Why do both halves of a cut magnet have north and south poles?

[endoparasite]

If the magnetic field lines are going from north to south pole then why when we cut a magnet from middle the two cutting edges become like poles. Common sense says that one edge should be north pole and other should be south . Can anyone explain ?

 

[Born2bwire]

The cut edges can't be like poles. That would mean that one of the new magnets would have to either be a monopole or instantly flip its polarity.

 

[HallsofIvy]

All we can say is that "common sense" is right in this case. If you cut a bar magnet into two pieces, the two cut edges do NOT become like poles. The S and N poles of the original magnet become S and N poles of the new magnets, the cut ends become N and S poles. What made you think they became like poles?

 

[MagnetDave]

If the magnetic field lines are going from north to south pole then why when we cut a magnet from middle the two cutting edges become like poles. Common sense says that one edge should be north pole and other should be south . Can anyone explain ?

I cannot explain this any more than I can explain why the sun sets in the north, water is dry, or sound moves faster than light. It is literally the opposite of what happens.