# Explain how iron filings can be used to show the shape of a magnetic field around a bar magnet, and describe what the pattern of iron filings tells us about the strength of the field in different regions.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.7.1 Fields · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Iron filings align themselves along magnetic field lines
2. This reveals the shape / pattern of the magnetic field around the magnet
3. Where the iron filings are closest together / most dense, the field is strongest
4. The field is strongest at / near the poles, shown by filings being most densely packed there
5. Where the filings are more spread out / further apart, the field is weaker

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](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/explain-how-iron-filings-can-be-2ae90707) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.