Electromagnetic effects: past paper questions

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• Question 27May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which row gives the metal used to make the core of an electromagnet and one property of the electromagnet?

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• Question 31Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a magnet moving towards a coil of wire. When the magnet moves towards the coil of wire, an electromotive force (e.m.f.) is induced. Students are asked for one change that will increase the magnitude of the induced e.m.f.

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• Question 31Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagrams show a strong magnet and a weak magnet moving into the same coil of wire at different speeds.

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• Question 35May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Four small compasses are placed close to a current-carrying solenoid. In which directions do the compass needles point?

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  What is used to identify the pattern and direction of the magnetic field due to the current in a straight wire?

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagrams show a current-carrying wire with an arrow in the direction of the current.

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a coil of insulated wire wrapped around a soft-iron rod. The wire is connected to a d.c. power supply as indicated.

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• Question 33Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  What are the best materials to use for the construction of a transformer?

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• Question 35May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows two horizontal copper rails connected to a d.c. power supply.

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• Question 33Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Which components are used to construct an efficient simple transformer?

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a wire in the magnetic field between two poles of a magnet. The current in the wire repeatedly changes between a constant value in one direction and a constant value in the opposite direction, as shown in the graph. What is the effect on the wire?

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• Question 36May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The step-down transformer shown reduces mains voltage to $12\text{ V}$. When the transformer is used, some energy is transferred to the surroundings. Which energy store of the surroundings increases?

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• Question 34Oct/Nov 2025, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A vertical wire passes through a hole in a piece of card. A plotting compass is placed on the card. There is no current in the circuit.

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  The diagram shows a wire hanging vertically between the poles of a magnet. There is a current in the wire in the direction shown. The wire moves into the plane of the page away from the observer.

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• Question 30Oct/Nov 2025, paper 21Multiple choice1 mark

  The lamps on a bicycle are powered by a simple electrical generator.

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• Question 29Oct/Nov 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which symbol represents a device that contains a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field?

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2025, paper 21Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Cables transmit electrical power from the output of the transformer at a power station to the input of another transformer at a substation. The power at the output of the transformer at the power station is $400\text{ MW}$.

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• Question 33Oct/Nov 2023, paper 13Multiple choice1 mark

  What is a transformer used for?

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• Question 30Oct/Nov 2025, paper 22Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A length of wire moves across the space between the poles of a magnet. A voltmeter measures the electromotive force (e.m.f.) generated between the two ends of the wire. What gives the highest reading on the voltmeter?

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The direction of the current in a straight wire X is into the paper. Which diagram shows the shape of the magnetic field pattern around the wire?

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• Question 31Oct/Nov 2025, paper 22Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a simple a.c. generator. What is connected to G and H so that alternating current can be provided to an external circuit?

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• Question 33Oct/Nov 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 mark

  What does a step-up transformer increase?

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• Question 33May/June 2026, paper 21Multiple choice1 mark

  Which feature is not part of a d.c. motor?

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2025, paper 22Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagrams show the coil in a d.c.

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• Question 36May/June 2026, paper 21Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a beam of beta particles entering a magnetic field. The direction of the magnetic field is into the page. In which direction is the beam of beta particles deflected?

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• Question 24Oct/Nov 2025, paper 23Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows the magnetic field due to a current in a solenoid. Which graph represents the strength of the magnetic field at positions X, Y and Z?

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2024, paper 21Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a basic electric motor. What are the names of the features?

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2025, paper 23Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a wire between two magnetic poles. The wire is connected in a circuit with an ammeter. The wire is moved downwards, towards the bottom of the page.

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• Question 33Oct/Nov 2024, paper 21Multiple choice1 mark

  Two transformers, P and Q, each have 2000 turns on their primary coils and 1000 turns on their secondary coils. Both transformers are 100% efficient. The secondary of transformer P is connected to the primary of transformer Q. Q provides a motor with a current of $0.2\text{ A}$.

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• Question 31May/June 2026, paper 22Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagrams show a straight wire carrying a current directed into the page.

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