Magnetism and ElectromagnetismAQA GCSE Physics (8463)

Permanent and Induced Magnetism, Magnetic Forces and Fields

Work through the notes, try the practice questions, then take the quiz. The report tells you exactly what to revise next. (2026)

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1
Two bar magnets are pushed end-to-end. The N pole of magnet 1 faces the N pole of magnet 2. What will happen?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option B
Like poles repel. Two N poles facing each other produce a repulsive force.
2
Which of the following materials is NOT magnetic?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option C
AQA names iron, steel, cobalt and nickel as magnetic materials. Copper is not magnetic.
3
Which statement about induced magnetism is correct?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option B
The induced magnet's poles arrange themselves to attract the inducing magnet. The force is always attractive — repulsion is impossible.
4
A student has a bar that they think is a permanent magnet. Which observation would conclusively prove the bar is a permanent magnet?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option C
Only repulsion proves the bar has its own fixed poles. Attraction could be induced magnetism in any piece of iron or steel.
5
Why is soft iron rather than steel chosen as the core of an electromagnet that needs to release its load quickly?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option B
Soft iron loses its magnetism quickly when the current is switched off, so the load is released. Steel would keep its magnetism and the load would stick.
6
Which of the following is a non-contact force?
Answer & explanation
Correct: option C
Magnetism acts through empty space and is a non-contact force, like gravity and electrostatic force.