TeXes Science Practice Test

Which scientific law is best defined by the phrase "opposites attract"?

1. Electrostatics

2. Magnetism

3. Gravity

4. Thermodynamics

The correct answer is: Magnetism

The phrase "opposites attract" is best associated with magnetism, which describes the behavior of magnetic poles. In magnetism, there are two types of poles: north and south. According to this principle, a north pole will attract a south pole, while like poles (north to north or south to south) will repel one another. This fundamental characteristic of magnets illustrates how magnetic forces operate based on the attraction between distinct poles, leading to the common saying that opposites attract. While electrostatics deals with electric charges, stating that opposite charges attract (positive attracts negative), magnetism specifically captures the relationship between magnetic poles. Gravity, on the other hand, involves attraction between masses, and thermodynamics pertains to heat and energy transfer rather than attraction between forces. Therefore, magnetism is the most accurate choice aligned with the idea of "opposites attract."