Which statement correctly describes the interaction of magnetic poles?

Which statement correctly describes the interaction of magnetic poles?

• A. Unlike poles repel and like poles attract
• B. Poles do not interact
• C. Opposite poles attract and like poles repel
• D. Only opposite poles attract

Answer: (C)

Opposite magnetic poles attract and like poles repel. This comes from the way magnetic field lines run from the north pole to the south pole: when two poles are opposite, the field lines link smoothly and pull them together; when the same poles face each other, the field lines push away, creating a repulsive force. This simple rule explains why two magnets attract when opposite ends meet and push apart when like ends meet, and it underpins how devices like compasses and motors operate. Statements that claim poles don’t interact or that only opposite poles attract miss the observed repulsion of like poles.

Opposite magnetic poles attract and like poles repel. This comes from the way magnetic field lines run from the north pole to the south pole: when two poles are opposite, the field lines link smoothly and pull them together; when the same poles face each other, the field lines push away, creating a repulsive force. This simple rule explains why two magnets attract when opposite ends meet and push apart when like ends meet, and it underpins how devices like compasses and motors operate. Statements that claim poles don’t interact or that only opposite poles attract miss the observed repulsion of like poles.