Magnetism is due to the magnetic fields around magnets. The fields can be investigated by looking at the effects of the forces they exert on other magnets and magnetic materials.
A magnetAn object capable of exerting a magnetic force. can exert a force on another nearby magnet. Magnets have two poles:
a north poleIn a magnet, the end that is attracted to the Earth's magnetic north pole.
a south poleIn a magnet, the end that is attracted to the Earth's magnetic south pole.
The magneticAble to be magnetised or attracted to a magnet. force is strongest near the magnet's poles.
The rules of magnetism
Two magnets will either attract or repel each other in the following way:
like poles (N-N or S-S) repel
unlike poles (N-S or S-N) attract
Magnetic forces are non-contact forceForce exerted between two objects, even when they are not touching, such as the force of gravity. - this means that magnets affect each other without touching.