MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS
3 marks · NormalStudy the statements about magnets below:
State what will happen if a north pole of one bar magnet is brought close to the south pole of another bar magnet.
What will happen if two north poles are brought near each other?
Explain why magnets behave this way.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
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(a) They attract each other.
(b) They repel each other.
(c) Unlike poles attract and like poles repel because of the direction of magnetic field lines between the poles.
Common mistakes: States attract for (b)
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States that north and south poles attract
B1 (b) · 1 mark · States that north and north (or south and south) poles repel
B1 (c) · 1 mark · Explains in terms of magnetic field: like poles' fields repel, unlike attract
Worked solution
a) The north pole and south pole attract each other.
b) The two north poles repel each other.
c) This happens because magnetic field lines go from north to south. Opposite poles allow field lines to connect, causing attraction, while like poles force field lines apart, causing repulsion.