Like poles repel in magnets

Steps:

• Observe the interaction between ends P and Q of the two magnets.
• Note that the ends repel each other, indicating like magnetic poles.
• Identify north (N) as the pole that points north when freely suspended.
• Confirm both ends P and Q behave as north poles based on repulsion pattern.

Why B is correct:

• Like poles (N and N) repel each other, per the basic law of magnetostatics where magnetic force is repulsive between identical poles.

Why the others are wrong:

• A (N S): Unlike poles attract, not matching observed repulsion.
• C (S N): Unlike poles attract, contradicting the setup.
• D (S S): Possible like poles, but diagram shows north-pointing behavior at both ends.

Final answer: B