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Electricity and Magnetism — Free MYP2 Sciences Practice Questions
1QuestionAdvantages and Disadvantages of Each TypeConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagrams below show a series circuit and a parallel circuit, each containing a battery, bulbs, and a switch.
a
Identify the component that controls the flow of electricity in the diagrams. [1]
b
State one difference in how a switch affects the bulbs in a series circuit compared to a parallel circuit. [1]
Solutions
2QuestionGood Conductors vs Poor ConductorsConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion B
A student builds a circuit with a battery, wires, and a bulb. They test four materials — a copper coin, an iron nail, a wooden stick, and a plastic ruler — by inserting each one into the circuit and observing the bulb's brightness.
a
Identify the independent variable in this investigation. [1]
b
Explain why the bulb's brightness cannot be the independent variable. [1]
Solutions
3QuestionElectrical Safety and InsulationConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram shows a three-pin plug with four labelled components: live wire (brown), neutral wire (blue), earth wire (green/yellow), and a fuse.
a
Identify the component designed to melt and break the circuit when too much current flows. [1]
b
Explain why this component melting is a safety feature rather than a fault. [1]
Solutions
4QuestionDrawing Magnetic Field LinesConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram shows a bar magnet with its north pole (N) on the left and south pole (S) on the right. Four arrows show possible directions of magnetic field lines outside the magnet: Arrow A points from N to S above the magnet, Arrow B points from S to N above the magnet, Arrow C points from N to S below the magnet, and Arrow D points from S to N below the magnet.
a
Identify which arrow or arrows correctly show the direction of a magnetic field line outside the magnet. [1]
b
Explain why the other arrows are incorrect, using the rule for magnetic field line direction. [1]
Solutions
5QuestionComparing Magnets and ElectromagnetsConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram below shows an electromagnet with four labeled components:
A: Coil of wire
B: Iron core
C: Battery
D: Switch
A: Coil of wire
B: Iron core
C: Battery
D: Switch
a
Identify the component that becomes magnetized when current flows through the coil. [1]
b
Explain one reason why using an iron core makes the electromagnet stronger than one with no core. [1]
Solutions
6QuestionAttraction and Repulsion of ChargesConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
Two balloons, A and B, are suspended from strings. Balloon A carries a positive charge. The balloons push away from each other (repel).
a
State the type of charge on Balloon B. [1]
b
Explain how the behaviour of the balloons shows that like charges repel each other. [1]
Solutions
7QuestionBuilding and Testing Simple CircuitsConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The circuit diagram shows a battery, a bulb, a switch, and connecting wires.
a
Identify the component that controls whether the bulb is on or off. [1]
b
Explain what happens to the bulb when the switch is open (the gap is not bridged). [1]
Solutions
8QuestionCurrent and Voltage in Parallel CircuitsAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion B
A student investigates current in a parallel circuit. She records the following measurements:
Measurement 1: Branch A = 0.3 A, Branch B = 0.3 A, Total = 0.6 A
Measurement 2: Branch A = 0.4 A, Branch B = 0.2 A, Total = 0.6 A
Measurement 1: Branch A = 0.3 A, Branch B = 0.3 A, Total = 0.6 A
Measurement 2: Branch A = 0.4 A, Branch B = 0.2 A, Total = 0.6 A
a
Identify the relationship between the branch currents and the total current. [1]
b
The student adds a third branch. The total current stays at 0.6 A. Branch A carries 0.2 A and Branch B carries 0.1 A. Calculate the current in Branch C. [2]
c
Compare the two-branch and three-branch situations and explain why the same relationship applies in both cases. [2]
Solutions
9QuestionAdvantages and Disadvantages of Each TypeAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion D
A student is designing a camping lantern for a 3-night hike. Batteries cannot be replaced. They have two identical 1.5 V batteries and one bulb rated at 1.5 V.
Circuit S connects the batteries in series. Circuit P connects the batteries in parallel.
Circuit S connects the batteries in series. Circuit P connects the batteries in parallel.
a
State the total voltage supplied in Circuit S and in Circuit P. [2]
b
The bulb is connected to Circuit S. Calculate the current through the bulb, given that its resistance is 3 Ω. Explain whether the bulb will be brighter or dimmer than normal. [2]
c
Compare Circuit S and Circuit P for use on the 3-night hike. In your answer, refer to both brightness and battery life. [2]
Solutions
10QuestionCurrent and Voltage in Series CircuitsAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion C
The graph shows the current measured at points A, B, and C in a series circuit with three identical bulbs. The current reading is the same at all three points.
a
Identify the number of paths available for current to flow in a series circuit. [1]
b
Explain why the current is the same at points A, B, and C. [1]
c
A student claims that adding a fourth identical bulb to the series circuit will cause the current to be different at different points. Compare this claim with your answer to (b) and decide whether the student is correct. [1]
Solutions
11QuestionUses of Conductors and InsulatorsAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion D
A kitchen designer is choosing a material for a new pot lid. The table below shows data for four materials.
| Material | Wood — thermal conductivity: low | electrical conductivity: low |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel — thermal conductivity: high | electrical conductivity: high |
| Material | Rubber — thermal conductivity: low | electrical conductivity: low |
| Material | Copper — thermal conductivity: high | electrical conductivity: high |
a
Identify the two materials in the table that have low thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity. [1]
b
Explain why a material with low thermal conductivity is important for a pot lid that users will handle during cooking. [2]
c
Both wood and rubber have low thermal and electrical conductivity. Compare these two materials and suggest which is the better choice for a pot lid. Give one reason for your choice. [3]
Solutions
12QuestionMaterials That Conduct ElectricityAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion C
Students tested four materials in a simple circuit with a bulb and a battery, recording whether the bulb lit up across three trials.
Copper — Trial 1: bright, Trial 2: bright, Trial 3: bright
Plastic — Trial 1: not lit, Trial 2: not lit, Trial 3: not lit
Graphite — Trial 1: dim, Trial 2: dim, Trial 3: not lit
Wood — Trial 1: not lit, Trial 2: dim, Trial 3: not lit
Copper — Trial 1: bright, Trial 2: bright, Trial 3: bright
Plastic — Trial 1: not lit, Trial 2: not lit, Trial 3: not lit
Graphite — Trial 1: dim, Trial 2: dim, Trial 3: not lit
Wood — Trial 1: not lit, Trial 2: dim, Trial 3: not lit
a
Identify whether each material is a conductor, insulator, or partial conductor, based on the majority result across its three trials. [2]
b
Explain why the results for wood are less reliable than the results for the other three materials. [2]
c
Compare graphite's performance to copper's, and state whether the data supports the claim "Graphite is a good conductor of electricity." [2]
Solutions
13QuestionTemporary vs Permanent MagnetsAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion D
A student is designing a magnetic latch for a cabinet door. The latch must hold the door closed only when a button is pressed.
An electromagnet is a temporary magnet — it is magnetic only when electric current flows through it.
An electromagnet is a temporary magnet — it is magnetic only when electric current flows through it.
a
Identify one advantage of using an electromagnet for this latch. [1]
b
Explain one disadvantage of using an electromagnet for this latch. [2]
c
Compare using an electromagnet with using a permanent magnet for this latch, and state which is more suitable. [3]
Solutions
14QuestionDrawing Magnetic Field LinesAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion B
The table below shows the magnetic field strength at different distances from the north pole of a bar magnet.
| Distance (cm) | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field strength (units) | 100 | 45 | 20 | 9 | 4 |
a
Identify the trend shown in the table. [1]
b
Explain why the magnetic field strength decreases as distance increases. Use the concept of magnetic field lines in your answer. [1]
c
Compare the rate of decrease in field strength between 0–4 cm and 4–8 cm. What does this tell you about how magnetic field lines are arranged near the pole? [1]
Solutions
15QuestionDrawing Magnetic Field LinesAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion C
A compass needle points in the direction of the magnetic field at that location. Outside a bar magnet, field lines run from the north pole to the south pole.
Three compasses are placed around a bar magnet (north pole on the left, south pole on the right) at points P, Q, and R.
Compass readings (degrees clockwise from north):
Point P (beside the north pole):
Point Q (above the middle):
Point R (below the south pole):
A student drew field lines that curve smoothly from left to right at all three points.
Three compasses are placed around a bar magnet (north pole on the left, south pole on the right) at points P, Q, and R.
Compass readings (degrees clockwise from north):
Point P (beside the north pole):
Point Q (above the middle):
Point R (below the south pole):
A student drew field lines that curve smoothly from left to right at all three points.
a
State the direction a compass needle points at a location on a magnetic field line. [1]
b
Identify which point or points have compass readings that are inconsistent with field lines running from north pole to south pole. Give one reason for each point you identify. [3]
c
Compare the compass reading at point P with the reading at point R. Explain what this tells you about the direction of the field at each location. [1]
Solutions
16QuestionComparing Magnets and ElectromagnetsAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion D
A scrapyard uses a large electromagnet to lift and drop heavy scrap metal. A student suggests that a permanent magnet could be a more energy-efficient alternative.
a
Identify one advantage of using an electromagnet in this scrapyard application. [1]
b
Explain one disadvantage of using an electromagnet in this application. [1]
c
Compare an electromagnet and a permanent magnet for this application, and explain why a permanent magnet is not suitable. [2]
Solutions
17QuestionFactors Affecting Electromagnet StrengthAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion B
A student tests an electromagnet at a constant voltage of 6 V, changing only the number of wire turns (coils around the iron core). The bar chart shows the results.
| Number of turns | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper clips picked up | 5 | 12 | 18 | 24 |
a
Describe the relationship between the number of wire turns and the number of paper clips picked up. Use data from the chart to support your answer. [2]
b
Estimate the number of paper clips a 50-turn electromagnet would pick up, and explain how you used the data to reach your answer. [2]
Solutions
18QuestionMaking an ElectromagnetAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion C
A student wraps wire around an iron nail and connects it to a battery to make an electromagnet. They count how many paperclips it lifts for different numbers of coils. Results are shown in the graph below.
| Number of coils | 0 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of paperclips | 0 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 11 |
a
Calculate the average increase in paperclips lifted for every 10 extra coils. [2]
b
Identify whether the relationship between the number of coils and the number of paperclips is linear (forms a straight line). Give one reason using values from the data. [2]
c
A second student says: "With 50 coils, the electromagnet will lift exactly 20 paperclips." Using your answer from (a), estimate the number of paperclips the electromagnet would lift with 50 coils and explain whether the second student is correct. [2]
Solutions
19QuestionComparing Static and Current ElectricityAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion D
A school uses a battery-powered fire alarm. When smoke is detected, a steady flow of electric charge moves through a circuit to sound the alarm. On dry days, static electricity — charge that builds up and stays in one place — can accumulate on students' clothing and cause sparks near the alarm panel.
a
Identify one advantage of using current electricity from a battery rather than static electricity to power the fire alarm. [1]
b
Explain why static electricity is unreliable for a safety system like a fire alarm. In your answer, refer to how static charge builds up and is released. [2]
c
The school plans to place anti-static mats near the alarm panel to reduce accidental sparks. Compare the use of anti-static mats with not using them, and describe one way the school could check whether the mats are working. [2]
Solutions
20QuestionComparing Static and Current ElectricityAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion B
The bar chart shows data for three materials rubbed against different cloths.
| Sparks produced | Wool = 8 | Silk = 5 | Plastic = 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulb brightness (1–10) | Wool = 3 | Silk = 6 | Plastic = 9 |
a
Identify which material produces the most sparks. [1]
b
Explain why wool produces many sparks when rubbed. Use the term electron transfer in your answer. [1]
c
Compare how wool and plastic behave differently in static electricity and in a circuit, and explain why their results are opposite. [1]
Solutions
21QuestionDefinition and Flow of Electric CurrentAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion C
A teacher uses a water pipe model to explain electric current. In this model, flowing water represents electric current — the flow of tiny charged particles called electrons through a wire. Real wires, unlike pipes, heat up when current flows through them.
a
Identify one benefit of the water pipe model for teaching beginners about electric current. [1]
b
Explain why this benefit helps beginners understand electric current. [1]
c
Compare the water pipe model with the real behaviour of electric current, focusing on the flow of charged particles. [2]
Solutions
22QuestionBuilding and Testing Simple CircuitsAssessment Practice
7 marks~11 minCriterion D
A school tested two bulbs in a simple circuit using a battery, wires, and a bulb holder. A light sensor measured brightness and a thermometer measured heat produced near each bulb.
| Incandescent bulb | Brightness = 450 lux | Temperature rise = 15°C |
|---|---|---|
| LED bulb | Brightness = 480 lux | Temperature rise = 2°C |
a
State which bulb is more energy-efficient. Use one value from the data to support your answer. [1]
b
Explain one environmental problem caused by throwing away the old incandescent bulbs, even though they still work. [2]
c
The school must choose between keeping the working incandescent bulbs or switching to LEDs. Compare the environmental costs and benefits of this decision. [4]
Solutions
23QuestionBuilding and Testing Simple CircuitsAssessment Practice
8 marks~12 minCriterion B
A student tests three circuits using identical bulbs and a 6 V battery. Bulb brightness is rated 1 (very dim) to 10 (very bright).
Circuit A: 1 bulb in series — brightness 10
Circuit B: 2 bulbs in series — brightness of each bulb 5
Circuit C: 2 bulbs in parallel — brightness of each bulb 10
Circuit A: 1 bulb in series — brightness 10
Circuit B: 2 bulbs in series — brightness of each bulb 5
Circuit C: 2 bulbs in parallel — brightness of each bulb 10
a
Identify the pattern in bulb brightness when bulbs are added in series and when they are added in parallel. [2]
b
Estimate the brightness of each bulb in Circuit D (3 bulbs in series) and Circuit E (3 bulbs in parallel). Show your reasoning. [2]
c
Compare how adding bulbs affects the current and voltage in a series circuit and in a parallel circuit, and use this to explain the brightness results above. [4]
Solutions
24QuestionMeasuring Current and VoltageAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion C
A class measures current at three points in a series circuit — before the bulb (P1), after the bulb (P2), and at the battery (P3).
Current (A): P1 = 0.32, P2 = 0.28, P3 = 0.31
Current (A): P1 = 0.32, P2 = 0.28, P3 = 0.31
a
State the rule for current in a series circuit. [1]
b
Identify the anomalous reading and explain one possible cause. [2]
c
Compare the data with the rule you stated in (a) and decide whether the data supports the claim that current is constant throughout the circuit. [2]
Solutions