What happens to magnetic poles when like poles are near each other and what about opposite poles?

What happens to magnetic poles when like poles are near each other and what about opposite poles?

• A. Like poles attract; opposite poles repel.
• B. Like poles repel; opposite poles attract.
• C. Both attract.
• D. Both repel.

Answer: (B)

Magnetic poles interact through a field: like poles push away from each other and opposite poles pull toward each other. When two magnets are near with the same poles facing each other, their fields oppose and produce a repulsive force, so they move apart. If the facing poles are opposite, the fields line up in a way that pulls the magnets together, creating an attractive force. This is why like poles repel and opposite poles attract, which is the consistent pattern you can observe with bar magnets or a compass near a magnet.

Magnetic poles interact through a field: like poles push away from each other and opposite poles pull toward each other. When two magnets are near with the same poles facing each other, their fields oppose and produce a repulsive force, so they move apart. If the facing poles are opposite, the fields line up in a way that pulls the magnets together, creating an attractive force. This is why like poles repel and opposite poles attract, which is the consistent pattern you can observe with bar magnets or a compass near a magnet.