AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), 2023: Question 3
9 marks · Low Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Identify magnetic properties, draw magnetic field lines for a bar magnet, and describe the magnetic field and variables in an electromagnetism experiment.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
03 Figure 4 shows iron filings sprinkled around a bar magnet.
Figure 4
03.1 Why are the iron filings attracted to the bar magnet?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
Iron is a metal.
Iron is charged.
Iron is heavy.
Iron is magnetic. 14
03.2 Figure 5 shows a bar magnet.
Draw magnetic field lines to show the magnetic field pattern around the bar magnet.
You should add arrows to the field lines to show the direction of the magnetic field.
[2 marks]
Figure 5
03.3 Figure 6 shows two bar magnets.
Figure 6
The magnets attract each other.
What conclusion can be made about the two poles marked X and Y?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
They are both north poles.
They are both south poles.
They are opposite poles. 15
Figure 7 shows some plotting compasses around a wire. There is no current in
the wire.
Figure 7
03.4 Why do the plotting compasses all point in the same direction?
[1 mark]
03.5 When the switch is closed there is a current in the wire.
The current creates a magnetic field.
What shape are the magnetic field lines around the wire?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
Circular
Rectangular
Square
Triangular 16
A student investigated the force exerted by an electromagnet on a paper clip.
The student varied the distance between the paper clip and the electromagnet.
Figure 8 shows the equipment used.
Figure 8
The student recorded the reading on the newtonmeter for several different distances.17
03.6 The current in the electromagnet was the same for each distance.
Complete the sentence.
Choose the answer from the box.
[1 mark]
a control the dependent the independent
In the investigation, the current was variable.
03.7 What is the size of the downward force on the paper clip in Figure 8?
[1 mark]
Force = N
03.8 The distance between the paper clip and the electromagnet is increased.
What happens to the size of the downward force?
[1 mark]
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 3
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
03.1 iron is magnetic 1 AO1
6.7.1.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
03.2 correct pattern of field lines 1 AO1
6.7.1.2
arrows on field lines away from 1
N and towards S
AO /
Spec. Ref.
03.3 they are opposite poles 1 AO3
6.7.1.1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
03.4 they line up with the Earth’s allow they all point north 1 AO3
magnetic field 6.7.1.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
03.5 circular 1 AO1
6.7.2.1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
03.6 a control 1 AO3
– OMBINED SCIENCE: TRILOGY – – JUNE6.7.2.12023
AO /
10 Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
03.7 3.6 (N) 1 AO2
6.7.2.1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
03.8 (the force) decreases 1 AO1
6.7.2.1
Total Question 3 9
How to answer it
Magnetism and Electromagnetism Essentials
What this question tests
This question assesses your foundational knowledge of magnetic materials, the properties of bar magnets, the Earth's magnetic field, and the magnetic field created by an electric current in a wire. It also tests your ability to identify experimental variables.
Magnetic Properties & Interaction
Correct Answers
- 03.1: Iron is magnetic.
- 03.3: They are opposite poles.
Key Knowledge
There are only four magnetic materials you need to know:
- Iron
- Steel (an alloy of iron)
- Nickel
- Cobalt
Law of Magnetism: Like poles repel; Opposite poles attract.
Drawing Magnetic Fields
Visualising the invisible field around a bar magnet
How to draw the diagram
To get both marks, your drawing must show:
- Pattern: Curved lines starting at the North pole and ending at the South pole. Lines should be closer together at the poles (where the field is strongest).
- Direction: Arrows on the lines must point away from North and towards South.
Common Errors
- Drawing lines that cross each other (magnetic field lines never cross).
- Pointing arrows from South to North.
- Leaving gaps between the lines and the magnet surface.
Fields and Compasses
Correct Answers
- 03.4: They line up with the Earth's magnetic field.
- 03.5: Circular.
Exam Technique
For 03.4, many students simply say "they point North." While true, the examiner wants to know why. Always mention the Earth's magnetic field to secure the mark.
Electromagnetism Fact
When current flows through a straight wire, it creates a magnetic field. The field lines are concentric circles centered on the wire. You can find the direction using the "Right-Hand Grip Rule."
Variables and Data
Correct Answers
- 03.6: a control variable.
- 03.7: 3.6 N.
- 03.8: The force decreases.
Identifying Variables
- Independent: The thing you change (Distance).
- Dependent: The thing you measure (Force).
- Control: The thing you keep the same (Current).
Reading the Graph (03.7)
Even if a graph looks small, use a ruler to align the points. In this specific paper, the value for the force at the specified distance was exactly 3.6 N . Always check the scale of the axes carefully!
Common Error (03.8)
Students often confuse "distance increasing" with "force increasing." Remember: Magnetic fields get weaker as you move further away from the source. Therefore, the force must decrease.
Topics
Physics · P7: Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy examination, Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), 2023. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.