Magnets

Exam Revision

What is magnetism?

A force that allows magnets to attract certain materials.

Is magnetism a contact or non-contact force?

A non-contact force because magnets can attract objects without touching them.

What is a magnetic material?

A material that can be attracted by a magnet.

Name three common magnetic materials.

Iron, nickel, and cobalt.

What is an alloy?

A mixture of metals.

Why is steel magnetic?

Because it contains iron, which is magnetic.

What is a non-magnetic material?

A material that is not attracted to magnets.

Give two examples of non-magnetic materials.

Aluminium and wood.

What are the two ends of a magnet called?

The north pole and the south pole.

Which pole of a magnet is often painted red?

The north pole.

What happens if a magnet is broken in half?

Each half becomes a magnet with its own north and south pole.

What happens when the poles of two magnets are brought close together?

They interact through the force of magnetism.

What is attraction?

When the force of magnetism pulls magnets together.

What is repulsion?

When the force of magnetism pushes magnets apart.

What are the two possible effects of magnetic force?

Attraction and repulsion.

What is a magnetic field?

The space around a magnet where the magnetic force can have an effect.

Can magnetic fields be seen?

No, magnetic fields are invisible.

How can we visualise a magnetic field?

By using iron filings.

Why do iron filings show the shape of a magnetic field?

Because iron filings are magnetic and line up in the direction of the magnetic field.

What do iron filings reveal about a magnetic field?

They show the direction and pattern of the magnetic field around a magnet.

What is another way to visualise a magnetic field?

Using a container filled with iron filings floating in a thick liquid.

What happens to iron filings close to a magnet?

They are pulled towards the magnet.

Where is the magnetic force strongest on a magnet?

Around the north and south poles.

What are magnetic field lines?

Lines with arrows used to represent a magnetic field in a diagram.

What shape do magnetic field lines form around a magnet?

A doughnut-shaped pattern connecting the north and south poles.

Can magnetic field lines cross each other?

No, magnetic field lines never cross.

What do the arrows on magnetic field lines show?

The direction of the magnetic field.

Which direction do magnetic field lines point?

Away from the north pole and towards the south pole.

How can you tell the strength of a magnetic field from the field lines?

By the spacing between the lines.

What does it mean when magnetic field lines are close together?

The magnetic force is stronger.

What does it mean when magnetic field lines are far apart?

The magnetic force is weaker.