What term describes a magnet that has both a north and south pole?

A magnet that has both a north and south pole is referred to as a magnetic dipole. This term reflects the inherent nature of most magnets in which the magnetic field is produced by the movement of electric charges, resulting in the presence of two distinct poles.

In a magnetic dipole, the field lines emerge from the north pole and re-enter at the south pole, creating a complete magnetic field. This is a fundamental property of typical bar magnets, permanent magnets, and many other magnetic materials.

Understanding this concept helps to clarify why the other terms are not appropriate for describing such a magnet. A magnetic monopole would indicate a scenario where only one pole exists, which does not occur in classical magnetism as we know it. Ferromagnetic material refers to substances that exhibit strong magnetic properties but does not specifically denote the presence of both poles. An electromagnet involves the creation of a magnetic field through electric current and also possesses north and south poles, but it does not define the nature of the magnet itself without current flowing. Thus, the correct characterization of a classical magnet with both poles is as a magnetic dipole.