Magnetic Poles

• Every magnet has two poles — North (N) and South (S).
• Poles are strongest at the ends of a bar magnet.
• Iron and steel are strongly attracted; aluminium is not.
• Use a compass idea from Looking Around — N pole points north.

Level 1 — Core idea

Verbal: The ends of a bar magnet are called poles — where pull is strongest.

Symbolic: N + S on magnet; break magnet → each piece still has N and S.

Visual: Sprinkle iron filings — they cluster most at poles.

Level 2 — Going deeper

A freely hanging magnet's N pole turns toward Earth's north. That is how compass works.

NCERT anchor

NCERT Looking Around 3 outdoor navigation activities introduce north direction. Mark N/S on your bar magnet after testing with another known magnet.

Where is magnetic force strongest on a bar magnet?

Step 1 — Test paper clips along the bar
Step 2 — Most clips at **ends** (poles)
Answer: **Poles** — strongest force

You break a magnet in half. How many poles on each piece?

Step 1 — Each piece is still a full magnet
Step 2 — New **N and S** on each half
Answer: **Two poles each** — never single pole alone

• How many poles does a magnet have?
• Which metals stick to magnets?
• Where do iron filings cluster most?
• Stretch: Why does a compass needle point north?

Revision tip: Label N and S on a sketch of a bar magnet before answering pole questions.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Magnetic Poles.