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Magnetic fields - OCR GatewayPoles of a magnet

Magnetism is caused by the fields that exist around magnets. These magnetic fields can be investigated by looking at the effects of the forces they exert on other magnets and magnetic materials.

Part of Physics (Single Science)Magnetism and magnetic forces

Poles of a magnet

A can exert a force on another nearby magnet. Magnets have two poles:

  • a
  • a

force is strongest near a magnet鈥檚 poles.

A bar magnet, with the north and south poles marked red and blue.

The rules of magnetism

Two magnets will either attract or repel each other in the following way:

  • like poles (N鈥揘 or S鈥揝) repel
  • unlike poles (N鈥揝 or S鈥揘) attract

Magnetic forces are 鈥 this means that magnets affect each other without touching.