What are magnetic fields? - OCR 21st CenturyPoles 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.
A magnetAn object capable of exerting a magnetic force. can exert a force on another nearby magnet. Magnets have two poles:
a north poleIn a magnet, the end that is attracted to the Earth's magnetic north pole.
a south poleIn a magnet, the end that is attracted to the Earth's magnetic south pole.
magneticAble to be magnetised or attracted to a magnet. force is strongest near a magnet's poles.
The rules of magnetism
Two magnets will either attract or repel each other in the following way:
like poles (N-N or S-S) repel
unlike poles (N-S or S-N) attract
Magnetic forces are non-contact forceForce exerted between two objects, even when they are not touching, such as the force of gravity. - this means that magnets affect each other without touching.