Edexcel IGCSE Physics 6 10p Magnetic Field Patterns Questions

Use the current direction shown in a diagram to set the field-line arrows. For a coil or solenoid, show how the field passes through the centre and loops around the outside.

Exam points

Draw concentric circles around a straight current-carrying wire; show arrows consistent with the current and reverse them if the current is reversed.
For a flat circular coil, draw the straight field through its centre and the surrounding loops, with a consistent direction.
For a current-carrying solenoid, draw field lines that loop from end to end and use their direction to identify the north pole when asked.
Keep field lines continuous and non-crossing, with arrows that show a consistent field direction.

[Maximum number: 3]

The diagrams show some equipment that the physicist Ørsted used in an investigation in 1820.

Diagram 1 shows the position of eight compass needles around a wire with no current in the wire.

The compass needles line up with and show the direction of the Earth's magnetic field lines.

Figure for Question Edexcel IGCSE Physics 6 10p Magnetic Field Patterns Questions question 1 — Edexcel IGCSE Physics

Diagram 2 shows the position of the same compass needles when a current is in the wire.

(a)

Using evidence from the compass needles in diagram 2, draw on diagram 2 the shape and direction of a magnetic field line produced by the current in the wire.

[ 2 ]

(b)

Suggest what happens to the magnetic field when the current in the wire is reversed.

[ 1 ]

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Edexcel IGCSE Physics 6 10p Magnetic Field Patterns Questions question 1

Question (a)

Question (b)