How do magnets attract or repel objects?

• A. Magnets attract only iron and never repel
• B. Magnetic forces attract or repel due to opposite poles or like poles; magnetic fields allow this interaction
• C. Magnets create energy by moving electrons
• D. Magnetic fields have no effect on force between objects

Answer: (B)

Magnetic forces come from the magnetic field around a magnet. A magnet has two poles, north and south, and the field around it can reach other magnets or magnetic materials. When opposite poles face each other, they attract and pull together; when like poles face each other, they repel and push apart. This interaction happens at a distance because the magnetic field does the work, so touching isn’t needed. Metals like iron are strongly attracted because they respond to magnetic fields, though magnets can also interact with other magnets. The force comes from the field, not from creating energy by moving electrons, and magnetic fields do influence the force between objects.