# A student places two bar magnets on a table with their north poles facing each other. Describe what happens between the two magnets and explain, using the idea of magnetic field lines, why this occurs.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 4.4 Magnetic fields · Describe and Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The two magnets repel each other
2. Like poles repel / north pole repels north pole
3. Magnetic field lines travel from north to south outside the magnet
4. Between the two north poles, the field lines point in opposite directions / towards each other / field lines cannot merge or cross
5. This opposing arrangement of field lines produces a repulsive force / the magnets are pushed apart because the field lines cannot pass through each other

## Key terms

- [magnetic field lines](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/magnetic-field-lines)
- [north pole](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/north-pole)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-places-two-bar-magnets-78d088f0) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.