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Magnetic forces

Review your understanding of magnetic forces in this free article aligned to NGSS standards.

Key points:

  • A magnet is any object that can attract other materials with magnetic properties through a magnetic force.
  • Every magnet has a north pole and a south pole. Either pole will attract iron.
  • The direction of magnetic force between two magnets depends on how the poles are oriented.
Opposite poles attract
Like poles repel
  • The strength of a magnetic force depends on the strength of the magnets and the distance between magnetic objects.
    • The magnetic force is stronger when the magnets are stronger.
    • Also, the magnetic force is stronger when objects are closer together.

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