Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

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Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

Cambridge IGCSE Physics — Deep Understanding, Active Recall, Exam Ready

Big Idea: Every magnet has poles that attract or repel each other, creating invisible fields of force around them—and these fields can be detected, plotted, and put to work in the real world.

Quick Overview

Magnetic poles: Every magnet has a north and south pole; like poles repel, opposite poles attract
Non-contact force: Magnetic forces act without direct contact—one magnet affects another at a distance
Magnetic materials: Only iron, cobalt, nickel, and steel are naturally magnetic; all others (copper, gold, plastic) are not
Two types of magnets: Permanent magnets keep their magnetism forever; induced magnets (soft iron) are temporary
Magnetic field: The invisible region around a magnet where a magnetic pole experiences a force
Field lines: Arrows showing direction (always north → south) and strength (closer lines = stronger field)
Plotting methods: Iron filings and plotting compasses both reveal the shape of magnetic fields
Practical uses: Compasses, speakers, MRI scanners, recycling electromagnets, Mag-Lev trains

1. Magnetism: Forces Between Poles

Magnetism begins with a simple fact: magnets have poles. Every magnet, no matter its size or shape, has exactly two: a north pole and a south pole. These poles are the places where magnetic forces are strongest.

The Two Laws of Magnetic Force

When you bring two magnets near each other, one of two things happens:

Law 1: Like poles repel

North repels north. South repels south. The closer you push them, the stronger the push-back.

Law 2: Opposite poles attract

North attracts south. South attracts north. They pull toward each other.

These forces work without contact—this is called a non-contact force. You can hold two magnets apart and still feel them pushing or pulling. This is a key difference from friction or normal pushing; magnetism works through empty space.

Intuition check: Think of magnets like people with personalities. Same personalities clash and push each other away (repel). Opposite personalities attract and want to be near each other. Magnetism works the same way.

Why Does This Matter in Exams?

Examiners love to give you a diagram of two magnets and ask: "Will they attract or repel?" The answer depends entirely on knowing which pole is which. If the diagram shows N–N or S–S facing each other → repel. If it shows N–S → attract.

Practice 1: Two bar magnets are held end-to-end. Magnet A shows its north pole (N) facing magnet B's south pole (S). Will they attract or repel?

Practice 2: A student has two identical bar magnets. She places them on a table with their south poles (S) facing each other, about 5 cm apart. What will happen if she lets go of both simultaneously?

2. Uses of Magnets: Permanent vs. Electromagnets

What to Memorise

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Also in the full note

3. Magnets & Magnetic Materials: What Can Be Magnetised?
4. Magnetic Fields: The Invisible Force
5. Plotting Magnetic Fields: Two Practical Methods
Concepts Checklist
Exam Tips & Common Mistakes
Permanent Magnets
The Magnetic Metals
Induced Magnetism: The Temporary Kind

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Simple Phenomena of Magnetism