ELECTROMAGNETISM
2 marks · EasyA student wraps a coil of copper wire around a soft iron nail and connects it to a battery, creating an electromagnet.
Describe what happens to the iron nail when the current is switched on.
State what happens to the iron nail when the current is switched off.
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(a) It becomes magnetised and can attract magnetic materials.
(b) It loses its magnetism.
Common mistakes: Confusing temporary and permanent effects.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States iron nail becomes magnetised when current is switched on.
B1 (b) · 1 mark · States the nail loses its magnetism when current is switched off.
Worked solution
a) The iron nail becomes magnetised and acts as a magnet when current is switched on. b) The nail loses its magnetism when the current is switched off.