Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge
A wire is moved parallel to the magnetic field lines between two magnets.
What is induced?
- A an alternating current
- B a large e.m.f.
- C a direct current
- D no e.m.f.
Show answer
Answer: D
10 free IGCSE Physics Electricity & Magnetism questions written in the style of Cambridge Physics papers: 7 multiple-choice and 3 structured, each with its answer and mark scheme. 4 of them are A* challenge questions, built to catch the mistakes strong students still make.
This topic covers Magnetism, Current, p.d. & resistance, Series & parallel circuits, Circuit components, Electrical safety, Electromagnetic induction, Magnetic effect of current & motors, Transformers. Work through the questions below, then generate a full Electricity & Magnetism paper with a fresh set every time.
Generate a full Electricity & Magnetism paper →A wire is moved parallel to the magnetic field lines between two magnets.
What is induced?
Answer: D
An ideal (100% efficient) transformer has 500 turns on its primary coil and 100 turns on its secondary coil. The primary coil is connected to a 12 V a.c. supply and the current in it is 0.5 A.
What are the output voltage and the output current?
| output voltage / V | output current / A | |
|---|---|---|
| A | 60 | 0.1 |
| B | 2.4 | 0.1 |
| C | 2.4 | 2.5 |
| D | 60 | 2.5 |
Answer: C
A bar magnet is dropped through a coil of wire connected to a sensitive voltmeter. The magnet falls completely through the coil.
1 The induced e.m.f. would be the same if the magnet were dropped from a greater height.
2 The induced e.m.f. reverses direction as the magnet leaves the coil.
3 The induced e.m.f. is the same whichever pole of the magnet enters the coil first.
Which statements are correct?
Answer: D
What type of transformer has more turns on the secondary than on the primary?
Answer: D
A hairdryer has a plastic casing and no earth wire.
What is this called?
Answer: B
A current-carrying wire is placed parallel to a magnetic field.
What is the force on the wire?
Answer: A
Two identical lamps are in series with a 12 V battery.
What is the p.d. across each lamp?
Answer: B
A beam of electrons passes through a magnetic field.
Explain why the beam is deflected.
State how the deflection changes if the field is made stronger.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | moving charges in field experience force the electrons are moving charges B1 a magnetic field exerts a force on moving charges B1 | 2 |
| (b) | greater deflection the deflection increases B1 | 1 |
This question is about electromagnetic induction. A bar magnet is moved into and out of a coil connected to a sensitive ammeter.
Describe what the ammeter shows when the magnet is pushed in, held still and pulled out.
State two ways of increasing the induced e.m.f.
Explain why an e.m.f. is induced only while the magnet is moving.
The induced current produces a magnetic field. State the direction of the pole at the end of the coil as the north pole of the magnet approaches, and explain why.
In an a.c. generator, the coil rotates in a magnetic field. Explain why the output is alternating.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | deflects one way; zero; deflects the other way in: needle deflects B1 held still: no reading B1 out: deflects in the opposite direction B1 | 3 |
| (b) | move magnet faster; stronger magnet; more turns Any 2 of: move the magnet faster; use a stronger magnet; more turns on the coil B2 | 2 |
| (c) | field lines must be cut / magnetic field must change e.m.f. is induced only when the magnetic field through the coil changes / field lines are cut B1 | 1 |
| (d) | north pole; opposes the motion (energy conservation) north pole (repels the magnet) B1 the induced current opposes the change producing it, otherwise energy would be created B1 | 2 |
| (e) | each side moves up then down through the field; current reverses every half turn each side of the coil moves up and then down through the field B1 so the direction of the induced e.m.f. reverses every half turn B1 | 2 |
A 12.0 V battery is connected to a 3 Ω resistor in series with two resistors of 6 Ω and 24 Ω connected in parallel with each other.
Calculate the combined resistance of the two resistors in parallel.
Use your answer to (a) to calculate the current in the battery.
Calculate the potential difference across the 3 Ω resistor.
Calculate the current in the 6 Ω resistor.
State two advantages of connecting lamps in parallel in a house.
| Part | Answer and marking points | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | 4.80 Ω 1/R = 1/6 + 1/24 C1 4.80 Ω A1 | 2 |
| (b) | 1.54 A total R = 4.80 + 3 = 7.80 Ω C1 I = 12.0/7.80 = 1.54 A A1 | 2 |
| (c) | 4.62 V V = IR = 1.54 × 3 = 4.62 V B1 | 1 |
| (d) | 1.23 A p.d. across parallel part = 7.38 V C1 ÷ 6 = 1.23 A A1 | 2 |
| (e) | each can be switched independently; if one fails others stay on; each gets full p.d. Any 2 of: lamps can be switched on and off separately; if one lamp breaks the others still work; each lamp has the full supply p.d. B2 | 2 |
In the 0625 syllabus, Electricity & Magnetism covers Magnetism, Current, p.d. & resistance, Series & parallel circuits, Circuit components, Electrical safety, Electromagnetic induction, Magnetic effect of current & motors, Transformers.
This page has 10 Electricity & Magnetism questions with answers. For more, the free generator on mentorriyaz.in builds a new Electricity & Magnetism paper with a full mark scheme each time you click.
Riyaz Shaikh has mentored IGCSE, IB and A Level students for 15+ years, one-on-one, online and in Mumbai. The hardest questions on this site are the ones he uses to find a student's weak points.
Meet Riyaz →Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in