Poles of a Magnet - Magnetic Fields

Introduction to Magnetism

• Magnetism arises from magnetic fields around magnets.
• These fields are studied by observing their effects on other magnets and magnetic materials.

Poles of a Magnet

• A magnet can exert force on another nearby magnet.
• Magnets have two poles:
  • North Pole: Attracted to Earth's magnetic north pole.
  • South Pole: Attracted to Earth's magnetic south pole.
• The magnetic force is strongest near the poles of the magnet.

Rules of Magnetism

• Interaction of Poles:
  • Like poles (N-N or S-S) repel each other.
  • Unlike poles (N-S or S-N) attract each other.
• Magnetic Forces:
  • Magnetic forces are non-contact forces, meaning they exert force without touching another object.

Learning Resources

• Induced and Permanent Magnetism
• Detecting and Drawing Magnetic Fields
• Additional guides:
  • Electromagnets and Transformers - AQA
  • Sample Exam Questions - Magnetism and Electromagnetism - AQA

Related Links

• Combined Science Exam Practice
• Jobs that use Science

This guide is part of the AQA Combined Science syllabus that discusses magnetism and electromagnetism. It provides foundational knowledge essential for GCSE level understanding.