While researching magnetic fields, Marisa finds several online sites that describe a fictitious north monopole that is a magnet with only a north pole. Although it does not exist, the north monopole is used to describe magnetic field lines. Which statement best describes how the monopole would be used to describe magnetic field lines?
Answer
A
The field lines around a magnet point from the south pole to the north pole to show the direction of the magnetic force on the monopole.
B
The field lines around a magnet point from the north pole to the south pole to show the direction of the magnetic force on the monopole.
C
The field lines around a magnet point from the north pole to the south pole to show the direction opposite to the magnetic force on the monopole.
D
The field lines around a magnet point from the south pole to the north pole to show the direction opposite to the magnetic force on the monopole.
Explanation
Magnetic field lines are defined to point in the direction of the force on a hypothetical north monopole. Outside a magnet, the field lines point from the magnet’s north pole toward its south pole, so they show the direction of the force on that monopole. Therefore, the correct statement is that the lines point from north to south and show the force’s direction.
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