MAGNETIC FIELDS
2 marks · NormalA student says: 'A magnetic field line shows the direction from the south pole of a magnet to the north pole.'
Is the student correct? Explain your answer, referring to field line directions and how they relate to the magnetic force.
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
No, the student is not correct. Magnetic field lines go from the north pole to the south pole of a magnet. The direction of a magnetic field line shows the direction a north magnetic pole would experience force, which is away from north and towards south.
Also accept: No, field lines point from north to south, not south to north.
Common mistakes: Repeating the student's statement about south to north; Omitting reference to force on north pole
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States field lines go from north to south.
B2 · 1 mark · Links the direction to the force on a north pole.
Worked solution
No, magnetic field lines always point from the north pole to the south pole, showing the direction a north pole would move in the field.