Simple phenomena of magnetism: past paper questions
Real questions on simple phenomena of magnetism
The newest 20 of 45 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0972/31 · May/June 2026 · Q9a[1]
9 (a) Astudent experiments with bar magnets. Figure 9.1 shows the magnetic field around a bar magnet. Figure 9.1 On Figure 9.1, label the N (north) pole and S (south) pole of the bar magnet. [1]
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · May/June 2026 · Q9b[2]
The student places a bar magnet near to a soft-iron bar PQ, as shown in Figure 9.2. bar magnet S) N P Q | soft-iron bar Figure 9.2 Explain why the bar magnet and the soft-iron bar move towards each other.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2026 · Q4a[1]
State the effect that a magnetic field has on a magnetic pole.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2026 · Q4b[2]
Figure 4.2 shows an arrow that represents the needle in a plotting compass. The needle points in the direction of the magnetic field. Figure 4.2 On Figure 4.1, draw an arrow in each numbered circle to show the direction in which the compass needles point.
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · October/November 2025 · Q7a[2]
A student has six metal bars. The bars are all the same size. Four of the bars are magnets, one is a bar of unmagnetised steel and the other is a bar of copper metal. The student arranges the bars in pairs with a small gap between them as shown in Fig. 7.1. For each pair of bars in Fig. 7.1, state whether a force acts...
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · October/November 2025 · Q7b[1]
Describe what is meant by a magnetic field.
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · May/June 2025 · Q11a(i)[1]
State the name of the force that keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2025 · Q6a[1]
Glass is not a magnetic material. State the difference between magnetic and non-magnetic materials.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2025 · Q6b[1]
Suggest a suitable material for the magnets in the window cleaner. Explain your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2025 · Q6c[1]
Label the poles of the magnets in Fig. 6.2.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2025 · Q6d[1]
State how the field lines in Fig. 6.2 show different strengths of the magnetic field between the magnets.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · October/November 2024 · Q7a[1]
Suggest a suitable material for the bar.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · October/November 2024 · Q7b(i)[3]
Fig. 7.2 shows the bar viewed from above. On Fig. 7.2, draw at least six field lines to show the pattern and direction of the magnetic field surrounding the bar. S (i)
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · May/June 2024 · Q8a(i)[1]
The electromagnet is a temporary magnet. State one material which is suitable for the core of the electromagnet.
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · May/June 2024 · Q8b(i)[1]
There is a magnetic field around the electromagnet. State the name of a piece of equipment that can show the direction of a magnetic field.
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · May/June 2024 · Q8b(ii)[1]
State the name of the pole labelled X on the core of the electromagnet.
See it on the paper → - 0972/41 · May/June 2024 · Q8b[3]
A sample of thallium-208 is placed in a thick lead container. Fig. 8.1 shows a narrow beam of β-particles and γ-radiation emerging from a small hole in one side of the container. magnetic field into page sample of thallium-208 beam of β-particles and γ-radiation Fig. 8.1 The narrow beam enters a region where there is a...
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · May/June 2023 · Q8a[1]
On Fig. 8.1, label both the poles on each magnet.
See it on the paper → - 0972/31 · May/June 2023 · Q8b[4]
Describe how to plot the shape and direction of the magnetic field pattern shown in Fig. 8.1.
See it on the paper → - 0972/32 · May/June 2023 · Q7a(i)[2]
Each nail lifts the nail below it by induced magnetism. Describe what is meant by induced magnetism.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Most candidates correctly identified the force keeping planets in orbit around the Sun as the force of gravity. Common errors included gravitational potential energy or just ‘attraction’.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0972/31 Q11(a)(i) (Cambridge)
The strongest candidates stated clearly that magnetic materials experience an attractive force in the presence of a magnet. Many candidates confused magnetic materials with magnets. Some candidates had the misconception that magnetism is related to delocalised electrons.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0972/41 Q6(a) (Cambridge)
Candidates who realised that this application required a permanent magnet usually selected steel as an appropriate material for the magnet and gained credit. Many candidates suggested a magnet made of iron because it is easy to magnetise which suggested a misunderstanding of the application. A few candidates selected steel for the magnet and gave the insufficient explanation that this is because s...
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0972/41 Q6(b) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.