What are magnetic fields? - OCR 21C
Magnetism is caused by the fields that exist around magnets. These magnetic fields can be investigated by looking at the effects of the forces they exert on other magnets and magnetic materials.
Poles of a magnet
A magnet can exert a force on another nearby magnet. Magnets have two poles:
Magnetic force is strongest near a magnet's poles.
The rules of magnetism
Two magnets will either attract or repel each other in the following way:
- like poles (N-N or S-S) repel
- unlike poles (N-S or S-N) attract
Magnetic forces are non-contact forces - this means that magnets affect each other without touching.