How to Find the North Pole of a Magnet

You can find the north pole of a magnet with a simple science experiment.

Magnets are objects that can exert a force on other materials made out of steel, iron or nickel. Magnets have two points where they will exert the most force on other objects. These points are the north and south poles. Finding these poles on a magnet is an educational activity that can fascinate both children and adults. Once you determine the poles of a magnet, expand the activity by exploring how the poles attract and repel each other.

Things You'll Need

• Compass
• Two bar magnets
• Two strings (each 1 foot long)
• Tape
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Find north with the compass and remember which direction is north.

2. Tie one end of one piece of string around the middle point of one of the bar magnets. Repeat with the other string and magnet. Hold each string by the other end and allow the magnets to dangle freely.

3. Notice how the magnets turn as you hold them. One end of each magnet should be pointing north. Test this by turning yourself around 180 degrees. Watch what the magnets do (they should adjust themselves so that the same end of the magnets are still pointing north).

4. Label each north pole on the magnets with an "N" on a small piece of tape. Label the opposite ends of the magnets with an "S" for south pole.

5. Test the designation of the poles by bringing the north pole ends of the magnets toward each other. Alike poles will repel each other. Turn one magnet around 180 degrees, bringing the north pole of one magnet together with the south pole of the other magnet. Opposite poles will attract each other.

References

• "Magnet Mania" Experiment