CLASS 5 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Magnets and Poles – Basic Principles

How it works

Magnets have two poles: a north pole and a south pole. Like poles repel each other, unlike poles attract each other. Magnets can attract certain metals (e. g. iron, nickel, cobalt), but not all metals or other substances. The magnetic field is the region around a magnet in which magnetic forces act. If a magnet is split, smaller magnets are created; each part again has a north and a south pole. Magnetic force also acts through certain materials, but not through all. The Earth itself acts like a huge magnet with magnetic poles.

Note
Magnets always have a north pole and a south pole; like poles repel each other, unlike poles attract each other. Magnetic forces act on certain metals and penetrate some materials.

An example

Which pole of a magnet attracts the south pole of another magnet?

The north pole of a magnet attracts the south pole of another magnet because unlike poles attract each other.

Try it yourself now

50 Exercises · three difficulty levels · selection and number input

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: KMK Educational Standards Mathematics ESA/MSA. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.