Question

Which of the following statement(s) is/are true?

I. Outside the magnet, the direction of field lines is from its south pole to its north pole.

II. No two magnetic field lines are found to cross each other.

1. Both I and II
2. Only I
3. Only II
4. Neither I nor II

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Only II

The correct answer is Only II.

• The space surrounding a magnet, in which magnetic force is exerted, is called a magnetic field. If a bar magnet is placed in such a field, it will experience magnetic forces. However, the field will continue to exist even if the magnet is removed. The direction of the magnetic field at a point is the direction of the resultant force acting on the hypothetical North Pole placed at that point. The direction of magnetic lines of force at any point gives the direction of the magnetic force on a north pole placed at that point. Since the direction of the magnetic line of force is the direction of the force on the North Pole, so the magnetic lines of force always begin on the N-pole of a magnet and end on the S-pole of the magnet. A small magnetic compass when moved along a line of force always sets itself along the line tangential to it. So, a line drawn from the South Pole of the compass to its the North Pole indicates the direction of the magnetic field.
• The magnetic lines of force are closed concentric circles and hence, the starting or ending point cannot be specified exactly except the direction. Therefore, the direction of magnetic field lines outside the magnet is from North Pole to the South Pole and the direction of magnetic field lines inside the magnet is from the south pole to the north pole. Start and end cannot be found. Hence First Statement is Incorrect