It doesn't matter if you have neodymium magnets or samarium cobalt magnets, every magnet has a North and South Pole. Sometimes a magnet's poles are identified directly on the magnet, but most of the time it is not. One way you can determine the North and South Pole of a magnet is with a compass. Interestingly, the geographical North Pole is a magnet's South Pole. Therefore, when you place a magnet, such as a bar or disc magnet, next to a compass, the North pole of the magnet will point toward the South Pole of the compass and vice versa. While you can use a compass to determine the North and South Pole of a magnet, there's an easier way: a magnetic pole identifier. This handheld device is easy to operate — all you have to do is press and hold a button and place the tip of the identifier against one side of a magnet. If the red light on the device goes on, you're dealing with the magnet's North Pole. Green means South Pole. You can also move the pole identifier along the side of a magnet to see where the poles switch as one light goes dark and the other switches on.

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With this information, you'll understand why those two strong magnets aren't coming together like you hoped they would. Remember, opposite poles attract, while like poles repel. If you have any questions about magnetic poles, don't hesitate to contact us.