Which term describes the force between magnets when they attract or repel each other?

Study for the SDI Introduction to Physical Science Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions, and access hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Get ready for your exam!

The correct choice refers to a fundamental force known as magnetism, which describes the interaction between magnetic materials or magnets. When two magnets interact, they can either attract each other or repel each other, depending on the orientation of their poles. This behavior is rooted in the magnetic field produced by each magnet.

Attraction occurs when opposite poles of magnets (north and south) come into proximity, while like poles (north to north or south to south) result in repulsion. This relationship is essential to numerous applications, from electric motors to magnetic levitation trains.

Other forces listed, such as electricity, gravity, and friction, do not encompass the specific interactions between magnets. Electricity relates to charged particles and their movement, gravity refers to the attractive force between masses, and friction pertains to the resistance encountered when two surfaces slide against each other. Thus, magnetism is uniquely characterized by the effects seen in magnetic interactions.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy