Magnets
Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 4.1.1
Magnets
Magnetism describes the ability of magnets to attract (pull towards) and repel (push away) other magnets without touching them. Every magnet creates a magnetic field around itself.
Magnets have poles
- Magnets have a north pole (N) and south pole (S).
Opposite poles attract
- Opposite poles on a magnet attract.
- The south pole of one magnet will attract the north pole of the other magnet.
Like poles repel
- Like poles on a magnet repel.
- The south pole of one magnet will repel the south pole of the other magnet.
- The north pole of one magnet will repel the north pole of another magnet.
Magnetic forces
- Every magnet creates a magnetic field around itself.
- The magnetic forces between magnets are caused by these invisible magnetic fields overlapping.
Magnets
The key phrase to remember when thinking about magnet behaviour is: 'like poles repel, unlike poles attract'.
Unlike poles attract
Like poles repel
Test yourself on Magnets
Which of the following is true of magnets?
What are the poles of a magnet?
Which of the following are true?