A U-shaped magnet derives its name from its shape and has both a north and a south pole located in the same plane at the open end of the magnet. This type of magnet is also called a horseshoe magnet.
The magnetic lines go from pole to pole in a magnet. In a U-shaped magnet, most of the magnetic field is in the area between the two poles, but the magnetic lines travel through the rounded area of the U as well. Because both poles are pointing in the same direction, the U-shaped magnet has more lifting strength, attracting objects to both poles. This type of magnet is a permanent magnet and does not require a current to operate.