Describe what happens when a piece of iron is brought close to a permanent magnet, and explain why the force experienced is always one of attraction and never repulsion.

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

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

Model answer (4 marks)

When a piece of iron is brought near a permanent magnet it becomes an induced magnet.
1. The magnetic field of the permanent magnet aligns the domains in the iron.
2. The side of the iron closest to the magnet becomes the opposite pole to that of the magnet.
3. Because opposite poles attract, the iron is pulled towards the magnet.
4. Once the iron is removed from the field the domains randomise and the iron quickly loses its magnetism.

Examiner tips

  • Use the phrase "becomes an induced magnet". Show the pole alignment and state "opposite pole attracts". Mention the loss of magnetism after removal to cover all points. Keep the answer concise and use correct terminology.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the iron as a permanent magnet rather than an induced one. Forgetting to explain that the nearest pole is always opposite. Omitting the point that the iron loses magnetism once removed.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. The iron becomes an induced magnet (when placed in the magnetic field of the permanent magnet).
  2. The pole of the induced magnet nearest to the permanent magnet is always an opposite pole.
  3. Opposite poles attract, so the force is always one of attraction.
  4. The iron loses its magnetism quickly once it is removed from the magnetic field.

Key terms in this question

permanent magnet · attraction

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