# A steel paper clip is held close to, but not touching, the north pole of a permanent bar magnet. Explain why the paper clip is attracted to the magnet, and state why the paper clip remains magnetised after the bar magnet is removed.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 6.1 Magnetism · Explain · 4 marks

> Steel is described as a magnetically hard material, whereas soft iron is described as a magnetically soft material.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The paper clip is placed in the magnetic field of the bar magnet, so magnetism is induced in it.
2. Induced magnetism always produces attractive forces, so the paper clip is attracted to the magnet.
3. Steel is magnetically hard, so it retains / keeps its magnetism once the bar magnet is removed.
4. The paper clip has become a permanent magnet (because steel is magnetically hard), unlike a magnetically soft material which would lose its magnetism quickly.

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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