# A student brings an unmagnetised iron nail close to one end of a bar magnet. Explain why the nail is attracted to the magnet, and state what would happen to the nail if it were then brought close to the other pole of the same bar magnet.

> WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales) — 2.5 Magnetism and electromagnetism · Explain · 4 marks

> Iron is a magnetic material. When placed near a magnet, iron can become temporarily magnetised.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The iron nail becomes induced/temporarily magnetised when placed near the bar magnet
2. The pole induced on the end of the nail nearest the magnet is opposite to the pole of the magnet facing it
3. Unlike/opposite poles attract, so the nail is pulled towards the magnet
4. The nail would still be attracted to the other pole of the bar magnet

## Key terms

- [pole](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/pole)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-brings-an-unmagnetised-iron-982dd8b3) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.