1. When a freely suspended magnet comes to rest, it aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, pointing towards the magnetic north and south poles. This directional property is called magnetism or magnetic polarity.

    When a freely suspended magnet comes to rest, it aligns itself with the Earth’s magnetic field, pointing towards the magnetic north and south poles. This directional property is called magnetism or magnetic polarity.

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  2. If a magnet is broken into smaller pieces, each piece becomes a smaller magnet with its own north and south poles. The magnetic properties remain, with every fragment exhibiting a complete dipole.

    If a magnet is broken into smaller pieces, each piece becomes a smaller magnet with its own north and south poles. The magnetic properties remain, with every fragment exhibiting a complete dipole.

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  3. Most of the iron filings stick to the ends or poles of a magnet, regardless of its shape. This is because the magnetic field is strongest at the poles, attracting more filings.

    Most of the iron filings stick to the ends or poles of a magnet, regardless of its shape. This is because the magnetic field is strongest at the poles, attracting more filings.

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  4. The two poles of a magnet are called the north pole and the south pole. These poles are where the magnetic force is strongest and are named for their alignment with Earth's geographic poles.

    The two poles of a magnet are called the north pole and the south pole. These poles are where the magnetic force is strongest and are named for their alignment with Earth’s geographic poles.

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