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Learn about magnets and their many uses.

 A character holding a large magnet
Image caption,
Some magnets are stronger than others. Strong magnets will create bigger pushing or pulling forces than weak magnets.

Magnetic forces

When two magnets are close, they create pushing or pulling forces on one another.

These forces are strongest at the ends of the magnets. The two ends of a magnet are known as the north pole and the south pole.

Same poles repel

If you try to put two magnets together with the same poles pointing towards one another, the magnets will push away from each other. We say they repel each other.

Different poles attract

If you put two magnets together with different poles pointing towards one another, the magnets will pull towards each other. We say they attract each other.

 A character holding a large magnet
Image caption,
Some magnets are stronger than others. Strong magnets will create bigger pushing or pulling forces than weak magnets.

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