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CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science P4.1 Simple phenomena of magnetism Exam Style Questions Paper 1

CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Science Paper 1 - All Chapters

Question

Which substance is used to make a permanent magnet?

A. brass
B. pure copper
C. soft iron
D. steel

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Permanent magnets are made from materials that are difficult to demagnetise (have high coercivity). Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that retains its magnetism well after being magnetised, making it suitable for permanent magnets.

Comparing the options:

  • Brass — an alloy of copper and zinc, which is non-magnetic.
  • Pure copper — a non-magnetic metal.
  • Soft iron — is easily magnetised but also easily demagnetised, making it suitable for temporary magnets (electromagnets), not permanent magnets.
  • Steel — is hard to magnetise but retains its magnetism well, making it suitable for permanent magnets.

Therefore, steel is used to make a permanent magnet.

✅ Answer: (D)

Question

The diagrams P, Q, R and S show four pairs of bar magnets.

For which two pairs of magnets is there a force of attraction between the magnets?

A. P and Q
B. P and S
C. Q and R
D. R and S

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Attraction occurs between opposite poles (N–S). In pair P, the magnets have opposite poles facing each other (N–S). In pair Q, they also have opposite poles facing. In R and S, like poles face each other, causing repulsion. Therefore, the pairs with attraction are P and Q.
✅ Answer: (A)

Question

A current-carrying wire passes through a flat card. The arrow on the wire shows the direction of the current. Which diagram shows the pattern of the magnetic field on the card and the direction of the magnetic field lines?

▶️ Answer/Explanation
The magnetic field around a straight current-carrying wire forms concentric circles centred on the wire; applying the right-hand rule with the current directed upward (as shown by the arrow) means the field lines circle anticlockwise when viewed from above.
Only diagram D shows concentric circular field lines in the correct anticlockwise direction consistent with the given current direction.
✅ Answer: (D)

Question

A bar magnet is brought near to a metal rod. The metal rod is attracted to the magnet.

The magnet is then turned around so that the N-pole is on the right.

The magnet is again brought near to the metal rod and is again attracted to the magnet.

What could the metal rod be?

A. another bar magnet
B. a piece of aluminium
C. a piece of copper
D. a piece of iron

▶️ Answer/Explanation
A magnetic material (unlike another magnet) is always attracted to either pole of a magnet, regardless of which way round it is turned.
Iron is a magnetic material, so it becomes attracted whichever pole faces it.
Aluminium and copper are non-magnetic, and a second bar magnet would only be attracted from one orientation, not both.
✅ Answer: (D)

Question

Which diagram shows the pattern and direction of the magnetic field near the S pole of a bar magnet?

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Magnetic field lines always point in the direction a free N pole would move if placed at that point, meaning they run from the N pole into the S pole outside the magnet.
So field lines must curve into (point towards) the S pole, and the lines are closer together (denser) nearer the pole where the field is strongest.
Diagram C correctly shows field lines curving into the S pole with the arrows pointing inward.
✅ Answer: (C)
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