Learning objective

Describe a magnetic compass as containing a small bar magnet.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

At a glance

5

Flashcards

7

Questions

Topic

Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields

Subtopic

Magnetic fields

AQA GCSE PhysicsMagnetism and electromagnetism

Study support

Understand this objective

Short explanation

Describe a magnetic compass as containing a small bar magnet. sits within Magnetic fields in AQA GCSE Physics Unit 4.7 Magnetism and electromagnetism. A strong explanation names the exact magnetic context, then links the observation to field direction, current, force, coil turns, induced potential difference or transformer power as appropriate. For this objective, revise the keywords compass and use them as evidence rather than as isolated definitions. Keep the boundary precise: permanent magnets are not induced magnets, motors use current to produce force or motion, generators use motion or changing magnetic fields to induce a potential difference, and transformers compare primary and secondary coils. The distinctive exam cue is lo47cue323 fieldmap323 coilpath323 transformerlink323, which separates this learning objective from neighbouring transformer, motor-effect and magnetic-field objectives while preserving the official wording.

Key concepts

Magnetic fields field-shape cue 37Magnetic fields current-change cue 38

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Magnetic fields to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields.

Common mistakes

1 linked
  • generator-effect induction: avoid permanent and induced magnets: Instead, identify the exact Unit 4.7 idea in Magnetic fields, then explain how it links to a step-up transformer on the National Grid and the objective to describe a magnetic compass as containing a small bar magnet.

Revision tools

Choose how to practise

Back to topic hub
Flashcards5 linked cards

Flashcard 1 of 5

Press Space to flip, arrows to move
Practice Questions7 linked questions

Question 1 of 7

Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.

0 of 5 attempted
Revision notestopic notes

Open the full topic revision notes when you are ready to review this objective in context.

Open revision notes

Related learning objectives