Magnetic poles
When two magnets are close, they create pushing or pulling forces on one another. These forces are strongest at the ends of the magnets. The two ends of a magnet are known as the north pole and the south pole.
Same poles repel
If you try to put two magnets together with the same poles pointing towards one another, the magnets will push away from each other. We say they repel each other.
In this picture two north poles are pushing away from each other (repelling each other).
Different poles attract
If you put two magnets together with different poles pointing towards one another, the magnets will pull towards each other. We say they attract each other.
In this picture a north and a south pole are pulling towards each other (attracting each other).
Some magnets are stronger than others. Strong magnets will create bigger pushing or pulling forces than weak magnets.
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