Describe magnetic pole attraction and repulsion
Use north and south poles to predict the forces on two magnets and distinguish a force from motion.
Exam scope and assessment notes
Core and Extended · Physics 0972, 2026–2028. Follow the selected magnetism or charge section. Field lines are explanatory models, not material threads or measured force values. Written practice is self-checked. Human subject-teacher review, supervised practical competence and cumulative assessment remain pending. Cambridge states that IGCSE 0972 has the same subject content as IGCSE 0625, with 9–1 grading. This StudyForA pathway maps the 2026–2028 syllabus only. This 9–1 graded qualification is available only in a limited number of administrative zones. Confirm that your centre can enter you for this code and exam series with Cambridge International. Cambridge has published a separate syllabus for 2029. StudyForA has not reconciled that version yet; this page supports exams in 2026, 2027 and 2028 only.
Before you begin
- Describe a force as a push or pull.
- Distinguish two interacting objects.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
What does attraction mean for the forces on two objects?
What you will learn
- Name north and south magnetic poles.
- Predict attraction or repulsion between specified poles.
Read the facing poles
A bar magnet has a north pole and a south pole. Two north poles repel, and two south poles repel; a north pole and a south pole attract. Read the poles at the facing ends rather than the letters at the far ends of a drawing.
Attraction means the force on each magnet is toward the other. Repulsion means the force on each is away from the other. These are forces on separate magnets: draw one arrow on each object, not two supposedly cancelling arrows on just one.
Keep a force distinct from a moving outcome
A freely suspended magnet may turn as well as move when another magnet is brought nearby. Supports, friction and orientation affect the observed movement. A magnet clamped to a table can still experience a magnetic force even though it does not translate.
An unmagnetised magnetic material can be attracted by either pole through induced magnetism. Attraction alone therefore does not identify a north or south pole on an unknown object. First decide whether the question specifies two magnets or a magnet and another material.
Pause and explain
Two facing ends are N and N. What interaction follows?
Worked example
The facing ends of two bar magnets are N and S. Describe the forces on both.
Show the worked solution
- The facing poles are unlike.
- Unlike poles attract.
- Each force points toward the other magnet.
Answer Attraction, with a force toward the other magnet on each object.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Predict the interaction for facing N–S poles and draw both force directions.
Give me a hint
Name the facing poles before placing one arrow on each magnet.
Compare my reasoning
- N and S are unlike.
- The magnets attract.
- The left force points right and the right force points left.
Attraction; arrows point toward one another.
Look for these in your work
- Read the near ends.
- Place each arrow on its own object.
Predict the interactions for N–N and S–S facing pairs.
Give me a hint
Use the like-pole rule for both cases.
Compare my reasoning
- N–N contains like poles.
- S–S also contains like poles.
- Both pairs repel.
Both repel.
Look for these in your work
- Include both pairs.
- Use away-from-the-other force directions.
A clamped N–S pair does not move. Does this disprove attraction?
Give me a hint
Include support forces when interpreting a lack of movement.
Compare my reasoning
- The unlike poles exert attractive forces.
- Clamps can provide opposing forces.
- No translation does not establish no magnetic interaction.
No; supports can balance the attractive forces.
Look for these in your work
- Separate force and motion.
- Identify the role of the clamps.
Common mistakes
- Read the facing ends.
- Force need not produce visible translation.
- Attraction alone is not a pole-identification test.
What can you explain now?
What do two south poles do?
Compare with the explanation
Repel.
Like magnetic poles repel, whether they are both north or both south.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
Predict pole forces and draw separate arrows while distinguishing magnetised and unmagnetised objects.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.