Creating a uniform magnetic field
1 mark · EasyWhy do iron filings help us see the shape of a magnetic field?
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Because each iron filing becomes a tiny magnet that aligns with the magnetic field lines.
Also accept: They are magnetised and each lines up along the field, so together they show the field pattern
Common mistakes: Saying filings just stick to the magnet
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Mentions that filings become magnets and align with or trace out the field lines
Worked solution
Iron filings become magnetised by the field and align along the field lines, helping us see the pattern of the field.