Bar Magnet - GCSE Physics Definition

A bar magnet is a rectangular piece of material, typically made of iron, steel, or a ferrous alloy, that exhibits magnetic properties with a distinct north and south pole.

It is a simple example of a permanent magnet, which means it continually produces a magnetic field without needing an external power source. The magnetic field is strongest at the poles, and it diminishes as you move away from them.

Bar magnets can attract or repel other magnets, and they can also attract ferromagnetic materials like iron filings. They are often used in educational demonstrations to illustrate the basic principles of magnetism, which is an important topic in the GCSE Physics syllabus.