Simple phenomena of magnetism

In which pair are both substances magnetic?

Feb/March 2016

The diagram illustrates the magnetic field surrounding two bar magnets. Which diagram indicates the poles of the magnets?

Feb/March 2016

In which pair are both materials magnetic?

Feb/March 2016

What methods can be used to demagnetise a magnet?

Feb/March 2016

A student uses a bar magnet to tell an unlabelled magnet apart from an iron bar.

Feb/March 2016

A small compass is positioned near a strong bar magnet, at equal distance from each end. Which diagram shows the direction that the compass needle points in?

Feb/March 2017

A student wants to magnetise two steel bars, X and Y. She puts bar X inside a coil that is connected to a d.c. power supply. She holds bar Y parallel to a magnetic field and strikes it with a hammer. Which bar(s) are magnetised?

Feb/March 2017

A small compass is positioned near a strong bar magnet, at equal distance from both ends. Which diagram shows the direction in which the compass needle points?

Feb/March 2017

A bar magnet may be demagnetised either by striking it repeatedly over a long period or by gradually withdrawing it from a coil linked to a power supply. Which row correctly completes the descriptions of how these methods are performed?

Feb/March 2017

An electromagnet is used to take a splinter out of an eye. Which material is the splinter made of?

Feb/March 2018

Which diagram illustrates the magnetic field surrounding a bar magnet?

Feb/March 2018

The diagram shows a magnetic field. What produces this field?

Feb/March 2018

An electromagnet is used to take a splinter out of an eye. What material is the splinter made from?

Feb/March 2018

Which action would fail to magnetise a rod?

Feb/March 2019

The ends of three metal rods are examined by bringing end Q of rod 1 near the others one by one. The observations are listed below. End Q attracts end R. End Q attracts end S. End Q attracts end T. End Q repels end U. Which of the metal rods is a magnet?

Feb/March 2019

The ends of three metal rods are examined by bringing end Q of rod 1 near each of the others one at a time. The observations are as follows. End Q attracts end R. End Q attracts end S. End Q attracts end T. End Q repels end U. Which one of the metal rods is the magnet?

Feb/March 2019

Which statement correctly describes the direction of a magnetic field at a point?

Feb/March 2019

The table sets out the forces acting between magnetic poles. Which row is the correct one?

Feb/March 2020

The diagrams present three different metal rods P, Q and R, positioned inside coils of wire. Small iron nails are arranged on a wooden bench beneath the rods. Diagram 1 illustrates the arrangement when electric currents flow in the wires. Diagram 2 illustrates the arrangement after the currents have been switched off. Which row correctly identifies the metal rods?

Feb/March 2020

The diagrams illustrate three different metal rods P, Q and R placed inside wire coils. Small iron nails are set on a wooden bench below the rods. Diagram 1 shows the arrangement when electric currents flow in the wires. Diagram 2 shows the arrangement when the currents are turned off. Which row correctly names the metal rods?

Feb/March 2020

A soft-iron bar has not been magnetised. It is brought near the N pole of a magnet and then moved near the S pole of that same magnet. What is the outcome?

Feb/March 2021

Three metal cores, P, Q and R, each of a different metal, are put inside identical wire coils. At least one of the metals is non-magnetic. The cores are suspended above some iron nails. The three diagrams illustrate what happens when current flows in the coils. The three diagrams below illustrate what happens after the current is switched off. Which core metals are magnetic?

Feb/March 2021

Three possible ways of demagnetising a magnet are proposed. The magnet is aligned in an east-west direction. Which of these methods will demagnetise the magnet?

Feb/March 2021

Three cores made from different metals P, Q and R are placed inside identical wire coils. At least one of the metals is non-magnetic. The cores are suspended above some iron nails. The diagrams show the result when current flows through the coils and when the current is then switched off. Which core metals are magnetic?

Feb/March 2021

The diagram shows a bar magnet lying still on a smooth horizontal surface. A piece of soft-iron wire is positioned parallel to the magnet. The wire is let go. What happens?

Feb/March 2023

The diagram depicts a bar magnet stationary on a smooth horizontal surface. A length of soft-iron wire is positioned parallel to the magnet. The wire is let go. What occurs?

Feb/March 2023

The diagrams illustrate two configurations of a pair of identical bar magnets. Three points, P, Q and R, are marked. At which point is the magnetic field produced by the magnets the weakest, and at which point is it the strongest?

Feb/March 2024

Fig. 8.1 displays a permanent bar magnet.

Feb/March 2024

A plotting compass is positioned near the pole of a magnet whose poles are labelled X and Y, with the N pole of the plotting compass facing pole X, as illustrated. Pole Y of the magnet is then brought near a second magnet with poles labelled P and Q, as shown. The magnets repel one another. Which row is correct?

Feb/March 2025

Which statement about a magnet is correct?

May/June 2016

A student wants to produce a permanent magnet. She has one iron rod and one steel rod. Which rod ought she choose to make the permanent magnet, and is this rod a hard magnetic material or a soft magnetic material?

May/June 2016

Two nickel bars are positioned near the N-pole of a bar magnet. The nickel bars are magnetised. Which row gives the pole induced at $P$, the pole induced at $Q$, and the nature of the magnetic force between $P$ and $Q$?

May/June 2016

A student wants to produce a permanent magnet. She has an iron rod and a steel rod. Which rod should she choose to make the permanent magnet, and does this rod count as a hard magnetic material or a soft magnetic material?

May/June 2016

Which statement concerning magnetism is correct?

May/June 2016

A student wants to produce a permanent magnet. She has both an iron rod and a steel rod. Which rod should she select to make the permanent magnet, and is this rod a hard magnetic material or a soft magnetic material?

May/June 2016

Draw a ring around the metals that are attracted by magnets. aluminium copper iron mercury magnesium steel tin

May/June 2016

Fig. 8.1 shows a coil wrapped around a steel bar that is at first unmagnetised. Any suitable power supply may be joined between terminals A and B. No other apparatus is available.

May/June 2016

What is incorrect in this labelled diagram of a permanent magnet?

May/June 2017

Which of the following statements about magnetism is correct?

May/June 2017

Which materials are used to make the coil and the core of an electromagnet?

May/June 2017

How is a bar magnet similar to an electromagnet?

May/June 2017

In one child’s toy, metal fish are removed from a model pond by means of a metal rod. The fish are magnetically attracted to the tip of the rod. No magnetic force acts between the fish themselves. What materials could the fish and the rod be made from?

May/June 2017

Which method is the most effective for demagnetising a bar magnet?

May/June 2017

A student demagnetises a magnetised steel bar. He puts the bar inside a solenoid that is connected to a power supply. He then takes the bar out of the solenoid. Which row shows the most effective method for demagnetising the bar?

May/June 2017

What is incorrect about this labelled diagram of a permanent magnet?

May/June 2017

In what way is a bar magnet similar to an electromagnet?

May/June 2017

Fig. 10.1 illustrates a magnet demonstration. The labels are: strong magnet, small magnet, string, bench. The strong magnet has a pole on the top face and a pole on the bottom face. It is positioned above a small magnet, which is attached to a bench by a string.

May/June 2017

Fig. 8.1 illustrates a bar magnet with S marked at one end and N at the other.

May/June 2017

A d.c. supply is connected in series with a coil.

May/June 2017

A student has four alike metal bars, including permanent magnets, unmagnetised iron and tin.

May/June 2017

A permanent magnet is positioned near a bar of soft iron. What polarities do end P and end Q have?

May/June 2018

What metal is used in the core of an electromagnet?

May/June 2018

A permanent magnet is positioned near a bar of soft iron. What polarities do end P and end Q have?

May/June 2018

A permanent magnet is kept near a bar of soft iron. What are the polarities of end P and of end Q?

May/June 2018

The diagram depicts a permanent bar magnet resting on a wooden table. A student has drawn arrows to indicate the direction of the magnetic field at four positions. Which arrow indicates the direction of the magnetic field at that point?

May/June 2018

A permanent magnet is positioned near a bar of soft iron. What polarities do end P and end Q have?

May/June 2018

A steel magnet is inserted into a coil of wire. Which technique is used to demagnetise the magnet?

May/June 2018

A permanent magnet is positioned near a bar of soft iron. What are the polarities at end P and at end Q?

May/June 2018

What method is used to demagnetise a bar magnet?

May/June 2018

Wire $P$ carries a current directed at right angles into the page. A compass is positioned at point $Q$, close to wire $P$. The magnetic field at $Q$ produced by the current is much larger than the Earth’s magnetic field. In which direction will the North pole of the compass point?

May/June 2018

A permanent magnet is positioned near a bar of soft iron. What are the polarities of end P and end Q?

May/June 2018

By what method is a magnet demagnetised?

May/June 2018

A student uses a permanent magnet to magnetise a steel rod.

May/June 2018

What makes soft iron suitable for the core of an electromagnet?

May/June 2019

An iron ball rolling on a horizontal wooden table passes close to the north pole of a bar magnet resting on the table. Which diagram shows the most likely route of the ball, when viewed from above the table?

May/June 2019

Four small compasses are arranged around a solenoid. A current is then switched on in the solenoid. Which diagram shows the compass needles’ possible new directions?

May/June 2019

A soft iron bar is situated a great distance from any magnetic field. How may the bar’s material be described?

May/June 2019

An iron ball on a wooden table that is horizontal rolls close to the north pole of a bar magnet that is resting on the table. Which diagram shows the path the ball is most likely to follow, viewed from above the table?

May/June 2019

An iron ball on a horizontal wooden table rolls close to the north pole of a bar magnet that is resting on the table. Which diagram is most likely to show the ball’s path, viewed from above the table?

May/June 2019

Explain why soft iron is chosen for the core of an electromagnet?

May/June 2019

A soft iron bar is far away from any magnetic field. What description best fits the material of the bar?

May/June 2019

Fig. 8.1 displays the magnetic field pattern surrounding a bar magnet.

May/June 2019

Describe how to demagnetise a bar magnet by using alternating current (a.c.) in a coil.

May/June 2019

Diagram 1 displays a small compass needle with its poles labelled. No magnetic materials are close to it. Diagram 2 shows a bar magnet with its poles labelled. The compass needle is positioned at point P. In what direction will the N pole of the compass needle point?

May/June 2021

Which diagram illustrates the arrangement and direction of the magnetic field lines surrounding a bar magnet?

May/June 2021

Each of two metal rods has one end marked with paint. In turn, the painted ends are brought close to the N pole and then the S pole of a bar magnet. The rods are made from iron, aluminium or magnetised steel. The table presents the observations. What are rod 1 and rod 2 made from?

May/June 2021

On a bench beneath three electromagnets are three separate piles of small nails, P, Q and R. One group of nails is copper, another is soft iron and the third is steel. Diagram 1 illustrates what happens when the electromagnets are switched on. Diagram 2 illustrates what happens after the electromagnets are switched off. Which row correctly names the materials from which the nails are made?

May/June 2021

A bar magnet attracts two steel bolts and lifts them. Which diagram shows the magnetic poles induced in the bolts?

May/June 2021

Which diagram represents the magnetic field surrounding a bar magnet?

May/June 2021

Diagram 1 depicts a small compass needle, with its poles labelled, and it is not close to any magnetic material. Diagram 2 shows a bar magnet with its poles marked. The compass needle is positioned at point P. In which direction will the N pole of the compass needle point?

May/June 2021

Which method would not demagnetise a bar magnet?

May/June 2021

Three groups of small nails, P, Q and R, are arranged on a bench underneath three electromagnets. One group of nails is copper, one is soft iron and one is steel. Diagram 1 shows what happens when the electromagnets are switched on. Diagram 2 shows what happens when the electromagnets are then switched off. Which row correctly names the materials used for the nails?

May/June 2021

A magnet hangs from a cotton thread. It is pulled aside and then released so that it swings freely until it stops. Why does the magnet always finish at rest pointing in the same direction?

May/June 2021

A bar magnet attracts two steel bolts. Which diagram shows the induced magnetic poles in the bolts?

May/June 2021

The box includes four materials: aluminium, iron, plastic, and wood.

May/June 2021

Using Fig. 7.1, draw three lines to represent the pattern and direction of the magnetic field in the gap.

May/June 2021

Point X is positioned close to a bar magnet, as shown. Which arrow shows the direction of the magnetic field of the bar magnet at point X?

May/June 2022

A student records how many iron pins an electromagnet lifts when the power supply is switched on. She then records how many pins are lifted when the power supply is switched off. She repeats the experiment with cores made from different materials. The results are shown. Which core is made of soft iron?

May/June 2022

The diagrams illustrate the field patterns around a straight wire that carries a current perpendicular to the page, directed out of the page. Which pattern shows the magnetic field produced by the current in the wire?

May/June 2022

Each of the three diagrams shows a pair of magnets. In which diagrams do the two magnets pull towards each other?

May/June 2022

The diagram illustrates the magnetic fields surrounding three objects, P, Q and R, positioned near one another. Which row indicates the nature of each object?

May/June 2022

A student tries to create a permanent magnet by striking metal bars of identical size while they are in the same magnetic field. In which situation would the strongest permanent magnet be formed?

May/June 2022

A student puts object X on a balance. The student then brings magnet Y near object X, followed by magnet Z, and notes the balance readings. The gap between Y and X is the same as the gap between Z and X. The diagram displays the outcomes of the experiment. Which statement accounts for the results?

May/June 2022

A student measures how many iron pins are lifted by an electromagnet when the power supply is turned on. She then measures how many pins are lifted when the power supply is turned off. She carries out the experiment again with cores made from different materials. The outcomes are shown. Which core is made of soft iron?

May/June 2022

The diagram illustrates the magnetic fields surrounding three objects, P, Q and R, which are positioned near one another. Which row indicates the type of each object?

May/June 2022

A student tries to produce a permanent magnet by striking metal bars of the same size while they are in the same magnetic field. In which situation would the strongest permanent magnet be made?

May/June 2022

Fig. 8.1 displays a bar magnet resting on a sheet of card. The diagram names a large rectangle as “piece of card” and a smaller rectangle inside it as “bar magnet”.

May/June 2022

State which objects are made of electrically insulating materials.

May/June 2022

A piece of unmagnetised soft iron is held near a strong permanent magnet, as shown. What polarity is induced at end X of the soft iron, and in what direction does the magnetic force act on the soft iron?

May/June 2023

The magnetic field around a bar magnet can be shown using magnetic field lines. Which diagram correctly shows two magnetic field lines?

May/June 2023