One misconception about magnets

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies a common misconception regarding magnet behavior, specifically refrigerator magnets. Unlike traditional magnets, refrigerator magnets are composed of multiple tiny magnets and non-magnetized materials, leading to a unique interaction. When two fridge magnets are brought together, their tiny magnets align in such a way that they effectively present unlike poles to each other, resulting in attraction. This phenomenon explains why users may not observe repulsion between fridge magnets, despite the fundamental magnetic principle that like poles repel.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic magnetism principles, including magnetic poles.
  • Familiarity with the composition of refrigerator magnets and their construction.
  • Knowledge of magnetic field interactions and how they can vary in different materials.
  • Basic physics concepts related to forces and attraction/repulsion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the composition and manufacturing process of refrigerator magnets.
  • Learn about the behavior of magnetic fields in composite materials.
  • Explore the principles of magnetic field alignment in various magnet types.
  • Investigate the differences between permanent magnets and temporary magnets.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the nuances of magnet behavior, particularly in practical applications like refrigerator magnets.

UsualMan
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Hi, everyone!

Everywhere is said that when two magnets meet each other, like poles repel and unlike - attract.
I checked this statement for my refrigerator magnets, and, surprisingly, I can't find a confirmation here: the refrigerator magnets always attract each other and never repel, so one may think, that no matter how you place two fridge magnets together - they will always contact with the unlike poles. I tried to rotate them - no result.
Of course, this can't be the case, that such magnets stick to a fridge with always different poles. There are only two poles, so among all my fridge magnets I would expect two find at least two, which will repel each other. But I haven't found.

On one website I have read the following explanation: fridge magnets are weak, because they are not just usual iron magnets, but they are made from composition of tiny magnets and some other non-magnetized material. These magnets are faced with different poles towards the surface, and these poles are distributed nearly equally. When two such fridge magnets of the same size face each other, that site stated, that the tiny magnets of those magnets orient themselves in such way that they align themselves in order to turn with unlike poles to each other.

I don't fully understand that. If we try to join two simple magnets with like poles to each other, they will repel, won't they? But in fridge magnets, as it was said, poles are distributed equally on the surface, so there should be equal forces of repulsion and attraction. However, these magnets attract and don't repel. Why?
 
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