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Magnets have a north pole and a south pole. Field line patterns show the direction and shape of a magnetic field. These diagrams are made using a plotting compass. In diagrams of a magnetic field the arrows on the lines show the direction from the north to the south poles.

A magnetic field is also created when an electric current moves through a coil of wire.

Plotting compasses can be used to show the shape and direction of the magnetic field created by a coil of wire.

Straight wire

Flat circular coil

Solenoid

A solenoid is a long thin spiral of wire used to produce a magnetic field.