Magnets (Oxford AQA IGCSE Combined Science Double Award)

Magnets

Poles of a magnet

• 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

The law of magnetism

• Magnets are objects which experience attraction and repulsion

  • Like poles repel (push each other apart)

    • For example, a north pole will repel a north pole and a south pole will repel a south pole

  • Unlike poles attract (move towards each other)

    • For example, a north pole will be attracted to a south pole 

• When two magnets are held close together, there will be a force between the magnets

Magnet attraction and repulsion

• The attraction or repulsion between two magnetic poles is an example of a non-contact force