What is magnetic field?

A magnet basically has two poles and they are north and south. A magnet either attracts or repels. Also, if the north pole is placed around the south pole, it will attract and if the north pole is placed around the north pole, it will be repelled. The region around the magnet where the poles either attract or repel is called the magnetic field.

Basically, in a magnet, the magnetic field is created either naturally as discussed earlier or also by a passing current. When an electric charge moves in space or on a conductor, its motion induces a magnetic field. Therefore, whenever a metallic object such as iron comes within the range of this magnetic field, the magnet will attract the iron towards it.