Physics 102 Magnetism Quiz Questions

1.

Define magnet

A.

A group of atoms with the magnetic fields lined up in the same direction
B.

A material that attracts other magnets

Correct Answer
B. A material that attracts other magnets

Explanation
The correct answer is "a material that attracts other magnets." This definition accurately describes a magnet as a material that has the ability to attract other magnets. Magnets have a magnetic field that can exert a force on other magnetic materials, causing them to be pulled towards the magnet. This definition does not mention anything about atoms or the alignment of their magnetic fields, which may be a characteristic of a magnet but is not a comprehensive definition.

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2.

What are the two type of magnets

A.

Alternating and direct
B.

Strong and weak

Correct Answer
B. Strong and weak

Explanation
The two types of magnets are categorized based on their strength. "Strong" magnets refer to magnets that have a high magnetic field and can attract or repel with greater force. On the other hand, "weak" magnets have a lower magnetic field and exhibit less attraction or repulsion. This categorization helps in understanding the varying magnetic properties and applications of different magnets.

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3.

Like magnetic poles

A.

Repel
B.

Attract

Correct Answer
A. Repel

Explanation
Like magnetic poles repel each other because they have the same type of magnetic field. This is due to the interaction between the magnetic fields produced by the poles. When two like poles are brought close to each other, their magnetic fields interact and push against each other, resulting in a repulsive force. On the other hand, unlike magnetic poles attract each other because they have opposite magnetic fields. The interaction between the magnetic fields of unlike poles causes them to pull towards each other, resulting in an attractive force.

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4.

Describe a magnetic field

A.

A material that attracts other magnets and causes the force that attracts or repels a magnet
B.

Surrounds a magnet pointing from north pole to south pole and causes the force that attracts or repels a magnet

Correct Answer
B. Surrounds a magnet pointing from north pole to south pole and causes the force that attracts or repels a magnet

Explanation
The correct answer describes a magnetic field as a region that surrounds a magnet and points from its north pole to its south pole. This magnetic field is responsible for the force that attracts or repels other magnets.

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5.

Every magnetic field has poles: true or false

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Every magnetic field has poles. This is because a magnetic field is created by a magnet or a moving electric charge, and magnets always have two poles - a north pole and a south pole. These poles are responsible for the attraction or repulsion between magnets and other magnetic materials. Therefore, it is true that every magnetic field has poles.

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6.

An atom is:

A.

The smallest magnet
B.

A magnetic field
C.

A magnetic domain

Correct Answer
A. The smallest magnet

Explanation
An atom can be considered as the smallest magnet because it possesses a property called magnetic moment. This magnetic moment arises due to the motion of charged particles, such as electrons, within the atom. The spinning and orbiting of these charged particles create a tiny magnetic field associated with the atom. Although the magnetic field of an individual atom is extremely weak, it is still considered as the smallest unit of magnetism, making the statement "the smallest magnet" a correct explanation for an atom.

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7.

A magnetic domain :

A.

Requires a group of atoms with the magnetic fields lined up in the same direction
B.

Requires only a weak magnetic field to get domains to line up in the same direciton

Correct Answer
A. Requires a group of atoms with the magnetic fields lined up in the same direction

Explanation
A magnetic domain refers to a region within a material where the magnetic fields of the atoms are aligned in the same direction. This alignment occurs due to the interaction between the magnetic moments of neighboring atoms. Therefore, a magnetic domain requires a group of atoms with their magnetic fields lined up in the same direction. This alignment of magnetic fields within a domain allows the material to exhibit magnetic properties.

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8.

Strong magnetic material :

A.

Is a group of atoms with the magnetic fields lined up in the same direction
B.

Requires only a weak magnetic field to get domains to line up in the same direciton

Correct Answer
B. Requires only a weak magnetic field to get domains to line up in the same direciton

Explanation
A strong magnetic material refers to a group of atoms where the magnetic fields are aligned in the same direction. This alignment is achieved by applying a weak magnetic field, which causes the domains (small regions within the material) to line up in the same direction. Therefore, a strong magnetic material requires only a weak magnetic field to get the domains to align.

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9.

Earth is a magnet and has a magnetic field: true or false

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Earth is indeed a magnet and has a magnetic field. The Earth's magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron in its outer core. This magnetic field extends from the Earth's interior out into space and is responsible for protecting the planet from harmful solar radiation. It also plays a crucial role in navigation as it allows compasses to align with the Earth's magnetic field lines.

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10.

What causes earth magnetic field

A.

Requires only a weak magnetic field to get domains to line up in the same direciton
B.

A group of atoms with the magnetic fields lined up in the same direction
C.

The motion of magma near the earths core

Correct Answer
C. The motion of magma near the earths core

Explanation
The correct answer is the motion of magma near the earth's core. The earth's magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron and nickel in the outer core of the planet. This motion, known as convection, creates electric currents which in turn generate a magnetic field. As the molten material moves, it generates a dynamo effect, creating a magnetic field that extends around the earth. This motion of magma near the earth's core is responsible for the earth's magnetic field.

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11.

How often does the earths magnetic field change directions

A.

Every four to five thousand years
B.

Every eight to ten years
C.

Every four to five million years

Correct Answer
A. Every four to five thousand years

Explanation
The Earth's magnetic field changes directions every four to five thousand years. This phenomenon is known as geomagnetic reversal or magnetic flip. It occurs when the magnetic north and south poles switch places. Scientists have studied the Earth's magnetic field through geological records and have found evidence of these reversals happening throughout the planet's history. These changes in the magnetic field have implications for navigation systems, animal migration, and even climate change.

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12.

The earths magnetic field

A.

Deflects charged particles from the sun and is used to determine direction by humans and animals
B.

Requires only a weak magnetic field to get domains to line up in the same direciton
C.

Is a group of atoms with the magnetic fields lined up in the same direction

Correct Answer
A. Deflects charged particles from the sun and is used to determine direction by humans and animals

Explanation
The earth's magnetic field is responsible for deflecting charged particles from the sun, such as solar wind, away from the Earth's surface. This helps protect the planet from harmful radiation and maintains a stable environment for life. Additionally, the magnetic field is used by humans and animals for navigation purposes, as they can sense and follow the magnetic lines of force to determine direction.

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13.

What is used to increase or decrease the voltage in ac system

A.

Transformers
B.

Voltmeter

Correct Answer
A. Transformers

Explanation
Transformers are used to increase or decrease the voltage in an AC system. They work on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where a changing current in one coil (primary coil) induces a voltage in another coil (secondary coil). By adjusting the number of turns in each coil, transformers can step up or step down the voltage. This is crucial in transmitting electricity efficiently over long distances, as high voltage is used for transmission to reduce power loss, and then stepped down to a lower voltage for distribution to consumers. Voltmeters, on the other hand, are used to measure the voltage in a circuit and do not have the capability to increase or decrease it.

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