What is magnetism and how is it related to the Cambridge IGCSE Physics syllabus?

Magnetism is a force of attraction or repulsion that acts at a distance due to a magnetic field. In the Cambridge IGCSE Physics syllabus, magnetism is studied as part of the 'Electricity and Magnetism' topic, focusing on understanding magnetic fields, magnetic materials, and their applications in everyday life.

How do magnetic fields work and how are they represented in IGCSE Physics?

Magnetic fields are regions around a magnet where magnetic forces can be detected. In IGCSE Physics, magnetic fields are represented by field lines that show the direction and strength of the magnetic force. The lines emerge from the north pole and enter the south pole of a magnet, and the density of these lines indicates the strength of the field.

What are the basic properties of magnets that IGCSE students should know?

IGCSE students should understand that magnets have two poles (north and south), like poles repel each other, and opposite poles attract. Additionally, magnets can induce magnetism in some materials, and they can lose their magnetism if heated or dropped.

How can you demonstrate the phenomenon of magnetism using simple experiments?

Simple experiments to demonstrate magnetism include using a compass to detect magnetic fields, observing the attraction and repulsion between magnets, and using iron filings to visualize magnetic field lines. These experiments help students understand the invisible forces at play and are often included in the IGCSE Physics curriculum.

What is the difference between permanent and temporary magnets in the context of IGCSE Physics?

Permanent magnets retain their magnetic properties over time, while temporary magnets only exhibit magnetism when in the presence of a magnetic field. In IGCSE Physics, students learn that materials like iron can become temporary magnets when exposed to a magnetic field, but lose their magnetism once the field is removed.

Why is "Using attraction as the test for a magnet" a common mistake in Simple Phenomena of Magnetism?

Why it happens: Magnets attract magnetic materials too. How to avoid it: Only REPULSION proves an object is a magnet. Source: 0625/42 — recurring

Why is "Drawing crossing field lines" a common mistake in Simple Phenomena of Magnetism?

Why it happens: Sketch carelessness. How to avoid it: Field lines never cross — at any point the field has only ONE direction.

Why is "Drawing field-line arrows from S to N" a common mistake in Simple Phenomena of Magnetism?

Why it happens: Confusing with current. How to avoid it: Outside a magnet, field lines run N → S. Memorise: 'North → South outside'.

Why is "Saying steel is the best core material for an electromagnet" a common mistake in Simple Phenomena of Magnetism?

Why it happens: Confusing 'strong' with 'easy to magnetise'. How to avoid it: Electromagnets need SOFT iron (easy to magnetise AND lose magnetism quickly when current stops).

Electricity and MagnetismCambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)

Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

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Simple Phenomena of Magnetism — Cambridge IGCSE 0625 Physics Extended (2026)

Magnetic poles, fields, induced magnetism, and the difference between magnetically hard and soft materials. The base layer for electromagnetism.

What you’ll learn

Mapped to the Cambridge IGCSE 0625 syllabus (2026-2028).

4.1 — Describe attraction and repulsion between magnetic poles.
4.1 — Define magnetic field and represent it with field lines.
4.1 — Describe induced magnetism.
4.1 — Distinguish between magnetically hard and soft materials.

Magnetic poles

Like poles repel; unlike poles attract. Two poles per magnet — never one alone.

Two magnetic poles: north (N) and south (S). They are at the ENDS of bar magnets where the magnetic effect is strongest.

Force rule.

N near N → repel.
S near S → repel.
N near S → attract.

Repulsion is the test for a magnet. Magnetic materials (like iron) are ATTRACTED by both poles. Only another MAGNET will REPEL.

Cutting a magnet. Cut a bar magnet in half: you don't get one N and one S, you get two new bar magnets, each with its own N and S. Magnetic monopoles don't exist (in classical physics).

Like poles: repel.
Unlike poles: attract.
Repulsion is the only definitive test for a magnet.
Cutting a magnet creates two smaller magnets.

Magnetic fields and field lines

Field lines run from N to S outside the magnet. Closer lines = stronger field.

Magnetic field. A region where a magnetic force is exerted on another magnet or magnetic material.

Field lines.

Outside the magnet: from N to S.
Inside the magnet: from S to N (closing the loop).
Never cross.
Closer together = stronger field.

Plotting a field. Use a small plotting compass. Place it near a bar magnet; the compass needle aligns with the field at that point. Mark the direction. Move the compass and repeat. Connecting the directions traces out the field lines.

Iron filings method. Sprinkle iron filings on paper over a magnet. Tap gently; filings line up along the field, revealing the pattern. Doesn't show direction (just the lines).

Earth's magnetic field. Earth itself acts like a giant bar magnet — that's why a compass needle points roughly north. The geographic North Pole is actually a MAGNETIC south pole (which is why a compass north points there — opposites attract).

Field lines: N to S outside.
Don't cross.
Closer = stronger.
Plot with compass or iron filings.

Induced magnetism

A magnetic material near a magnet becomes a temporary magnet too.

Induced magnetism. When a piece of magnetic material (e.g. iron) is brought near a permanent magnet, the magnet's field re-aligns the magnetic domains in the iron. The iron itself becomes a temporary magnet.

That's why a paper clip sticks to a magnet — the magnet induces magnetism in the paper clip, which then attracts to the magnet. A chain of paper clips works the same way: each one becomes a temporary magnet that holds the next one.

Removing the magnet.

Magnetically soft material (e.g. pure iron): loses magnetism almost immediately.
Magnetically hard material (e.g. steel): keeps magnetism for a long time.

Worked qualitative. Why does an iron nail picked up by a magnet pick up other iron nails? It's been temporarily magnetised by induced magnetism — and now acts as a magnet itself.

Magnetic material near magnet → temporary magnet.
Domains re-align in the field.
Soft material: temporary effect only.
Hard material: keeps the magnetism.

Hard vs soft magnetic materials

Soft: easy to magnetise + demagnetise (electromagnets). Hard: keeps magnetism (permanent magnets).

Magnetically soft.

Examples: pure iron, soft iron alloys.
Magnetises QUICKLY in a field.
DEMAGNETISES quickly when the field is removed.
Used in: electromagnets, transformer cores, relay cores.

Magnetically hard.

Examples: steel, alnico, neodymium alloys.
Magnetises slowly.
RETAINS magnetism after the field is removed.
Used in: permanent magnets (compasses, fridge magnets, motors).

Why it matters. Electromagnet cores need to switch on and off quickly — that's why they use soft iron. Permanent magnets need to STAY magnetised — that's why they use hard steel or specialised alloys.

Worked. A relay (electromechanical switch) has a soft iron armature that gets pulled toward an electromagnet when current flows. Why soft iron? So that as soon as the current is removed, the armature DEMAGNETISES instantly and snaps back — fast switching.

Soft = easy magnetise + demagnetise = electromagnet cores.
Hard = stays magnetised = permanent magnets.
Iron usually soft; steel usually hard.
Choose by application.

How it’s examined

Magnetism appears every Paper 2 (3-4 marks: pole rules, field-line drawing, hard vs soft) and many Paper 4s as a setup for electromagnetic effects. Examiner reports flag attraction-only as a test for magnets — it's not, because magnetic materials are also attracted. Only REPULSION proves both objects are magnets.

Sources: Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 syllabus 2026-2028 (4.1); 0625/22 May/Jun 2024 — Q12 (field lines, hard vs soft); 0625 Examiner Reports 2022-2024. Last reviewed 2026-05-06.

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Step-by-step worked examples — Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

Step-by-step solutions to past-paper-style questions on simple phenomena of magnetism, written exactly the way a tutor would explain them at the board.

1Predict force between two bar magnets
Core• poles
Question
Two bar magnets are placed end-to-end: north pole of one near south pole of the other. State the force between them.
Step-by-step solution
1. Step 1
  Unlike poles attract, like poles repel.
Answer
Attractive force.
2Test for a magnet
Core• Adapted from 0625/22 May/Jun 2024 Q15• test
Question
How can you tell if an iron bar is a magnet or just a magnetic material?
Step-by-step solution
1. Step 1
  Bring an end of the unknown bar to the SOUTH pole of a known magnet.
2. Step 2
  If the unknown REPELS at any orientation, it is a magnet. Magnetic material would only attract.
Answer
REPULSION is the only conclusive test for a magnet.
Examiner tip
Attraction occurs for both magnets and magnetic materials. Only repulsion proves both are magnets.
3Field around a bar magnet
Core• field lines
Question
Sketch the magnetic field of a bar magnet and state the direction of arrows.
Step-by-step solution
1. Step 1
  Field lines emerge from N and curve round to enter S.
2. Step 2
  Closer lines = stronger field; lines never cross.
Answer
Lines from N → S externally; concentrated near the poles.
4Induced magnetism
Extended• induction
Question
Explain why a paperclip is attracted to a strong magnet even though the paperclip is not itself a magnet.
Step-by-step solution
1. Step 1
  The strong field temporarily aligns small magnetic regions (domains) in the paperclip.
2. Step 2
  The end nearest the magnet becomes the OPPOSITE pole → attraction.
Answer
Induced magnetism: domains align so the end facing the magnet becomes opposite-polarity → attraction.

Key Formulae — Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

The formulae you need to memorise for simple phenomena of magnetism on the Cambridge IGCSE 0625 paper, with every variable defined in plain English and a note on when to use it.

Pole interaction
$\text{Like poles repel};\ \text{unlike poles attract}$
When to use
Any two-magnet interaction.

Key Definitions and Keywords — Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

Definitions to memorise and the exact keywords mark schemes credit for simple phenomena of magnetism answers — sharpened from recent examiner reports for the 2026 0625 sitting.

Magnetic material
Examiner keyword
A material that can be attracted by a magnet (e.g. iron, steel, nickel, cobalt). Itself is not necessarily a magnet.
Permanent magnet
Examiner keyword
A material that retains its magnetism, with two poles (N and S) that produce a magnetic field.
Soft vs hard magnetic materials
Examiner keyword
Soft (e.g. iron): magnetises and demagnetises easily. Hard (e.g. steel): retains magnetism longer.
Magnetic field line
Examiner keyword
Imaginary line whose direction at each point gives the direction of the force on a north pole. Lines emerge from N and enter S.
Induced magnetism
Examiner keyword
A piece of magnetic material becoming magnetised because of a nearby magnetic field.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions — Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

The traps other students keep falling into on simple phenomena of magnetism questions — taken from recent Cambridge IGCSE 0625 examiner reports and mark schemes — and how to avoid them.

✕Using attraction as the test for a magnet
0625/42 — recurring
Why it happens
Magnets attract magnetic materials too.
How to avoid it
Only REPULSION proves an object is a magnet.
✕Drawing crossing field lines
Why it happens
Sketch carelessness.
How to avoid it
Field lines never cross — at any point the field has only ONE direction.
✕Drawing field-line arrows from S to N
Why it happens
Confusing with current.
How to avoid it
Outside a magnet, field lines run N → S. Memorise: 'North → South outside'.
✕Saying steel is the best core material for an electromagnet
Why it happens
Confusing 'strong' with 'easy to magnetise'.
How to avoid it
Electromagnets need SOFT iron (easy to magnetise AND lose magnetism quickly when current stops).

Practice questions

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Simple Phenomena of Magnetism — frequently asked questions

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Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

Short Study Notes in the form of Slides

Detailed Study Notes

What you’ll learn

How it’s examined

1Predict force between two bar magnets

2Test for a magnet

3Field around a bar magnet

4Induced magnetism

Pole interaction

Magnetic material

Permanent magnet

Soft vs hard magnetic materials

Magnetic field line

Induced magnetism

✕Using attraction as the test for a magnet

✕Drawing crossing field lines

✕Drawing field-line arrows from S to N

✕Saying steel is the best core material for an electromagnet

Practice questions

Past paper style quiz

Assess your understanding

Video lesson

Simple Phenomena of Magnetism — frequently asked questions