Question

The north and south poles of a magnet:

• A. are of different strength
• B. are of equal strength
• C. can be separated by cutting the magnet
• D. None of the above

Hint:

Magnetic poles always come in pairs (north and south), and their strengths are always equal. Cutting a magnet does not separate the original poles but creates new poles at the cut surfaces. Understanding these basic properties helps in solving problems related to magnets and their behavior.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand Magnetic Poles.
In a bar magnet, there are two poles: the north pole and the south pole. These poles have the following properties: 1. Strength of Poles:
The north and south poles of a magnet are always of equal strength. This is a fundamental property of magnets, as they are dipolar in nature, meaning the total magnetic flux emerging from one pole must equal the flux entering the other pole. 2. Separation of Poles:
When a magnet is cut into pieces, each piece becomes a new magnet with its own north and south poles. The original poles cannot be separated; instead, new poles form at the cut surfaces. Step 2: Analyze Each Option.
Option (1): are of different strength — Incorrect, as the poles are always of equal strength.
Option (2): are of equal strength — Correct, as this matches the fundamental property of magnets.
Option (3): can be separated by cutting the magnet — Incorrect, as cutting a magnet creates new poles rather than separating the original poles.
Option (4): None of the above — Incorrect, as Option (2) is correct. Step 3: Final Answer. $$ (2) \mathbf{\text{are of equal strength}} $$