AQA · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 8463 · Version from Sept 2016
An induced magnet is a material that becomes a magnet when it is placed in…
Full specification wording
Poles of a magnet: An induced magnet is a material that becomes a magnet when it is placed in a magnetic field.
Hold a piece of iron near a bar magnet and the iron becomes a magnet itself, for exactly as long as it stays there.
Checked against the AQA 8463 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 7 of 10
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Hold a piece of iron near a bar magnet and the iron becomes a magnet itself, for exactly as long as it stays there. Only magnetic materials do this: iron, steel, cobalt and nickel. The external field lines up the magnetic domains inside the material, so it develops its own north and south poles, and it keeps them only while it stays in that field. That is why a chain of iron nails can hang from a bar magnet, each nail becoming an induced magnet that induces magnetism in the next one down. The mark scheme accepts 'when it is close to another magnet' for being placed in a field, but 'a temporary magnet' on its own is not enough for the mark.
What earns the marks
- Defining an induced magnet as a material that becomes a magnet when placed in a magnetic field; 'when it is close to another magnet' is allowed.
- The alternative definition, that it loses most or all of its magnetism when removed from the field.
- Stating that the induced magnet is attracted to the magnet that induces it, whichever pole is presented.
- Naming a magnetic material, such as iron, that can be induced.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Answering only 'a temporary magnet', which the mark scheme rules insufficient.
Saying the material becomes magnetic by touching the magnet rather than by being in its field.
Claiming that any metal, including copper or aluminium, can be induced.
Describing the induced magnet as having only one pole.
Exam tips
- Write the full sentence: becomes a magnet when it is placed in a magnetic field.
- Add the removal half of the definition if the question is worth more than one mark.
- Use the chain of nails as your standard example.
Try the lesson
The start of the Poles of a magnet: An induced magnet is a material that becomes a magnet when it is placed in a magnetic field. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which term describes a material that becomes a magnet when it is placed in a magnetic field?
Listen
Hold a piece of iron near a bar magnet and the iron becomes a magnet itself, for exactly as long as it stays there. Only magnetic materials do this: iron, steel, cobalt and nickel. The external field lines up the magnetic domains inside the material, so it develops its own north and south poles, and it keeps them only while it stays in that field. That is why a chain of iron nails can hang from a bar magnet, each nail becoming an induced magnet that induces magnetism in the next one down. The mark scheme accepts 'when it is close to another magnet' for being placed in a field, but 'a temporary magnet' on its own is not enough for the mark. A strong answer earns marks for these points. defining an induced magnet as a material that becomes a magnet when placed in a magnetic field; 'when it is close to another magnet' is allowed. the alternative definition, that it loses most or all of its magnetism when removed from the field. stating that the induced magnet is attracted to the magnet that induces it, whichever pole is presented. naming a magnetic material, such as iron, that can be induced. Exam tip: Write the full sentence: becomes a magnet when it is placed in a magnetic field.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
induced magnet
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magnetic materials
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domains lining up
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chain of nails
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See every definition
- induced magnet
- A material that becomes a magnet when it is placed in a magnetic field.
- magnetic materials
- Iron, steel, cobalt and nickel are the materials that become magnets when placed in a magnetic field.
- domains lining up
- The external field lines up the magnetic domains inside the material, so it develops its own north and south poles.
- chain of nails
- Iron nails can hang from a bar magnet, each nail becoming an induced magnet that induces magnetism in the next one down.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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