Question 1

Which of the following best explains why a magnet always has both a north and a south pole, even if it is cut in half?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic poles are created by the alignment of magnetic domains, and each domain has both a north and a south pole.

Question 2

A charged particle moves perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field. Which of the following describes the force acting on the particle?

Accepted Answer

The force is always perpendicular to both the velocity of the particle and the magnetic field.

Question 3

Which of the following actions will NOT increase the strength of an electromagnet?

Accepted Answer

Decreasing the number of turns in the coil.

Question 4

The Earth's magnetic field is primarily generated by:

Accepted Answer

Electric currents in the molten part of Earth's interior.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the difference between a permanent magnet and a temporary magnet?

Accepted Answer

A permanent magnet retains domain alignment after the external field is removed, while a temporary magnet does not.

Question 6

A current-carrying wire is placed in a uniform magnetic field. The force on the wire is greatest when:

Accepted Answer

The current is perpendicular to the magnetic field.

Question 7

Which of the following is a real-world application of superconducting electromagnets?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic levitation (maglev) trains.

Question 8

The Van Allen radiation belts are formed by:

Accepted Answer

Charged particles trapped by Earth's magnetic field.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why cosmic rays are hazardous to astronauts but not to people on Earth's surface?

Accepted Answer

Earth's magnetic field deflects most cosmic rays away from the surface.

Question 10

A galvanometer can be used as an ammeter or a voltmeter by:

Accepted Answer

Calibrating it to measure current or voltage, respectively.

Question 11

Which of the following is the source of all magnetism?

Accepted Answer

Electron motion, including both spin and revolution.

Question 12

A bar magnet is broken in half. What happens to the magnetic poles?

Accepted Answer

Each piece becomes a magnet with both a north and a south pole.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the direction of magnetic field lines outside a bar magnet?

Accepted Answer

From the north pole to the south pole.

Question 14

A charged particle moves parallel to a uniform magnetic field. What is the force on the particle?

Accepted Answer

$$F = 0$$

Question 15

Which of the following is a property of magnetic domains in a permanent magnet?

Accepted Answer

The domains remain aligned after the external field is removed.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why a motor can produce continuous rotation?

Accepted Answer

The direction of current in the coil reverses each half rotation.

Question 17

Which of the following is a biological example of magnetism?

Accepted Answer

Pigeons using magnetite in their skulls to navigate Earth's magnetic field.

Question 18

Which of the following equations correctly gives the magnitude of the force on a charged particle moving perpendicular to a magnetic field?

Accepted Answer

$$F = qvB$$

Question 19

A maglev train is able to levitate above its track primarily due to:

Accepted Answer

Repulsive forces between the train's magnets and the guideway's electromagnets.

Question 20

Which of the following statements about the aurora borealis is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is caused by charged particles from the Sun interacting with Earth's atmosphere near the poles.

Magnetism: Principles, Applications, and Phenomena

Study Guide - Practice Questions