Question

What is the direction of the magnetic field lines surrounding a permanent magnet?

• A. North to south pole of the magnet
• B. South to north pole of the magnet
• C. Can be in any direction
• D. Data insufficient

Answer 1

The correct option is A

North to south pole of the magnet

The space surrounding a magnet in which magnetic force is exerted is called magnetic field. It is a vector quantity that has both direction and magnitude. The direction of magnetic field lines is defined to be the direction in which the north end of a compass needle points.

The direction of magnetic field is taken by convention that the field lines emerge from North pole and merge at the South pole. The strength of a magnetic field can be observed from the degree of closeness of the field lines.