In magnets, which poles attract?

In magnets, which poles attract?

• A. Like poles attract
• B. Both repel
• C. Opposite poles attract
• D. Neither attract

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how magnetic forces work between poles: opposite poles attract and like poles repel. This happens because the magnetic field lines go from a north pole to a south pole. When opposite poles face each other, the field lines align in a way that pulls the magnets together, lowering the system’s energy. When like poles face each other, the field lines push apart, causing repulsion. So opposite poles attract is the correct idea. The other statements don’t fit with what magnets do in experiments: like poles do not attract, two poles do not always repel in every situation, and the statement that neither attracts ignores the visible attraction between opposite poles. For a quick check, bring the north of one magnet toward the south of another—they lock together; bring north to north, and they push away.

The main idea is how magnetic forces work between poles: opposite poles attract and like poles repel. This happens because the magnetic field lines go from a north pole to a south pole. When opposite poles face each other, the field lines align in a way that pulls the magnets together, lowering the system’s energy. When like poles face each other, the field lines push apart, causing repulsion. So opposite poles attract is the correct idea. The other statements don’t fit with what magnets do in experiments: like poles do not attract, two poles do not always repel in every situation, and the statement that neither attracts ignores the visible attraction between opposite poles. For a quick check, bring the north of one magnet toward the south of another—they lock together; bring north to north, and they push away.