A student has two metal rods. One rod is a permanent magnet and the other is made from unmagnetised iron. The student brings the north pole of the permanent magnet close to one end of the iron rod. Explain what happens inside the iron rod and describe the force between the two objects.

Eduqas GCSE Physics — 8.1 Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

The iron rod becomes an induced magnet.
The magnetic domains in the iron align with the field of the permanent magnet.
The end of the iron rod nearest the north pole of the permanent magnet becomes a south pole.
The permanent magnet and the iron rod attract each other because opposite poles face each other.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word ‘induced’ and mention domain alignment. State the pole that appears on the iron rod. Explain attraction in terms of opposite poles. Keep answer to 4 points, no extra words.

Common mistakes

  • Saying the iron rod becomes a permanent magnet. Forgetting to specify which end of the iron rod becomes a south pole. Claiming the force is repulsive instead of attractive.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. The iron rod becomes an induced magnet
  2. The domains (magnetic regions) in the iron align / line up with the applied field
  3. The end of the iron rod closest to the north pole of the permanent magnet becomes a south pole
  4. There is an attractive force between the permanent magnet and the iron rod (because unlike poles face each other)

Key terms in this question

permanent magnet

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