Final answer:
When two magnets are brought together, they will either attract or repel each other depending on the orientation of their poles. Magnetic force also plays a role between two conductors carrying current, which can result in attraction or repulsion. The attractive force can be witnessed when a magnetized paper clip induces magnetism in a non-magnetized paper clip.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Magnetic Force
When bringing two magnets together, we explore the fundamental nature of magnetic forces. With two magnets, there are three possible combinations to consider:
South pole to South pole (same ends)
North pole to South pole (different ends)
For the first two combinations, where the ends are the same, the magnets will repel each other. This is because like poles of magnets exert a repulsive force. In the third combination, where the ends are different, the magnets will attract each other, with the North pole of one magnet pulling towards the South pole of the other. This is due to the attractive force between opposite magnetic poles.
Now, taking a permanent bar magnet and rubbing it against one paper clip magnetizes it, effectively turning it into a small bar magnet with its own North and South poles. When this newly magnetized paper clip is brought close to a non-magnetized paper clip, the untouched paper clip experiences an attractive force because it is induced to have poles that complement the magnetized paper clip.
The magnetic force between two conductors is a key concept in physics. If two parallel conductors carry current, they can either attract or repel each other depending on the direction of the currents. This interaction is utilized in defining the ampere. When calculating the magnetic force on parallel conductors, it's important to consider the magnitude of the currents, distance between the conductors, and the length of the conductors involved in the interaction.