Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the behavior of magnetic poles when a bar magnet is broken in half?

Accepted Answer

Each half becomes a new magnet with both a north and a south pole.

Question 2

Which of the following is true about the direction of magnetic field lines around a bar magnet?

Accepted Answer

They emerge from the north pole and enter the south pole outside the magnet.

Question 3

A compass needle aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field. What causes this alignment?

Accepted Answer

A torque is exerted on the needle by the Earth's magnetic field, aligning it with the field.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why magnetic field lines are drawn closer together in some regions?

Accepted Answer

The magnetic field is stronger where the lines are closer together.

Question 5

What is the effect on compass needles placed around a vertical wire when a strong current flows upward through the wire?

Accepted Answer

The needles align tangent to circles centered on the wire.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a property of magnetic field lines?

Accepted Answer

They cross each other where the field is strong.

Question 7

If a bar magnet is free to rotate, which end will point toward the geographic north of the Earth?

Accepted Answer

The north pole of the magnet.

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the Earth's magnetic field is correct?

Accepted Answer

The Earth's geographic north pole is near its magnetic south pole.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the force between two bar magnets placed with their north poles facing each other?

Accepted Answer

The magnets repel each other.

Question 10

Why is there no experimental evidence for magnetic monopoles?

Accepted Answer

Every time a magnet is divided, each piece forms both a north and a south pole.

Question 11

A bar magnet is placed in a uniform magnetic field. What happens to the magnet?

Accepted Answer

It experiences a torque that aligns it with the field.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct statement about the interaction between like and unlike magnetic poles?

Accepted Answer

Like poles repel and unlike poles attract.

The Magnetic Field: Properties, Sources, and Applications

Study Guide - Practice Questions