Introduction

We know from everyday experience that a compass needle gets deflected when brought near a bar magnet. This behaviour can be explained by understanding the concept of a magnetic field and field lines.

Compass Needle

A compass needle is a small bar magnet. The ends of the needle point approximately towards the Earth's north and south directions.

The end pointing towards the north is called the north-seeking or north pole, while the end pointing towards the south is called the south-seeking or south pole.

Interaction of Magnetic Poles

Like poles of magnets repel each other.

Unlike poles attract each other.