Magnetic Forces
Elementary School
Definition
The push or pull exerted by magnets. Magnets attract certain metals such as iron, and their poles attract or repel the poles of other magnets. Magnetic force acts at a distance, without the objects needing to touch.
Worked examples
A paper clip jumps to a bar magnet held above it — no contact needed.
The magnet's force pulls on the iron in the clip through the air gap, showing action at a distance.
Two bar magnets: North pole near North pole pushes away; North near South pole pulls together.
Like poles repel, opposite poles attract — the fundamental rule of magnetic force.
Common mistakes
- Magnets attract all metals → Magnets attract only ferromagnetic metals like iron, nickel, and cobalt Aluminum, copper, and gold are not magnetic — only certain metals respond to magnets.
- Magnetic force requires the objects to touch → Magnetic force acts at a distance, through air or other materials Magnets can attract or repel without contact, which is why they 'feel' strange when you bring them close.
- The stronger magnet's pole determines whether they attract or repel → Whether poles attract or repel depends only on whether they are like or opposite Strength affects how far the force reaches, but attraction vs repulsion is about pole type, not strength.
Where you'll use it next
You'll apply magnetic forces when studying electromagnets, electric motors and generators, Earth's magnetic field and compasses, and later in physics courses covering electromagnetism and field theory.
See also
Reviewed by Pat Cheng, M.Ed. — StudyPug Curriculum Lead · Last updated June 6, 2026