Physics · Magnetism And Matter · NEET
Yes. Every bar magnet has exactly two poles, a north pole (N) and a south pole (S). You can never make a magnet with only one pole. This is a basic property you must remember for NEET: magnetic poles always come in pairs.
When a bar magnet hangs freely (on a thread), it turns until it lies in the north-south direction. The tip that points toward the geographic north is called the NORTH pole of the magnet. This is exactly how a compass works.
Magnetic poles follow the same rule as electric charges: like poles repel, unlike poles attract. So N-N repel and S-S repel, but N-S attract. If two magnets push apart when you bring them close, you have brought like poles together.
No. Cutting a magnet gives you TWO smaller magnets, each with its own N and S pole. You can never isolate a single north or south pole. This tells us magnetic monopoles do not exist — an idea NEET tests directly through Gauss's law for magnetism.
The tip of a compass that points north is the magnet's NORTH pole. Since unlike poles attract, the Earth must have a magnetic SOUTH pole near the geographic North. So Earth behaves like a giant bar magnet with its magnetic field pointing roughly from geographic south to north.
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
Magnetism is the invisible force by which some materials, like a bar magnet, pull iron toward them or push and pull other magnets. It comes from moving charges and tiny atomic currents inside the material.
1) It has two poles, N and S. 2) A freely hanging magnet points north-south. 3) Like poles repel, unlike poles attract. 4) You cannot separate the poles — cutting it gives two smaller magnets. These four facts are the foundation of the whole Magnetism and Matter chapter.
It comes from Magnesia, an island in Greece where magnetic ore was found around 600 BC. This is a common line NCERT uses, so it is safe general knowledge for the exam.
Electric charges can exist alone (a single + or - charge is fine). Magnetic poles cannot — they always come as an N-S pair. This is the single biggest difference and is why there is no 'magnetic monopole'.
