Magnets and Magnetic Forces
Investigate the properties of magnets, including attraction, repulsion, and which materials are magnetic.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Magnets exert a non-contact force — they can push or pull objects without touching them.
Every magnet has two poles: north (N) and south (S). Opposite poles attract; like poles repel.
Only certain metals are magnetic: iron, nickel, cobalt, and most steels.
The region around a magnet where its force acts is called the magnetic field.
Key Vocabulary
magnet
An object that produces a magnetic force, attracting iron and similar materials.
pole
One of the two ends of a magnet (north or south) where the magnetic force is strongest.
attract
To pull towards; opposite magnetic poles attract each other.
repel
To push away; like magnetic poles repel each other.
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
What happens when the north pole of one magnet is placed near the north pole of another?
Question 2
Which material would be attracted to a magnet?
Question 3
What is the magnetic field?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Magnets exert a non-contact force — they can push or pull objects without touching them.
- ●Every magnet has two poles: north (N) and south (S). Opposite poles attract; like poles repel.
- ●Only certain metals are magnetic: iron, nickel, cobalt, and most steels.
- ●The region around a magnet where its force acts is called the magnetic field.