AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), 2022: Question 4

7 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer

Identify properties of compasses and magnetic materials, and describe the characteristics and ways to increase the strength of the magnetic field around a solenoid.

Practise this question

Question

The image shows an exam question about magnetism. Figure 5 is a diagram of a compass needle pointing North and South. Question 04.1 asks why a compass points in the same direction when not near a magnet. Question 04.2 asks what material the needle could be made from, with options: Aluminium, Copper, Plastic, and Steel. Figure 6 shows a solenoid (coil of wire) with current flowing through it, labeled with North (N) and South (S) poles and magnetic field lines. Four empty circles are positioned around the coil. Question 04.3 asks for a description of the field strength. Question 04.4 asks to draw arrows in the circles to show field direction. Question 04.5 asks for two ways to strengthen the magnetic field.
Question text

04 Figure 5 shows a compass.

Figure 5

04.1 Why does the compass always point in the same direction when it is not near

a magnet?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

The compass is not magnetic.

The Earth has a magnetic field.

There is no force acting on the compass.

04.2 What material could the needle of the compass be made from?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

Aluminium

Copper

Plastic

Steel 12

Figure 6 shows a coil of wire.

There is a current in the coil.

The circles show the position of four compasses.

Figure 6

04.3 Which statement describes the magnetic field around the coil?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

The field has the same strength at all points.

The field is stronger further away from the coil.

The field is strongest at the ends of the coil.

04.4 Draw one arrow in each circle on Figure 6 to show the direction of the magnetic field

at that point.

13 [2 marks]

04.5 Give two ways the magnetic field around the coil could be made stronger.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme The mark scheme provides the following answers: 04.1: 'the Earth has a magnetic field' (1 mark). 04.2: 'steel' (1 mark). 04.3: 'the field is strongest at the ends of the coil' (1 mark). 04.4: A diagram shows arrows in the four circles; the left arrow points away from N, the right arrow points towards S, and the top and bottom arrows point from left to right (from N towards S). 2 marks for all correct, 1 mark for 2 or 3 correct. 04.5: Any two from: 'increase the current', 'insert an iron core', or 'increase the number of turns' (2 marks).

Question 4

AO /

Question Answers Extra information Mark

Spec. Ref.

04.1 the Earth has a magnetic field 1 AO2

6.7.1.2

AO /

Spec. Ref.

04.2 steel 1 AO1

6.7.1.2

AO /

Spec. Ref.

04.3 the field is strongest at the ends 1 AO1

of the coil 6.7.2.1

AO /

Spec. Ref.

04.4 all arrows in the correct direction 2 AO2

6.7.2.1

allow 1 mark for 2 or 3 arrows in the correct direction

AO /

Spec. Ref.

04.5 any two from: 2 AO1

• increase the current allow increase potential 6.7.2.1

difference

• insert an iron core

• increase the number of turns allow turns closer together

Total Question 4 7

How to answer it

Magnetic Fields and Electromagnets

What this question tests

This question assesses your understanding of permanent magnets, the Earth's magnetic field, and the properties of solenoids (coils of wire). You need to know magnetic materials, how to determine field direction, and how to increase the strength of an electromagnet.

Part (04.1) & (04.2)

Compasses and Materials

Correct Answers

  • 04.1: The Earth has a magnetic field.
  • 04.2: Steel.

Key Knowledge

A compass needle is a small bar magnet. It aligns with magnetic fields. If no other magnets are nearby, it aligns with the Earth's magnetic field, which is produced by the movement of molten iron in the Earth's outer core.

Common Errors

In 04.2, students often confuse "metals" with "magnetic metals". Aluminium and Copper are metals, but they are not magnetic. Only Iron, Steel, Cobalt, and Nickel are magnetic.

Part (04.3)

Field Strength in a Coil

Correct Answer

The field is strongest at the ends of the coil.

Exam Technique

Look at the density of the field lines in the diagram. Where the lines are closest together, the magnetic field is at its strongest. In a solenoid, this occurs at the poles (the ends).

Part (04.4)

Mapping the Magnetic Field

Drawing field directions

The Golden Rule

Magnetic field lines always point from North (N) to South (S).

How to draw the arrows

To get both marks, you must draw one arrow in each of the four circles:

  1. Left circle (near N): Arrow pointing Left (away from the North pole).
  2. Right circle (near S): Arrow pointing Left (towards the South pole).
  3. Top circle: Arrow pointing Right (moving from the N side towards the S side).
  4. Bottom circle: Arrow pointing Right (moving from the N side towards the S side).

Marking Note: 4 correct = 2 marks. 2 or 3 correct = 1 mark.

Common Pitfall

Students often forget that the field continues outside the coil. Don't just look at the letters; follow the continuous loop from the N end, around the outside, to the S end.

Part (04.5)

Strengthening the Electromagnet

Correct Answers (Choose any two)

  • Increase the current in the coil.
  • Add an iron core inside the coil.
  • Increase the number of turns (loops) of wire.

Examiner Insight

Be specific with your language. Instead of saying "more wire", say "more turns". Instead of "more electricity", say "higher current" or "higher potential difference".

Why an Iron Core?

Iron is a "soft" magnetic material. It becomes magnetized easily when placed inside the coil, which greatly amplifies the overall magnetic field strength of the solenoid.

Topics

Physics · P7: Magnetism and Electromagnetism

Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy examination, Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), 2022. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.