Magnetism and Electromagnetism
4 marks · EasyA student investigates some materials to sort them as magnetic or non-magnetic.
State whether each of the following is a magnetic material: iron nail, plastic ruler, nickel coin, rubber band.
Magnets are said to be 'magnetically hard' materials. What does this mean about their magnetism?
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) Iron nail and nickel coin are magnetic; plastic ruler and rubber band are non-magnetic.
(b) Magnetically hard materials keep their magnetism once magnetised (permanent magnets)/do not lose magnetism easily.
Common mistakes: Confusing nickel with non-magnetic materials; Magnetically hard means 'strong' or 'heavy'
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States iron nail is magnetic.
B2 (a) · 1 mark · States nickel coin is magnetic; plastic ruler and rubber band are non-magnetic.
B3 (b) · 2 marks · Explains that a magnetically hard material keeps its magnetism; marks may be split for partial answer: 1 mark for 'does not lose magnetism easily', 2 marks for reference to permanent magnetism.
Worked solution
a) Iron nail and nickel coin are both magnetic. Plastic ruler and rubber band are non-magnetic.
b) A magnetically hard material is one that remains magnetised after being magnetised. It keeps its magnetism and is used for permanent magnets.