attraction and repulsion
What attraction and repulsion means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of attraction and repulsion
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Reference: OCR
Between two like charges the field lines push apart, giving repulsion; between two opposite charges the lines run from the positive to the negative charge, giving attraction.
Unlike poles attract and like poles repel, so a north pole near a south pole pulls together while two north poles push apart.
Whether the pair attract or repel is decided by the poles facing each other, not by which magnet is stronger.
Unlike charges and unlike poles attract, while like charges and like poles repel.
Topics that use attraction and repulsion
- Contact and non-contact forces (AQA GCSE)
- Poles of a magnet (AQA GCSE)
- Magnets and magnetic fields (OCR GCSE)
- Static and charge (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- contact forces
- induced magnets
- non-contact forces
- permanent magnets
- acting on different objects
- always attraction
- chain of nails
- Charge carriers and transfer of electrons
Using attraction and repulsion in the exam
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