Magnetism and Electromagnetism
4 marks · EasyA student is given a list of everyday items: a plastic spoon, a steel screw, an iron nail, and a wooden stick.
State which of these items are magnetic materials. Give your reason.
Describe one property of a magnetically soft material and one property of a magnetically hard material.
Describe one property of a magnetically soft material and one property of a magnetically hard material.
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
(a) Steel screw and iron nail are magnetic materials because they contain iron or steel. Plastic spoon and wooden stick are not because they are made of non-magnetic materials. · must show states steel and iron, explains reason
(b) Magnetically soft materials lose their magnetism easily. Magnetically hard materials keep their magnetism once magnetised. · must show soft: loses magnetism easily, hard: retains magnetism
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Identifies both magnetic materials (steel screw and iron nail).
B2 (a) · 1 mark · Gives valid reason related to composition (iron or steel is magnetic).
B3 (b) · 1 mark · Correct property of magnetically soft material stated.
B4 (b) · 1 mark · Correct property of magnetically hard material stated.
Worked solution
a. Steel screw and iron nail are magnetic materials because they are made from iron or steel, which are magnetic. Plastic and wood are non-magnetic materials.
b. Magnetically soft materials lose their magnetism easily (e.g. iron). Magnetically hard materials retain their magnetism after being magnetised (e.g. steel).