Why do magnets attract or repel?

Why do magnets attract or repel?

• A. Opposite poles attract and like poles repel; magnetic forces act at a distance.
• B. Magnets produce energy that pulls metal
• C. Only iron is affected by magnetic forces
• D. Magnetic forces require contact to work

Answer: (A)

Magnetism works because magnets create a magnetic field that reaches out into space. The field has two poles, and the way those poles interact governs attraction and repulsion: opposite poles pull toward each other, while same poles push away. Because the field extends through space, the force can act without the magnets touching. That’s why you can feel attraction or repulsion even when there’s a gap between magnets. It’s not about producing energy or only affecting iron; many magnetic metals are influenced, and contact is not required for the force to work.

Magnetism works because magnets create a magnetic field that reaches out into space. The field has two poles, and the way those poles interact governs attraction and repulsion: opposite poles pull toward each other, while same poles push away. Because the field extends through space, the force can act without the magnets touching. That’s why you can feel attraction or repulsion even when there’s a gap between magnets. It’s not about producing energy or only affecting iron; many magnetic metals are influenced, and contact is not required for the force to work.