Magnetic effect of a current: past paper questions
Real questions on magnetic effect of a current
The newest 19 of 19 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0625/43 · May/June 2026 · Q9a(i)[1]
On Figure 9.1, mark with an arrow the direction of the current in the copper cylinder.
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · May/June 2026 · Q9a(ii)[1]
The copper cylinder moves to the left along the horizontal metal rods. Complete the sentences about pole X and pole Y. Pole X is a pole.
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · October/November 2025 · Q8a(i)[4]
Draw on Fig. 8.1 four complete magnetic field lines that show the pattern and direction of the magnetic field inside and outside the solenoid.
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · October/November 2025 · Q8a(ii)[1]
Mark a point inside the box in Fig. 8.1 where the magnetic field is strong. Label this point B. Explain how the diagram shows that the magnetic field is strong at B. explanation
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · October/November 2025 · Q8b(ii)[2]
Explain why the soft iron arm pivots, making the striker hit the bell when the switch is closed.
See it on the paper → - 0625/41 · October/November 2025 · Q8b(iii)[2]
Explain why the arm pivots back to its original position after the striker hits the bell.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q8a[1]
State what is meant by a magnetic field.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q8b(i)[1]
State why there is a lower maximum speed when the trolley travels back from left to right.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · October/November 2025 · Q8b(ii)[3]
Fig. 8.2 shows a close‑up view of the ammeter. 0 Fig. 8.2 As the trolley enters the coil moving from right to left, the ammeter needle deflects to the left and then returns to zero. State and explain any changes to the deflection on the ammeter as the trolley enters the coil when moving back from left to right.
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2025 · Q8a[3]
State the direction of the force on the metal rod due to the current. Explain your answer. explanation direction of force
See it on the paper → - 0625/42 · February/March 2025 · Q8b[1]
The connections to the cell are reversed. State how this change affects the force on the metal rod.
See it on the paper → - 0625/21 · October/November 2023 · Q24[1]
Which metal could be used for a permanent magnet and which metal could be used for the core of an electromagnet?
See it on the paper → - 0625/21 · October/November 2023 · Q32[1]
What could be changed so that the rod moves to the left?
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · October/November 2023 · Q9b(i)[3]
Explain why the paper cone vibrates. Use your ideas about magnetism.
See it on the paper → - 0625/11 · May/June 2023 · Q23[1]
What is the induced polarity of end X of the soft iron and in which direction does the magnetic force act on the soft iron?
See it on the paper → - 0625/43 · October/November 2022 · Q11a[3]
Fig. 11.1 shows a solenoid connected to a battery. solenoid battery Fig. 11.1 On Fig. 11.1, draw the pattern of the magnetic field inside and around the solenoid. Indicate the direction of the magnetic field with an arrow.
See it on the paper → - 0625/33 · October/November 2020 · Q10a[4]
Describe an experiment to show that a force acts on a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field. You may draw a diagram to help your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0625/12 · May/June 2019 · Q37[1]
Which will result in no change in the size of the force on the wire?
See it on the paper → - 0625/21 · May/June 2019 · Q37[1]
In which direction is the force on the wire caused by this current?
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Stronger answers included a clear statement that the directions of magnetic field, current and force are mutually perpendicular. Clearly stating the actual direction of the magnetic field and the current gained further credit and a complete answer then identified the force as acting downwards for full credit. Many candidates mentioned the left-hand rule which was accepted for mutually perpendicula...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 0625/42 Q8(a) (Cambridge)
The majority of candidates gained credit here, including those that had given an incorrect direction in (a), because they realised that the direction reverses. Candidates need to read questions carefully as some weaker candidates answered in terms of what happens to the current rather than what happens to the force.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 0625/42 Q8(b) (Cambridge)
Few candidates were able to give a full detailed explanation. A common answer that gained partial credit was an understanding that the current flowing would have a magnetic effect.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0625/33 Q9(b)(i) (Cambridge)
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