A student places a steel paperclip near one pole of a bar magnet without touching it. The paperclip is attracted to the magnet. Explain why the paperclip is attracted to the magnet and describe the magnetic field pattern around a bar magnet.

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 steel paperclip becomes an induced magnet when it is placed near the bar magnet. The magnetic field of the bar magnet aligns the domains in the paperclip so that the end nearest the magnet’s pole becomes an opposite pole, which attracts the magnet.

The magnetic field around a bar magnet runs from the north pole to the south pole outside the magnet. The field lines are most concentrated (closest together) at the poles, where the field is strongest.

Examiner tips

  • Use the term "induced magnet" and explain domain alignment. Show that the nearest end becomes the opposite pole. Describe field lines as N→S outside. Mention strongest field at the poles.

Common mistakes

  • Saying the paperclip is a permanent magnet. Forgetting that the nearest end becomes the opposite pole. Describing field lines as going from south to north. Not noting that the field is strongest at the poles.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. The steel paperclip becomes an induced magnet when placed near the bar magnet
  2. The end of the paperclip closest to the magnet's pole becomes an opposite pole, causing attraction
  3. Magnetic field lines go from the north pole to the south pole outside the magnet
  4. The field is strongest (most concentrated / closest together) at the poles

Key terms in this question

magnetic field · pole

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