Why don't similar magnetic poles attract?

Similar magnetic poles do not attract because they generate repulsive forces that push each other away.

In the world of magnetism, there is a fundamental rule that like poles repel each other, while unlike poles attract. This is known as the law of magnetic poles. When you try to push two similar poles of a magnet together, such as two north poles or two south poles, they resist and push away from each other. This is because the magnetic field lines generated by each pole are moving in the same direction, causing a repulsive force.

The reason for this repulsion can be understood by looking at the magnetic field lines around a magnet. These invisible lines flow from the north pole to the south pole of the magnet. When two similar poles are brought close together, the field lines clash with each other. Since they are moving in the same direction, they cannot merge or cross over each other, leading to a force that pushes the poles apart.

On the other hand, when a north pole and a south pole are brought together, the field lines from the north pole can easily connect with those from the south pole, creating an attractive force. This is why unlike poles attract each other.

This principle of magnetism is not only applicable to bar magnets but also to all magnetic materials and even to electric currents. It is one of the fundamental principles in the study of electromagnetism and plays a crucial role in many technological applications, from electric motors to data storage devices. Understanding this principle is key to understanding the behaviour of magnets and their interactions.