Poles - GCSE Physics Definition

In GCSE Physics, 'poles' refer to the ends of a magnet where the magnetic force is strongest. There are two types of poles: the north pole and the south pole. If you bring the north pole of one magnet close to the south pole of another, they will attract each other. However, if you bring two north poles or two south poles together, they will repel or push away from each other. This behaviour is a fundamental property of magnets and is used in various applications, such as compasses, where the north pole of a magnet points towards the Earth's magnetic north pole.