Magnetism
Forces between magnetic poles
- The ends of a magnet are called poles
- Magnets have two poles: a north and a south
- Magnetic forces are strongest at the poles
North and south poles of a magnet
- When two magnets are held close together, there will be a force between the magnets
- Like poles repel (push each other apart)
- A north pole will repel a north pole
- A south pole will repel a south pole
- Opposite poles attract (are pulled toward each other)
- A north pole will be attracted to a south pole
- Like poles repel (push each other apart)
Magnet attraction and repulsion
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The attraction or repulsion between two magnetic poles is an example of a non-contact force
Exam Tip
In your exam, you need to be able to predict the interaction that will occur between magnets when given their physical arrangement.