Question 7
FA compass needle is a small magnet that is free to turn.
The Figure shows the Earth and some plotting compasses placed around it.
Figure
a.[2]
The north-seeking end of each compass needle points towards the geographic North Pole.
Deduce the type of magnetic pole that is near the geographic North Pole.
Give a reason for your answer.
b.[3]
Explain how the behaviour of compasses at different places on the Earth gives evidence that the core of the Earth is magnetic.
c.[2]
A student holds a compass close to a large steel girder in a building.
The compass does not point north.
Explain why.
12.1 Magnets and magnetic fields Questions
70 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Physics 12.1 Magnets and magnetic fields, covering 12.1.1 Magnetic poles, 12.1.2 Magnetic materials; permanent and induced magnets, 12.1.3 Magnetic fields, and 12.1.4 Plotting compasses and the Earth's magnetic field. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.