What do you understand by the poles of a magnet?

A magnet always has two poles. The north pole points toward the Earth’s north when freely suspended, and the south pole points toward the Earth’s south. These poles are the regions where attraction or repulsion is maximum.

Properties of Magnetic Poles

• Every magnet has two poles – north and south.
• Like poles repel each other, and unlike poles attract each other.
• Poles cannot be separated. Cutting a magnet results in two smaller magnets, each with its own poles.
• The magnetic field is strongest at the poles and weakest at the center.

Examples in Daily Life

1. Compass: Works on the principle of north and south poles of a magnet.
2. Fridge Magnets: Stick to metallic surfaces because of their magnetic poles.
3. Industrial Use: Magnets used in motors, generators, and speakers rely on poles for functioning.

Comparison of North and South Pole