Why do opposite magnetic poles attract?

Opposite magnetic poles attract each other due to the magnetic field lines flowing from the north pole to the south pole.

Magnetism is a fundamental force of nature, and it's the interaction of this force that causes opposite magnetic poles to attract each other. Every magnet, regardless of its size or shape, has two poles: a north pole and a south pole. These poles are the regions where the magnet's force is strongest.

The magnetic field lines of a magnet flow from its north pole to its south pole. This flow creates a force that pulls the north pole of one magnet towards the south pole of another, and vice versa. This is why opposite poles attract. The force of attraction decreases as the distance between the two poles increases, which is why two magnets may not seem to attract each other when they are far apart.

This principle is similar to the way electric charges work, where opposite charges attract and like charges repel. In the case of magnets, however, you cannot isolate the poles. If you cut a magnet in half, you don't get a separate north pole and south pole. Instead, you get two smaller magnets, each with its own north and south pole. This is a fundamental characteristic of magnets and is known as the 'magnetic dipole' nature of magnets.

Understanding the behaviour of magnetic poles and the forces they exert is crucial in many areas of physics and engineering. It underpins the operation of many everyday technologies, from electric motors and generators to data storage devices and even the compasses used for navigation.