What is a bipolar magnet?

A bipolar magnet is a magnet with two distinct magnetic poles, a north pole and a south pole. The magnetic field lines of a bipolar magnet flow out of the north pole and into the south pole. The strength of the magnetic field is greatest at the poles and weakest at the center of the magnet.

Bipolar magnets are commonly used in everyday objects such as compasses, motors, and generators. In a compass, the north pole of the magnet aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic north pole, allowing the compass to point north. In a motor, the magnetic field created by the bipolar magnet causes the rotor to spin. In a generator, the spinning of the rotor in the magnetic field created by the bipolar magnet induces an electric current.

Bipolar magnets can be made from a variety of materials, including iron, nickel, cobalt, and certain rare-earth metals. The strength of the magnet depends on the material used and the shape of the magnet.