The direction of a magnetic line of force at any point gives the direction of the magnetic force on a north pole placed at that point. Since the direction of magnetic line of force is the direction of force on a 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 North Pole indicates the direction of the magnetic field.
Figure 6.2 : Magnetic Field
iii. Properties of the magnetic lines of force
1. The magnetic lines of force originate from the North Pole of a magnet and end at its South Pole.
2. The magnetic lines of force come closer to one another near the poles of a magnet but they are widely separated at other places.
3. The magnetic lines of force do not intersect (or cross) one another.
4. When a magnetic compass is placed at different points on a magnetic line of force, it aligns itself along the tangent to the line of force at that point.
5. These are just some of the basic concepts of magnetism. One cannot possibly grasp the depth and appreciate the versatility of magnets without reading more about the uses of magnets, the
35