What is the term for the attraction or repulsion between the poles of magnets?

The term that describes the attraction or repulsion between the poles of magnets is magnetism. This fundamental property of magnets arises from the alignment of their magnetic domains, which creates magnetic fields. When two magnets come close to each other, the opposite poles (north and south) attract, while like poles repel each other. Magnetism is a broader concept that encompasses various phenomena related to magnetic fields, including the behavior of materials when placed in a magnetic field and the interactions between magnets.

Electromagnetism, while related, refers specifically to the interplay between electric currents and magnetic fields, rather than just the direct attraction or repulsion of magnetic poles. Induction describes the process through which a changing magnetic field can produce an electric current in a conductor, and electrostatics deals with the forces between charged particles, which is distinct from the behavior of magnets.