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GCSE Level Questions: Magnets and Electromagnets

Q8. Kaylee sets up an experiment to investigate the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire.

(a)

(i) Describe how the student could use this experiment and a compass to investigate the magnetic field produced by the wire.

Any three from:

place the compass onto the card or near to the wire (and turn on the current)

plot the field line by using 'tip-to-tail' plotting - marking the direction of the compass arrow with pencil dots and moving the compass round on the cardboard recording the direction of the compass needle.

repeat at different distances from the centre

[3 marks]

(ii) Draw the shape of the field which would be found around this wire.

one or more circles around wire (not a spiral!)

clockwise arrow(s)

[2 marks]

(b) The behaviour of a magnetic compass is evidence that the core of the Earth is magnetic.

Explain why.

Wherever you are on the Earth's surface the needle of a compass always points to the magnetic North.

It lines up along the magnetic field lines of the Earth.

OR the compass needle shows (an angle of) dip - and the dip (angle) changes (from equator)

[2 marks]

(TOTAL 7 marks)