Magnetism allows certain objects called magnets to exert forces on each other without touching. A magnetic field is a region of space where a magnet will experience a non-contact force. Magnets have two poles, a north and south pole, where like poles repel and opposite poles attract. The Earth also has a magnetic field that protects us from charged particles from the sun and allows compasses to work by pointing to magnetic north.

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15. Magnetism
Physics: Electricity and magnetism
Grade 10

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Magnets and magnetism
Magnetism is an interaction that allows certain kinds of objects, which are called ‘magnetic’
objects, to exert forces on each other without physically touching.
A magnetic field is a region in space where a magnet or object made of magnetic material will
experience a non-contact, magnetic force.
Some substances can be easily magnetised. Other substances are not easily magnetised.
Image by Colleen Hennings

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Permanent magnets
A magnet has two poles: north (N) and south (S).
Like (identical) poles of magnets repel one
another whilst unlike (opposite) poles attract. This
means that two N poles or two S poles will push
away from each other while a N pole and a S pole
will be drawn towards each other.
Magnetic fields can be represented using
magnetic field lines starting at the North pole and
ending at the South pole.

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Compasses and the Earth's magnetic field
The Earth also has a magnetic field.
A compass can be used to find the magnetic north pole and help us find our direction.
The Earth’s magnetic field protects us from being bombarded by high energy charged particles
which are emitted by the Sun.
The Aurorae are an effect of the Earth’s magnetic field.
Image by Alex (Spoons) on Flickr

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