Grade 10 · CAPS

Grade 10 Magnetism

Physical Sciences practice questions and a worked example

Grade 10 magnetism covers magnetic fields and the forces between magnets. The questions here ask you to explain what a magnetic field is, decide on the polarity of poles from field lines or from how bars attract and repel, describe how the magnetic force changes with distance, and identify ferromagnetic materials. They come from the DBE Grade 10 common Paper 1 for November 2016, 2017 and 2018, each with the answer from the marking guideline.

Worked example

9.1.1 Define the term non-contact force.

Answer & explanation

A force exerted on an object without touching the object / a force exerted on an object that is at a distance.
A non-contact force is a force that acts on an object without any physical contact. Examples include gravitational force, magnetic force, and electrostatic force. These forces can act over a distance, meaning they do not require the objects to be in direct contact. The stored answer correctly captures this concept by stating that the force is exerted without touching the object or at a distance.

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Magnetism

Question 1 of 3

The magnetic field lines between two magnetic poles of a magnet are shown in the diagram below. 9.2 What is the nature of the force between the two poles?

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More practice questions

Explore additional Grade 10 Magnetism questions.

  • 2
    9.1.2 Give another example of a non-contact force.
  • 3
    The magnetic field lines between two magnetic poles of a magnet are shown in the diagram below. 9.3 What is the polarity of pole 2? Give a reason for the answer.
  • 4
    9.1 Explain the term magnetic field.
  • 5
    Two magnets are placed so that their north poles face each other. 9.3 The graph below shows how the magnetic force varies with distance between the magnets. 9.3.1 What is the mathematical relationship between magnetic force and distance between the two magnets?

Common mistakes

  • Drawing field lines in the wrong direction. Magnetic field lines point from north to south outside the magnet.
  • Forgetting that like poles repel and unlike poles attract.
  • Saying the force increases with distance. The magnetic force decreases as the distance between the magnets increases.

More Grade 10 Physical Sciences topics

Aligned to CAPS Grade 10 Physical Sciences — Magnetism. Curriculum source: CAPS for the FET Phase, Department of Basic Education.

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