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IGCSE Physics (9–1) 0972 · Electricity and magnetism · 4.5.3

Magnetic effect of a current: past paper questions

16 real questionsasked in 4 of the last 10 exam series2019–2025usually: Explain, Draw, Label, State, Describe

Real questions on magnetic effect of a current

The newest 16 of 16 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

  1. 0972/41 · 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.

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  2. 0972/41 · 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

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  3. 0972/41 · October/November 2025 · Q8b(ii)[2]

    Explain why the soft iron arm pivots, making the striker hit the bell when the switch is closed.

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  4. 0972/41 · October/November 2025 · Q8b(iii)[2]

    Explain why the arm pivots back to its original position after the striker hits the bell.

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  5. 0972/41 · October/November 2024 · Q7b(ii)[3]

    The resistance of the variable resistor increases. Explain what happens to the magnetic field surrounding the bar and state how the pattern of field lines that represents the field changes.

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  6. 0972/41 · October/November 2022 · Q7a[6]

    Switch S is now closed. Explain what happens to the springy iron strips X and Y.

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  7. 0972/31 · May/June 2022 · Q9d[2]

    The electric current in the circuit produces two effects. Place a tick (3) in the boxes next to these two effects. gravitational magnetic heating sound X-ray emissions

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  8. 0972/32 · May/June 2022 · Q10a[3]

    Fig. 10.1 shows a wire passing through a card. There is a large electric current in the wire in the direction shown. Fig. 10.2 shows the same arrangement when viewed from above the card. card large current card Fig. 10.1 Fig. 10.2 There is a pattern of magnetic field lines around the wire due to the current in the wire...

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  9. 0972/42 · May/June 2022 · Q7b[2]

    Fig. 7.2 shows a wire, placed between two poles, carrying a current in the direction of the arrow. S N Fig. 7.2 On Fig. 7.2, draw an arrow to show the direction of the force on the wire due to the magnetic field.

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  10. 0972/42 · May/June 2022 · Q7c[2]

    Fig. 7.3 shows a β-particle moving in the direction of the arrow between the same two poles. S β -particle N direction of travel of β-particle when in the position shown Fig. 7.3 On Fig. 7.3, draw an arrow to show the direction of the force on the β-particle due to the magnetic field.

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  11. 0972/31 · May/June 2021 · Q9c[1]

    One advantage that electromagnets have, compared with permanent magnets, is that their strength can easily be altered. State one other advantage of an electromagnet compared with a permanent magnet.

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  12. 0972/31 · May/June 2021 · Q9d[3]

    A student wants to make the strongest electromagnet possible. Indicate which properties produce the strongest electromagnet. Tick (3) one box in each list. number of turns in the coil material in the core size of current in the coil 200 turns air 20 mA 100 turns iron 0.5 A 50 turns plastic 3.0 A

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  13. 0972/31 · October/November 2020 · Q12a[3]

    Fig. 12.1 shows two circuits, A and B, linked by a relay. relay heater switch S + 6 V - relay switch R relay coil 120 V a.c. circuit A circuit B Fig. 12.1 Describe what happens in the two circuits when switch S is closed.

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  14. 0972/41 · October/November 2020 · Q7b(ii)[3]

    Describe and explain what happens to the beam of electrons in the magnetic field between the poles of the magnet in Fig. 7.1.

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  15. 0972/32 · May/June 2020 · Q11a[2]

    Fig. 11.1 shows a coil of wire in a magnetic field. north pole N south pole S current coil of wire Fig. 11.1 Describe two ways of increasing the turning effect on the coil.

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  16. 0972/31 · May/June 2019 · Q11a[1]

    Fig. 11.1 shows in each of the diagrams a current-carrying conductor and a magnetic field pattern. current-carrying conductor A current-carrying conductor current-carrying conductor B C Fig. 11.1 State the diagram which correctly shows the magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor.

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What examiners said

Only a minority of candidates were able to explain the attraction and contact of the springy strips completely, but partial credit was often awarded for comments that were relevant.

— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 0972/41 Q7(a) (Cambridge)

Most candidates gained partial credit but only the strongest candidates identified magnetic and heating as the two boxes to tick.

— Examiner report, May/June 2022, 0972/31 Q9(d) (Cambridge)

Many candidates gave a correct diagram of the magnetic field around the wire. This section of the syllabus was not well understood and there were a significant number of candidates drawing patterns similar to those of a bar magnet.

— Examiner report, May/June 2022, 0972/32 Q10(a) (Cambridge)

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Magnetic effect of a current — IGCSE Physics (9–1) 0972 past paper questions | AssessPro