To identify the poles of an unmarked magnet using a marked magnet, bring the marked magnet’s known North pole close to one end of the unmarked magnet. If they attract, the end of the unmarked magnet is its South pole. If they repel, the end is the unmarked magnet’s North pole. Repeat with the other end of the unmarked magnet to determine both poles.
Explanation:
1. Opposite poles attract, like poles repel:
This is the fundamental principle governing magnetic interactions.
2. Using the known magnet:
The marked magnet provides a reference point. Its known North pole is used to interact with the unknown magnet.
3. Observation:
By observing whether the marked magnet’s North pole attracts or repels the unknown magnet’s ends, you can determine the poles of the unknown magnet.
4. Applying the rule:
If the marked North pole attracts an end of the unmarked magnet, that end is the South pole of the unmarked magnet.
If the marked North pole repels an end of the unmarked magnet, that end is the North pole of the unmarked magnet.
5. Testing both ends:
Repeat the process with the other end of the unmarked magnet to identify both poles.