What are the two poles found on a magnet?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 2 Physics Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

A magnet has two distinct poles known as the north pole and the south pole. This is a fundamental property of magnets, which produce a magnetic field around them. The north pole of a magnet is defined as the pole that, when allowed to move freely, will point toward the Earth's geographic North Pole. Conversely, the south pole points toward the geographic South Pole.

The concept of magnetic poles is critical in understanding the behavior of magnets, as like poles repel each other while opposite poles attract. This principle is essential in various applications, from simple compasses to complex electric motors.

The other concepts mentioned, such as east and west or positive and negative, relate to different fields (e.g., Earth's directions or electrical charge) and do not accurately describe the poles of magnets. The male and female terms are also not applicable in this context, as they do not refer to magnetic properties.

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