Magnetism and Magnetic Fields
Magnets exert forces on other magnets and magnetic materials. Every magnet has a north and south pole, and the magnetic force can attract or repel without direct contact.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Magnets attract magnetic materials (iron, steel, nickel, cobalt) and repel or attract other magnets
Like poles repel (N-N, S-S); unlike poles attract (N-S)
Every magnet is surrounded by a magnetic field — the region where magnetic forces act
The Earth has a magnetic field with magnetic north and south poles, which is why compasses work
Key Vocabulary
Magnet
An object that produces a magnetic field and attracts magnetic materials
Magnetic pole
One of two regions on a magnet (north and south) where the magnetic force is strongest
Magnetic field
The region around a magnet where magnetic forces can be detected
Ferromagnetic
Describing materials that are strongly attracted to magnets, such as iron, steel, and nickel
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
What happens when two north poles of magnets are brought together?
Question 2
Which material would be attracted to a magnet?
Question 3
Why does a compass needle always point toward magnetic north?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Magnets attract magnetic materials (iron, steel, nickel, cobalt) and repel or attract other magnets
- ●Like poles repel (N-N, S-S); unlike poles attract (N-S)
- ●Every magnet is surrounded by a magnetic field — the region where magnetic forces act
- ●The Earth has a magnetic field with magnetic north and south poles, which is why compasses work