Question

The magnetic field lines due to the horseshoe magnet between its poles are

• A. straight lines
• B. squares
• C. circles
• D. loops of irregular shape

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the nature of magnetic field lines.

Magnetic field lines represent the direction and strength of a magnetic field. For a horseshoe magnet, the field lines emerge from the north pole, curve around through the space outside the magnet, and enter the south pole. Between the two poles of the horseshoe magnet (the gap where the magnetic field is strongest), the field lines are approximately **straight and parallel** because the poles are close to each other and create a uniform magnetic field in this region.

Step 2: Analyze the options.

• (1) Straight lines: This is correct for the field lines between the poles of a horseshoe magnet, as they are nearly straight and parallel in this region.
• (2) Squares: Magnetic field lines do not form squares. This option is incorrect.
• (3) Circles: Magnetic field lines can form closed loops, but they do not form perfect circles in this case. This option is incorrect.
• (4) Loops of irregular shape: While magnetic field lines form closed loops overall, the lines between the poles of a horseshoe magnet are straight and parallel, not irregular. This option is incorrect.

Final Answer: The magnetic field lines between the poles of a horseshoe magnet are \( \mathbf{\text{straight lines}} \), which corresponds to option \( \mathbf{(1)} \).