Simple magnetism and magnetic fields: past paper questions

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• Question 24Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagrams show an iron nail in four different situations.

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• Question 32Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Two permanent magnets are placed side by side in four different arrangements. In which arrangements do the magnets repel each other?

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• Question 29May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Two bars are each marked at one end with an X or a Y, as shown. End X of bar 1 is brought close to the N pole and then to the S pole of a magnet. End Y of bar 2 is brought close to the N pole and then to the S pole of the magnet.

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

  Magnets ${\text{M}}_1$, ${\text{M}}_2$ and ${\text{M}}_3$ are joined by iron balls W, X and Y as shown. Magnetic poles are induced in the iron balls W and X as shown. Which diagram shows the poles induced in ball Y? A B C D

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• Question 25Oct/Nov 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Which row correctly shows a magnetic metal and a non-magnetic metal?

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• Question 8Oct/Nov 2023, paper 22Structured8 marksHas a diagram

  Fig. 8.1 shows a permanent magnet attached to one end of an unstretched spring and held at rest just above a solenoid. The solenoid is connected to a sensitive ammeter. State the name of a substance from which permanent magnets are made.

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• Question 30May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The field outside a bar magnet is represented by magnetic field lines. Which row gives the direction of the arrows and the spacing of the field lines?

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• Question 33May/June 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Three pieces of equipment made of magnetic materials are listed. 1 the core of a transformer 2 the needle of a compass 3 iron filings used to show a magnetic field pattern Which pieces of equipment act as temporary magnets when in use?

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• Question 25May/June 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Bar magnets and various non-magnetic and demagnetised metal bars are placed in the different arrangements shown. In which arrangement do the bars repel?

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• Question 7May/June 2026, paper 21Structured8 marksHas a diagram

  Figure 7.1 shows a bathroom heater connected to a $240\text{ V}$ a.c. supply. A relay is used to turn on the heater.

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• Question 6Oct/Nov 2024, paper 21Structured9 marksHas a diagram

  A bar magnet can rotate freely around a thin rod through its centre. The bar magnet is at rest on a frictionless horizontal surface in a laboratory which is shielded from the Earth’s magnetic field. State a substance from which the bar magnet could be made.

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• Question 4May/June 2026, paper 41Essay6 marksHas a diagram

  Figure 4.1 shows an iron nail inside a coil of wire. The wire is connected into a circuit in series with a variable resistor. When a current passes through the coil, the iron nail is magnetised and attracts paper clips as shown in Figure 4.1.

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• Question 24May/June 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  What proves that a metal bar is a permanent magnet?

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• Question 7May/June 2024, paper 22Structured10 marksHas a diagram

  A plotting compass contains a needle. The needle is a small magnet that can rotate about its centre. Fig. 7.1 shows the plotting compass placed close to a bar magnet.

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• Question 25May/June 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows a bar magnet and four labelled arrows. Which arrow shows the direction of the magnetic field at the point where the arrow is shown?

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