# A student holds the north pole of a permanent magnet close to, but not touching, a steel paper clip. Describe what happens to the paper clip and explain why it behaves differently from how a second permanent magnet would behave if its south pole were held in the same position.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.7.1 Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields · Describe and Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The steel paper clip becomes an induced magnet (when placed in the magnetic field of the permanent magnet).
2. The end of the paper clip nearest the north pole becomes a south pole, so the paper clip is attracted towards the permanent magnet.
3. Induced magnetism always produces a force of attraction (unlike a second permanent magnet, which has fixed poles that could attract or repel).
4. A second permanent magnet with its south pole nearest would also be attracted, but if its north pole were nearest it would be repelled; the paper clip (induced magnet) can only ever be attracted, not repelled.

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and 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-holds-the-north-pole-0ed60b6d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.