a push or a pull to an object without actually touching it.
A.
a magnetic field
B.
an electric current
C.
a generator
D.
a simple machine

Answer 1

A. a magnetic field

Explanation: The magnet produces a magnetic field, which can exert a force (push or pull) on the paperclip without direct contact. Electric current is moving charge, a generator makes electricity, and a simple machine is a mechanical device—none describe the noncontact force in this case.