A horseshoe magnet is a magnet made in the shape of a horseshoe or a U shape and has become the most widely recognized symbol for magnets. ... The main advantage of a horseshoe magnet over other types of magnets is that the magnetic poles are close together creating a much stronger magnetic field.

What kind of magnet is a horseshoe?

Horseshoe magnets are just bar magnets bent in a U shape. The U shape makes the magnet stronger by pointing the poles in the same direction. Originally created as a replacement for the bar magnet, this shape has become the universal symbol for magnets.

What's the point of a horseshoe magnet?

The purpose of a horseshoe magnet's shape is to place the poles as close together as possible. The total magnetic flux is the same, but the field is greater, as it is spread over a smaller volume.