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Electricity and Magnetism — Free MYP3 Sciences Practice Questions
1QuestionAdvantages and Disadvantages of Each TypeConcept Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion B
A student builds a series circuit with a battery and identical bulbs. She adds bulbs one at a time and records the total current in the circuit after each addition. Her results are given below:
| Number of bulbs | Total current (A) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.50 |
| 2 | 0.25 |
| 3 | 0.17 |
| 4 | 0.13 |
| 5 | 0.10 |
| 6 | 0.08 |
a
Describe the trend in total current as the number of bulbs increases. [1]
b
Explain why adding bulbs in series produces this trend. Use the terms resistance and current in your answer. [1]
c
The battery voltage stays constant throughout. Using , justify why the current reaches nearly zero as many bulbs are added. [1]
Solutions
2QuestionAdvantages and Disadvantages of Each TypeConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram shows a series circuit containing a battery, a switch, and two bulbs. The components are labeled A, B, and C.
a
Identify the component that controls the flow of current. [1]
b
Explain how this component controls the flow of current in the circuit. [1]
Solutions
3QuestionTesting Materials for ConductivityConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion B
The diagram shows a simple circuit with a battery, a bulb, and a gap where a material can be inserted.
Explain the procedure you would follow to determine whether a paperclip conducts electricity using this circuit. [2]
Explain the procedure you would follow to determine whether a paperclip conducts electricity using this circuit. [2]
Solutions
4QuestionElectrical Safety and InsulationConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
Electrical wires in homes are coated with a layer of plastic insulation.
a
Identify the specific type of plastic commonly used to insulate household electrical wires. [1]
b
Explain one consequence that could occur if this insulation became damaged. [1]
Solutions
5QuestionDrawing Magnetic Field LinesConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
A bar magnet has its north (N) and south (S) poles labelled. A compass is placed near the north pole, with its needle initially pointing east–west.
a
State the direction in which the compass needle points when placed near the north pole of the magnet. [1]
b
Explain why the compass needle points in this direction, referring to the direction of magnetic field lines outside a bar magnet. [1]
Solutions
6QuestionFactors Affecting Electromagnet StrengthConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion B
An electromagnet is made by wrapping wire around an iron nail and connecting it to a battery. In Setup A, the wire is wrapped 10 times. In Setup B, the same wire and battery are used, but the wire is wrapped 20 times.
Describe the pattern in the strength of the magnetic field as the number of coils in the electromagnet is increased. [2]
Describe the pattern in the strength of the magnetic field as the number of coils in the electromagnet is increased. [2]
Solutions
7QuestionComparing Magnets and ElectromagnetsConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram below shows a simple electromagnet.
a
Identify the component that becomes magnetised when electric current flows through the coil. [1]
b
Explain why this component loses its magnetism when the current is switched off. [1]
Solutions
8QuestionAttraction and Repulsion of ChargesConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram shows two balloons suspended from strings. Balloon X has a positive charge, and the two balloons attract one another.
a
State the charge of balloon Y. [1]
b
Explain how the behaviour of the balloons supports your answer to part (a). [1]
Solutions
9QuestionBuilding and Testing Simple CircuitsConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion B
A student investigates how the number of cells connected in series affects the brightness of a bulb. She tests circuits with 1, 2, and 3 cells, keeping the same bulb, wires, and circuit layout throughout.
a
Identify the independent variable and the dependent variable in this investigation. [1]
b
Identify one controlled variable and explain why keeping it constant makes this a fair test. [1]
Solutions
10QuestionAdvantages and Disadvantages of Each TypeAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion D
A homeowner wants to wire three identical living room lamps, each with resistance , either all in series or all in parallel across a 12 V supply.
a
Compare how the brightness of each lamp differs between the two configurations when all three lamps are working. [2]
b
Explain what happens to the remaining lamps if one bulb fails (breaks) in each configuration. [1]
c
The series option uses less wire and costs less to install. Evaluate whether this cost saving justifies choosing series wiring for a living room. [2]
Solutions
11QuestionAdvantages and Disadvantages of Each TypeAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion C
A student claims: "Parallel circuits always make bulbs brighter than series circuits."
Three identical bulbs (each rated at 6 V, 0.5 A) are connected to a 6 V battery in two configurations. Brightness is measured in arbitrary units (higher = brighter).
Series circuit — Bulb 1: 30, Bulb 2: 30, Bulb 3: 30
Parallel circuit — Bulb 1: 60, Bulb 2: 60, Bulb 3: 60
Three identical bulbs (each rated at 6 V, 0.5 A) are connected to a 6 V battery in two configurations. Brightness is measured in arbitrary units (higher = brighter).
Series circuit — Bulb 1: 30, Bulb 2: 30, Bulb 3: 30
Parallel circuit — Bulb 1: 60, Bulb 2: 60, Bulb 3: 60
a
Calculate the total brightness for each circuit configuration. [2]
b
Explain why the bulbs in the parallel circuit are brighter than those in the series circuit, referring to voltage and current in each type. [2]
c
Analyse the data to decide whether the student's claim is fully supported. Include one real-world factor that could affect the result. [2]
Solutions
12QuestionElectrical Safety and InsulationAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion D
A person stands on a rubber mat and holds a wooden ladder while replacing a lightbulb connected to mains electricity. The person does not receive an electric shock.
a
Identify the type of electrical material that both wood and rubber are. [1]
b
Explain what this type of material does to electric current. [1]
c
A second person suggests replacing the rubber mat with a thin plastic sheet and the wooden ladder with a metal one. Analyse how these changes would affect the electrical safety of the person replacing the lightbulb. [2]
Solutions
13QuestionTesting Materials for ConductivityAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion C
A student builds a simple circuit with a battery, a bulb, and a gap. When a metal paperclip is placed in the gap, the bulb lights up. When a plastic straw is placed in the gap, the bulb does not light up.
a
Identify whether the metal paperclip and the plastic straw are conductors or insulators. [1]
b
Explain why the metal paperclip allows electric current to flow through it. In your answer, refer to free electrons. [2]
c
A student claims: "The plastic straw stops the current because it absorbs the electrons." Using your knowledge of atomic structure, explain why this claim is incorrect. [1]
Solutions
14QuestionDrawing Magnetic Field LinesAssessment Practice
8 marks~12 minCriterion D
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses strong magnetic fields to produce detailed images of soft tissues such as the brain, muscles, and organs — without using X-rays. MRI machines cost millions of dollars, require specially trained staff, and cannot be used by patients with metal implants or severe claustrophobia. In many low-income countries, only one or two MRI machines serve the entire population.
a
Describe one benefit of MRI for medical diagnosis. [1]
b
Explain one societal concern associated with the limited availability of MRI machines. [2]
c
A hospital records the following data on MRI usage and patient outcomes over one year:
Patients correctly diagnosed using MRI: 840 out of 1000
Patients who could not use MRI due to metal implants or claustrophobia: 160 out of 1000
Average cost per MRI scan: 1200 dollars
Average cost per X-ray scan: 80 dollars
Using the data, analyse whether MRI is a worthwhile technology for this hospital. In your answer, refer to both the diagnosis rate and the cost difference. [5]
Patients correctly diagnosed using MRI: 840 out of 1000
Patients who could not use MRI due to metal implants or claustrophobia: 160 out of 1000
Average cost per MRI scan: 1200 dollars
Average cost per X-ray scan: 80 dollars
Using the data, analyse whether MRI is a worthwhile technology for this hospital. In your answer, refer to both the diagnosis rate and the cost difference. [5]
Solutions
15QuestionEarth Magnetic Field IntroductoryAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion B
The table below shows the magnetic declination — the angle between true north and magnetic north — for three cities.
| City | London | Tokyo | Sydney |
|---|---|---|---|
| Declination (degrees east) |
a
Describe what magnetic declination tells you about the direction a compass needle points at a given location. [1]
b
Explain why a compass needle does not point to true north at every location on Earth. In your answer, use the terms magnetic north, true north, and magnetic field lines, and refer to at least two cities from the table. [2]
c
Analyse the data to identify a pattern in the declination values and propose one scientific reason for this variation. [2]
Solutions
16QuestionMagnetic Poles and Their InteractionAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion C
The diagram shows iron filings arranged around a bar magnet, with three compasses at positions A, B, and C. At position A (near the north pole), the needle points away from the north pole. At position B (near the south pole), the needle points toward the south pole. At position C, the needle points clockwise from the direction of the magnetic field line at that location.
a
State the direction of magnetic field lines outside a bar magnet. [1]
b
Explain whether the compass readings at positions A and B are consistent with the expected magnetic field pattern. [2]
c
Calculate the angle difference between the expected and observed compass directions at position C, and analyse whether this reading is consistent with the magnetic field pattern shown by the iron filings. [2]
Solutions
17QuestionMagnetic Relays and Electromagnetic DevicesAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion D
A manufacturer claims a magnetic relay operates reliably when the current through its coil exceeds . A technician tests the relay at four current levels, recording successful switch cycles out of 1000 trials.
| Current (A) | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Successful cycles | 420 | 950 | 985 | 992 |
a
Calculate the percentage of successful cycles at each current level. [2]
b
Explain what the result at shows about relay performance below . [1]
c
Analyse the full set of results and evaluate whether the experimental data supports the manufacturer's claim. [2]
Solutions
18QuestionMaking an ElectromagnetAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion C
Students investigate how the number of turns of wire around an iron nail affects the strength of an electromagnet. The same nail, battery, and wire are used throughout. Paperclips picked up measure the electromagnet's strength.
| Number of turns | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of paperclips | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 |
a
Calculate the number of paperclips picked up for every 10 turns of wire. [1]
b
Explain why increasing the number of turns increases the strength of the electromagnet. [2]
c
A student predicts that 50 turns will pick up 20 paperclips. Analyse the data and the scientific reasoning to justify whether this prediction is correct. [3]
Solutions
19QuestionAttraction and Repulsion of ChargesAssessment Practice
10 marks~15 minCriterion D
A factory uses an electrostatic precipitator to reduce air pollution. Smoke passes between positively charged metal plates. Particles gain a negative charge and are then pulled toward a collection area, where they are removed from the gas stream.
a
Describe how opposite charges cause smoke particles to move toward the collection plates. [2]
b
Explain two environmental benefits of using this device in a factory. [4]
c
A factory manager claims the precipitator is always the best solution for reducing industrial air pollution. Using your knowledge of the device's limitations and societal impacts, analyse whether this claim is fully justified. [4]
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Solutions
20QuestionComparing Static and Current ElectricityAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion B
A student rubs three materials with a cloth and records the charge gained and the maximum distance at which each material attracts small pieces of paper.
| Charge magnitude (nC) | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum attraction distance (cm) | 2 | 3 | 4 |
a
Describe the pattern shown in the data. [1]
b
Explain why a larger charge produces a stronger attractive force on the paper pieces. [2]
c
A rubber balloon gains a charge of when rubbed. Using the pattern in the data, calculate the maximum attraction distance for the balloon. Justify whether this prediction is reliable. [3]
Solutions
21QuestionDefinition of Static ElectricityAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion C
Students rub a balloon with a wool cloth and record how many small paper pieces the balloon picks up after each trial.
Rubbing force — paper pieces picked up:
Light: 12
Medium: 25
Hard: 18
The students conclude: "Rubbing harder always transfers more charge to the balloon."
Rubbing force — paper pieces picked up:
Light: 12
Medium: 25
Hard: 18
The students conclude: "Rubbing harder always transfers more charge to the balloon."
a
State what the number of paper pieces picked up indicates about the balloon. [1]
b
Explain why the data from the light and medium trials supports the students' claim. [2]
c
Analyse the full dataset and evaluate whether the students' claim is valid. Identify one possible source of error that could have affected the results. [2]
Solutions
22QuestionBuilding and Testing Simple CircuitsAssessment Practice
8 marks~12 minCriterion D
A school science lab uses copper wires in its circuits. The budget committee proposes switching to aluminium wires, which are cheaper and lighter but have higher resistance. Copper mining produces significant CO2 emissions; aluminium recycling requires more energy than copper recycling.
a
Explain how replacing copper with aluminium wires would affect the heating of the wires at the same current. Use the formula in your answer. [3]
b
Explain one ethical trade-off the school must consider when choosing between copper and aluminium wires. [2]
c
Analyse the environmental impact of this proposal, considering both mining and recycling. Identify one limitation of your analysis. [3]
Solutions
23QuestionComponents of a Simple CircuitAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion C
The diagram shows a simple circuit with a battery, two connecting wires, a bulb, and a switch. The switch is open and the bulb is off.
a
State what an open switch does to the circuit pathway. [1]
b
Explain why the bulb does not light up when the switch is open. [2]
c
A student claims that closing the switch will make the bulb light up only if the wires are made of metal. Assess whether this claim is correct, and justify your answer using your knowledge of conductors and circuit operation. [1]
Solutions
24QuestionComponents of a Simple CircuitAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion A
A student connects identical bulbs in parallel to a battery and records the following results.
| Number of bulbs | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current through each bulb (A) | 0.30 | 0.30 | 0.30 |
| Total current from battery (A) | 0.30 | 0.60 | 0.90 |
a
Describe the pattern shown in the data for the current through each bulb and for the total current from the battery. [2]
b
Explain why each bulb receives the same current regardless of how many bulbs are connected in parallel. [2]
c
A fourth identical bulb is added in parallel. Calculate the new total current from the battery, and analyse what effect this has on the brightness of each bulb. [2]
Solutions