The fundamental rule of magnets is that opposite poles attract, and like poles repel.
Magnetic Attraction and Repulsion Explained
Magnets have two poles: a north pole and a south pole. How these poles interact determines the behavior of magnets when brought near one another. The reference text clearly outlines the following key principles:
- Attraction: When the north pole of one magnet is placed near the south pole of another magnet, they are attracted to each other. This attractive force pulls the magnets together.
- Repulsion: When like poles of two magnets are placed near each other (north to north or south to south), they repel each other. This repulsive force pushes the magnets apart.
Summarizing the Rule
To easily remember the rule of magnets, consider this:
| Pole Combination | Interaction |
|---|---|
| North and South | Attract |
| North and North | Repel |
| South and South | Repel |
Real-World Applications
Understanding this fundamental rule is critical in various applications, including:
- Electric Motors: Magnetic attraction and repulsion drive the rotation of electric motors.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Powerful magnets and their interactions are essential for medical imaging.
- Magnetic Storage: Hard drives and other storage devices rely on magnetic properties to store data.
