Polarity:

A magnetic field has an orientation or, direction at any point in space close to a current-carrying wire or a permanent magnet. The flux lines run parallel toward the direction of the field. A magnetic field is considered to start, or originate, at a north pole and to end, or finish, at a south pole. Such poles are not similar as the geomagnetic poles; however, they are exactly the opposite! The north geomagnetic pole is in reality a south pole since it attracts the north poles of magnetic compasses. Likewise, the south geomagnetic pole is a north pole since it attracts the south poles of compasses. In the situation of a permanent magnet, it is generally, though not always, obvious where the magnetic poles are situated. With a current-carrying wire, the magnetic field goes around and around continuously, like a dog chasing its own tail.

A charged electric particle, like a proton, hovering in space, is an electric monopole, and the electrical flux lines about it are not closed. Positive charges do not have to be mated with a negative charge. The electrical flux lines around any motionless charged particle run outward in all directions for a hypothetically infinite distance. Though, a magnetic field is distinct. Under normal situations, all magnetic flux lines are closed loops. With permanent magnets, there always a beginning point (the north pole) and an ending point (the south pole). About the current-carrying wire, the loops are circles. This can be view plainly in experiments with iron filings on paper.