Q1. A student investigates the magnetic properties of three rods. Each rod is made of one of the following materials:


  • Soft iron
  • Steel
  • Wood

The student places each rod in a solenoid that is connected to a direct current power supply. The power supply is switched on for a short time. The student tests the magnetic strength of each rod by seeing how many paper clips it can pick up.

The number of paperclips picked up by each rod is shown in the table below.

Complete the table below to show which material (soft iron, steel or wood) each rod is made from and give the reason why. Part of the table has been done for you. Use information from the table.


[3 marks]

Q2. A student investigates the relationship between the magnetic flux density and the electromagnetic force on a current-carrying wire. The student has the equipment shown in the figure below:



When the current is switched ON, the magnetic field created in the red wire is pushed upwards by the fixed magnet pairs, which (due to the pivot) causes a downward force on the Force Meter. However, due to the slight readings, the student decides that the equipment is not sensitive enough.


(a) Give three ways the student should develop the investigation to improve the quality of results recorded. [3 marks]


Q3. A student conducts an experiment to demonstrate how the strength of a magnetic field/induced electromagnetism increases with the number of coils of copper wire around an iron nail as shown in the diagram. The student uses this device to see how many paperclips can be picked up for the given number of turns shown in the table.




a) Use some graph paper to draw a graph of the result, with the number of turns on the x-axis. [3 marks]

b) Another student predicts that a 60 turn coil would hold 30 clips. Do you agree or disagree with this? Give a reason for your choice. [2 marks]

c) A second investigation was attempted to try and find the relationship between the current through the coil of an electromagnet and its strength. Outline briefly how this could be done listing any extra apparatus that is needed. [4 marks]

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