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Basics of magnetism for AQA GCSE Physics
This page covers the following topics:
1. Magnetism
2. Permanent and Induced Magnets
3. Uses of Magnetic Materials
4. Earth’s Magnetic Field
The region around a magnet where a force acts on another magnet or on a magnetic material is called the magnetic field.
A permanent magnet produces its own magnetic field and is always magnetic. An induced magnet is a material that becomes magnetic when placed in a magnetic field.
The force between a magnet and a magnetic material is always a force of attraction.
The Earth has a magnetic field. This is due to the magnetic properties of the Earth’s core.
1
The diagram shows 2 iron nails that have become induced magnets. Explain why there is a gap between them (indicated by the arrow).
There is repulsion between the two nails
2
What is an object called that creates a magnetic field?
magnet
3
The diagram shows an iron nail before and after a magnet is placed near it. Fill in the gap: the iron nail becomes ....... when a magnet is placed near it.
an induced magnet
4
Complete the sentence: an induced magnet loses its magnetism when ...
it is removed from a magnetic field.
5
A needle on a plotting compass points in the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field. Which pole does the tip of the needle point at?
The north pole
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