If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

Main content

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
A pair of magnets. To show opposite pole attraction, the poles are lined up so the north pole of one magnet is next to the south pole of the other magnet. There is an arrow from each magnet pointing towards the other.
Like poles repel
A pair of magnets. To show poles repelling, the south poles of both magnets are next to each other. There is an arrow from each magnet pointing away from the other.
  • 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.

Want to join the conversation?