P15.

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Magnets and magnetic fields

Specification reference:
 P7.1 Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields

Aims
In this exercise you will cover the nature and behaviour of magnets and
magnetism. You will answer questions relating to magnetic fields and the nature
of permanent and induced magnetism. You will also look at the uses of
magnetism in the everyday world and the way in which magnetism provided
evidence for scientists about how the Earth has changed over many thousands
of years.

Learning outcomes
After completing this activity, you should be able to:
 state the names of the magnetic poles
 label the magnetic field that is produced around various magnetic materials
 describe how magnets behave and link this to magnetic field lines
 describe the difference between permanent and induced magnetism
 apply an understanding of magnetism to ideas about the Earth
 explain why magnetic materials, e.g. iron or nickel, can be picked up by a magnet.

Questions
1 Complete the following sentences by filling in the gaps with the words in
the box.

Attract North (N) repel compass South (S)

Like poles will ____________ .

Unlike poles will ____________ .

Lines of magnetic force come out of the ____________ Pole and go into the

____________ Pole.

Lines of magnetic field can be plotted using a ____________. (5 marks)

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2 Two magnets are brought close together as shown. Explain what will happen.

(3 marks)

3 Look at the magnets below. Draw in the missing field lines either around the
magnet or between the poles of the magnet, showing the shape and the
direction.

a (3 marks)

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b (3 marks)

4 Use the artwork below to help you to fill in the gaps in the text that follows.

A magnet that has a N pole and a S pole all of the time is called a ____________

magnet. If this magnet is placed near a piece of iron, then the pole nearest to the

end of the iron bar will ____________ the ____________ pole at that point. For

example, if a N pole is placed near it, then it will become a ____________ pole

and it will be ____________by the N pole of the magnet. (5 marks)

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5 The table shows some examples of magnetism.

(9 marks)

Permanent Temporary Induced

Example
magnetism magnetism magnetism
a Iron paper clips
being picked up by a  
magnet
b A coil of wire rotating
 
inside a motor
c An electric bell
working when  
pressed
d An electromagnet
being used to pick  
up scrap
e The Earth’s

magnetic field

Explain the behaviour shown by referring to any permanent magnets,

temporary magnets, and induced magnets that are being used.

(2 marks)

(2 marks)

(2 marks)

(2 marks)

e (1 mark)

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6 The Earth has a magnetic field as shown.

a Explain how scientists know that the Earth has its own magnetic field.

(1 mark)

b Fill in the missing magnetic field lines on the diagram, showing their direction.
(3 marks)

c Every ten thousand years or so, the Earth’s magnetic field changes
direction. Suggest how scientists know that this happens.

(1 mark)

d Explain how a change in field direction might impact on animals.

(2 marks)

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