Magnetism
Edexcel GCSE Physics revision on Magnetism. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics 1PH0 specification. This bank has 8 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 8)
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Question 1
LIKE magnetic poles...
- A) Attract
- B) Repel
- C) Do nothing
- D) Stop existing
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Answer: Repel
Two N (north) poles or two S (south) poles - REPEL. N + S attract. Earth itself acts like a giant bar magnet (with magnetic south pole near geographic north - compass needle's N points to that). Permanent magnets: iron, steel, nickel, cobalt. Induced magnetism: a steel paperclip near a magnet becomes temporarily magnetic itself.
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Question 2
Around a current-carrying wire, magnetic field lines are...
- A) Straight lines parallel to the wire
- B) Concentric circles around the wire
- C) Vertical only
- D) Pointing to north
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Answer: Concentric circles around the wire
An electric current produces a magnetic field. For a straight wire: field lines form circles around the wire. Use the right-hand grip rule: thumb in direction of current, fingers curl in direction of magnetic field. Reverse the current -> reverse the field. Coiling the wire (solenoid) creates a strong, concentrated magnetic field similar to a bar magnet.
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Question 3
A solenoid is...
- A) A type of magnetic rock
- B) A coil of wire that acts like a bar magnet when current flows
- C) A magnetic compass
- D) A direct-current motor
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Answer: A coil of wire that acts like a bar magnet when current flows
Coil many loops of wire - each loop's field adds up - solenoid produces strong, uniform field inside, with N and S poles at the ends. Reverse current -> swap poles. Add an iron core (electromagnet) -> much stronger field (iron concentrates field lines). Switch off -> magnetism disappears. Uses: electromagnets, relays, motors, MRI scanners, particle accelerators.
Want to test yourself on the remaining cards for this topic?
5 more questions on Magnetism — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole Physics spec.