Question

The magnetic field lines due to two bar magnets X and Y are shown in the given diagram. If the magnet X is displaced towards magnet Y, will there be repulsion or attraction between them? Justify.

Answer 1

Magnetic field lines always emerge from the North pole and enter the South pole. In the given diagram, the field lines between magnets X and Y are continuous and join each other, not bending away. This shows that the facing poles are unlike (N facing S). Since unlike poles attract each other, when magnet X is moved towards magnet Y, a force of attraction will act between them.