AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Physics Paper 2 (Higher), 2020: Question 1

✅ Topic focus

• Magnetic and non-magnetic metals
• Temporary magnetism by induction
• Weight calculation using W = mg

🧠 How marks are awarded

• 1 mark for each correct scientific point
• Calculation marks for conversion, substitution and final answer
• Answers should match the command word: “describe” and “explain” need full sentences

✅ Correct answer

Iron and steel were attracted to the magnet.
Aluminium, copper and tin were not attracted.

💡 Key knowledge

• Only iron and steel are magnetic in this list.
• Magnetic materials are attracted to a magnet.
• Aluminium, copper and tin are not attracted in this GCSE context.

🧠 Exam technique

• Name the metals separately: one group attracted, one group not attracted.
• You can still gain marks if you make one mistake, as long as most of the list is correct.
• Short, clear statements are enough for 2 marks.

❌ Common errors

• Saying all metals are attracted to magnets.
• Including aluminium, copper or tin as magnetic.
• Only writing “iron is magnetic” and forgetting steel.

✅ Correct answer

The paper clip would still be attracted to the magnet because of induced magnetism.

💡 Key knowledge

• A paper clip is not a permanent magnet.
• When near a magnet, it can become an induced magnet.
• The magnetic field at the south pole can cause attraction.
• This magnetism is temporary.

🧠 Exam technique

• To get both marks, mention what happens and why.
• Use a science phrase like induced magnetism or temporary magnet .
• “It is still attracted” is the observation; “because it becomes induced” is the explanation.

❌ Common errors

• Saying it is repelled by the south pole.
• Saying the paper clip becomes a permanent magnet.
• Forgetting to explain the attraction.

✅ Correct answer

W = mg

💡 Key knowledge

• W = weight in newtons (N)
• m = mass in kilograms (kg)
• g = gravitational field strength in N/kg

🧠 Exam technique

• Write the exact equation if possible.
• If you write words, use weight = mass × gravitational field strength.

❌ Common errors

• Writing W = m or W = g
• Saying “gravity” instead of “gravitational field strength” if asked for the equation
• Mixing up weight and mass

📐 Calculations — step by step

1. Convert the mass of one paperclip into kilograms:
   1.0 g = 0.0010 kg
2. Find the weight of 1 paperclip using W = mg :
   W = 0.0010 × 9.8 = 0.0098 N
3. Multiply by 20 paperclips:
   Force = 0.0098 × 20 = 0.196 N

✅ Correct answer

0.196 N

💡 Key knowledge

• Weight is a force, measured in N.
• Use the mass in kg, not g.
• Since the magnet holds 20 paperclips, multiply the weight of one clip by 20.

🧠 Exam technique

• Show the conversion first: 1.0 g = 0.0010 kg
• Then substitute into W = mg
• Finally multiply by the number of paperclips
• Keep units in every step

❌ Common errors

• Using 1.0 g directly instead of converting to kg
• Calculating 0.0010 × 20 and forgetting × 9.8
• Giving the answer in g instead of N
• Not multiplying by 20 paperclips

💡 Remember these facts

• Iron and steel are attracted to magnets.
• Magnetic materials can become temporarily magnetised by induction.
• W = mg
• 1 g = 0.001 kg
• Weight is measured in newtons (N).

🧠 Best exam habit

Use exact science terms, show conversions, and make sure your final number has the correct unit. For this topic, full marks usually come from writing the idea clearly rather than long explanations.