# A student places a steel paperclip and an iron nail near a permanent magnet. Both the paperclip and the nail are attracted to the magnet. The student then removes both objects from the magnetic field. Explain why the iron nail quickly loses its magnetism whilst the steel paperclip remains magnetic for much longer.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 12.1 Magnetism and the motor effect · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Both the iron nail and the steel paperclip become induced magnets / have magnetism induced when placed in the magnetic field
2. The magnetic domains in both materials align with the external magnetic field, producing magnetism
3. When removed from the field, the domains in iron return to random orientations (easily / quickly), so the iron nail loses its magnetism
4. Steel retains the alignment of its domains / resists the domains returning to random orientations, so the paperclip remains magnetic

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)](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-places-a-steel-paperclip-19d0d68f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.