Simple Phenomena of MagnetismCambridge IGCSE Physics: Flashcards

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What are the two types of magnetic poles?

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What are the two types of magnetic poles?: North pole and south pole. Like poles repel each other, unlike poles attract each other.
Define magnetised material.: A material that has been made magnetic and can attract magnetic materials or other magnets.
Define unmagnetised material.: A material that does not have the properties of a magnet and does not attract magnetic materials.
What is induced magnetism?: The process by which an unmagnetised magnetic material becomes temporarily magnetised when placed in a magnetic field, without being permanently magnetised.
Name two differences between temporary magnets (soft iron) and permanent magnets (steel).: Temporary magnets: lose their magnetism when removed from a magnetic field; soft iron is used. Permanent magnets: retain their magnetism; steel is used and keeps its magnetic properties.
Distinguish between magnetic materials and non-magnetic materials.: Magnetic materials: can be magnetised and attracted to magnets (e.g. iron, steel, cobalt, nickel). Non-magnetic materials: cannot be magnetised and are not attracted to magnets (e.g. plastic, wood, copper).
Define a magnetic field.: A region in space in which a magnetic pole experiences a force.
Describe the pattern of magnetic field lines around a bar magnet.: Field lines emerge from the north pole, curve around the magnet, and enter at the south pole. Lines are closer together at the poles (stronger field) and further apart elsewhere (weaker field).
What does the direction of a magnetic field line represent?: The direction of the magnetic field at any point is the direction of the force that would be exerted on a north pole placed at that point.
Name two methods used to plot magnetic field lines.: Using a compass: move the compass around the magnet and mark the direction the needle points at different positions. Using iron filings: sprinkle iron filings around a magnet and tap to reveal the field pattern.
State one use of permanent magnets.: Permanent magnets are used in compasses, loudspeakers, motors, and generators.
State one use of electromagnets.: Electromagnets are used in electric bells, relays, circuit breakers, and lifting heavy metal objects.
Explain why magnetic forces occur between magnets and magnetic materials.: Magnetic forces are due to interactions between magnetic fields. When magnetic fields interact, they exert forces on each other causing attraction or repulsion.
What does the spacing of magnetic field lines indicate?: The spacing of field lines represents the relative strength of the magnetic field. Closer field lines indicate a stronger magnetic field; wider spacing indicates a weaker field.
Explain the difference between how a compass determines magnetic field direction and how iron filings show it.: A compass needle aligns with the magnetic field and points in the field direction, allowing point-by-point mapping. Iron filings align with field lines and show the complete field pattern across a region.