FREE SHIPPING U.S. >= $10 FREE SHIPPING ON ALL U.S. ORDERS OF $10 OR MORE
EASY RETURNS
SAME DAY SHIPPING
FREE SHIPPING ON ALL U.S. ORDERS OF $10 OR MORE
  • EASY RETURNS
  • SAME DAY SHIPPING
  • FREE U.S. SHIPPING $10+ FREE SHIPPING ON ALL U.S. ORDERS OF $10 OR MORE
  • EASY RETURNS
  • SAME DAY SHIPPING
* Customers must select the Standard Shipping option during checkout in order to receive Free Shipping. If you select Priority or Overnight Shipping additional charges will apply. Not valid on international shipments.

What is the difference between the south pole and the north pole of a magnet?

The south pole and north pole of a magnet are the two ends of a magnet that have opposite magnetic fields. The north pole of a magnet is attracted to the south pole of another magnet, while the south pole of a magnet is attracted to the north pole of another magnet.

The labeling of the poles of a magnet as "north" and "south" can be a bit confusing because it doesn't correspond directly to the Earth's geographic north and south poles. In the context of magnets, the north pole of a magnet is referred to as the "north-seeking" pole because it exhibits a behavior similar to that of a compass needle pointing towards the Earth's geographic north pole.

How to Identify North vs South

There are several ways to identify which pole is the south pole and which pole is the north pole. The easiest way is to use a Magnetic Pole Detector.

Another way to identify the north and south poles of a magnet is to use a compass. If you place a magnet near a compass, the magnet's north pole will cause the compass's needle to point north, while the magnet's south pole will cause the needle to point south.

North vs South Magnetic Field Lines

The magnetic field lines' direction also characterizes a magnet's north and south poles. The magnetic field lines of a magnet always flow from the north pole to the south pole. This means that the magnet's north pole is surrounded by magnetic field lines that flow outward from the pole, while the magnet's south pole is surrounded by magnetic field lines that flow inward towards the pole.

North vs South Pole Strength

The north and south poles of a magnet are usually of equal strength, meaning that they produce magnetic fields of equal intensity and have the same ability to attract or repel other magnets and ferromagnetic materials.

In some cases, a magnet's north and south poles may be slightly different in strength due to manufacturing tolerances or other factors. However, the difference in strength is typically small and may not be noticeable in most applications.


Related Articles

What to Look for When Choosing a Magnet Supplier
When it comes to sourcing magnets for your business or project, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer numb...
Read More
Top 10 Uses for Neodymium Magnets
As a leading magnet supplier, we often get questions about the practical uses of our products. Recognized for its sup...
Read More
Neodymium Magnets vs. Other Types of Magnets
Navigating the magnetic world can be a tricky affair, especially with a variety of options at your disposal. As a tru...
Read More
Understanding Magnetic Field Lines
Neodymium magnets are known for their superior strength and durability, a property enhanced by their unique magnetic ...
Read More
Neodymium Magnets and Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is fundamentally an alloy, a blend of metals, with the primary components being iron, chromium, and o...
Read More
Nickel vs Electroless Nickel Coating
Nickel is the most common coating for neodymium magnets, usually applied to the surface of the magnet by electroplati...
Read More