# 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

## 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

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-places-a-steel-paperclip-d5ae7038) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.