An automated sorting gripper uses a movable permanent magnet and a metal insert. The insert must attract steel components when the permanent magnet is close and release them soon after the permanent magnet is moved away.
The table shows the results of tests on two inserts, X and Y.
| Test | Insert X | Insert Y |
|---|---|---|
| A permanent magnet is held close to the insert and an iron pin is placed near the opposite end. | The iron pin is attracted. | The iron pin is attracted. |
| The permanent magnet is moved well away and a nickel bead is placed near the insert. | The nickel bead is attracted. | No force on the nickel bead is observed. |
| With the first magnet still well away, the north pole of a second permanent magnet is brought close to each end of the insert in turn. | One end is repelled and the other end is attracted. | Both ends are attracted. |
Explain what the results show about inserts X and Y and justify which insert should be fitted to the gripper.
80 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Physics 7.1 Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields, covering 7.1.1 Poles of a magnet and 7.1.2 Magnetic fields. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.