Why is a horseshoe magnet shaped into a U-curve instead of remaining a straight bar?

Why is a horseshoe magnet shaped into a U-curve instead of remaining a straight bar?
  1. To reduce the total weight of the magnet
  2. To bring both opposite magnetic poles close together for stronger combined pull
  3. To prevent the magnet from rusting in moist air
  4. To eliminate the South pole completely

Solution

Bending the magnet into a U-shape brings the North and South poles near each other, concentrating their magnetic forces in the gap between them.

Asked in: Homi Bhabha Practice

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