Magnetism
Magnets exert forces on certain metals and on other magnets without touching them. They have north and south poles, and like poles repel while opposite poles attract.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Magnets attract iron, steel, nickel, and cobalt — but not all metals
Every magnet has a north pole and a south pole
Like poles (N–N or S–S) repel each other; unlike poles (N–S) attract
The area around a magnet where its force acts is called the magnetic field
Key Vocabulary
Magnet
An object that produces a magnetic field and attracts certain metals
Magnetic field
The invisible area of force surrounding a magnet
Attract
Pull towards each other
Repel
Push away from each other
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which material is attracted to a magnet?
Question 2
Two magnets are brought near each other and they push apart. What can you conclude?
Question 3
What is the magnetic field?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Magnets attract iron, steel, nickel, and cobalt — but not all metals
- ●Every magnet has a north pole and a south pole
- ●Like poles (N–N or S–S) repel each other; unlike poles (N–S) attract
- ●The area around a magnet where its force acts is called the magnetic field