4.7.1.2 Magnetic Fields

Spec reference: 4.7.1 (subtopic).

What you need to know

• Magnetic Fields
• The magnetic field is the area surrounding a magnet where the force
• is acting on another magnet or magnetic material. It can be observed
• using a compass placed at different points around a bar magnet.
• The field lines can be drawn by using the compass to mark the direction at
• a range of points.
• A magnet always causes a magnetic material to be attracted. The strength
• of the magnetic field is determined by the proximity to the magnet.

Self-assessment (checklist)

• I can name four magnetic materials.
• I can explain what a magnetic field is.
• I can describe the type of force between a magnet
• I can explain what affects the strength of a magnetic
• I can describe the direction of the magnetic field at
• I can describe the direction of a magnetic field line.
• I can explain how a magnetic compass works.
• I can describe how to plot the magnetic field pattern
• I can draw the magnetic field pattern of a bar magnet
• I can explain how the behaviour of a magnetic

Key steps (method)

• Identify what the question is testing and use the correct equation/definition.
• Show substitutions and units clearly.

Common mistakes

• Unit conversions, rearranging errors, or quoting a law without applying it.