Question

Repulsion is the surest test of magnetism" refers to:

a. The attraction of magnets to each other
b. The repulsion of magnets from each other
c. The ability of magnets to attract iron
d. The absence of magnetism

Answer 1

The statement "Repulsion is the surest test of magnetism" indicates that repulsion between two objects confirms they are both magnets, as like poles (north-north or south-south) repel each other.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phrase "Repulsion is the surest test of magnetism" refers to the fact that when two magnets repel each other, it is a clear indication that both objects are indeed magnets. This repulsion occurs because magnetic poles of the same kind (either north-north or south-south) are facing each other. When magnets attract, one could potentially mistake this for the attraction of a magnet to a metallic object that is not a magnet itself; however, repulsion can only occur between two magnets.

If two magnets repel each other, we can conclude that their like poles are facing each other. This is because magnets have two poles, north and south, and like poles repel while opposite poles attract. This repulsive force is a distinctive feature of magnetic interactions and serves as a reliable method to confirm that an object is a magnet.