I think there is a better answer than yet given to the iron bar question. Lets assume the bar is magnetized so the ends are north and south (as opposed to the

I think there is a better answer than yet given to the iron bar question. Lets assume the bar is magnetized so the ends are north and south (as opposed to the weird thing, where it is magnetized through its thickness). Position the bars near to each other and perpendicular, like the letter 'T'. Now switch the bars' positions, so the other bar is the cross and the other the stem. When the magnet is the stem of the 'T' there will be a strong attraction between the pieces, while when the magnet is the bar of the 'T' there will be almost no attraction of the pieces. It is just like sticking horseshoe magnet to a piece of metal with its tips is much stronger than sticking it with its back, just now the horseshoe is straightened. The attraction is to the poles, not the equator.