Cambridge IGCSE · Physics 0625
IGCSE Physics: Electricity and magnetism — Practice Questions & Answers
Magnetism, static charge, current, voltage and resistance, circuits, electrical power, induction, transformers and the motor effect.
1110 practice questions available for this topic — here are 10 with full answers and explanations.
Start an interactive quiz on Electricity and magnetism →
Practice questions with answers
1
Multiple choice · Easy
Which of these materials is magnetic (can be attracted by a magnet)?
- Iron
- Copper
- Aluminium
- Plastic
Tap an answer to check it.
WhyIron is a magnetic material. Copper, aluminium and plastic are non-magnetic.
2
Multiple choice · Easy
What happens when the north pole of one magnet is brought close to the south pole of another magnet?
- They attract each other
- They repel each other
- Nothing happens
- They both lose their magnetism
Tap an answer to check it.
WhyUnlike poles attract; like poles repel.
3
Multiple choice · Easy
The SI unit of electric current is the:
- Ampere (A)
- Volt (V)
- Ohm
- Watt (W)
Tap an answer to check it.
WhyCurrent is measured in amperes (A). The volt measures potential difference and the ohm measures resistance.
4
Multiple choice · Easy
A circuit component used to measure the current flowing through it must be connected:
- In series with the component
- In parallel with the component
- Across the battery terminals only
- Between the two poles of a magnet
Tap an answer to check it.
WhyAn ammeter measures current and is connected in series so the same current passes through it.
5
Multiple choice · Easy
Two objects carry the same type (sign) of electric charge. They will:
- Repel each other
- Attract each other
- Have no force between them
- Always become neutral
Tap an answer to check it.
WhyLike charges repel one another; unlike charges attract.
6
Multiple choice · Easy
Which instrument is used to measure potential difference across a component?
- Voltmeter
- Ammeter
- Thermometer
- Galvanometer set to zero
Tap an answer to check it.
WhyA voltmeter measures potential difference and is connected in parallel with the component.
7
Fill in the blank · Easy
The unit of electrical resistance is the .
Answer:
ohm / ohms
WhyResistance is measured in ohms.
8
Fill in the blank · Easy
A material that allows electric current to flow through it easily is called an electrical .
Answer:
conductor
WhyConductors such as metals allow current to flow easily, unlike insulators.
9
Multiple choice · Medium
A resistor has a potential difference of 12 V across it and a current of 3 A flowing through it. What is its resistance?
- 4 ohm
- 36 ohm
- 0.25 ohm
- 9 ohm
Tap an answer to check it.
WhyUsing R = V/I = 12/3 = 4 ohm.
10
Multiple choice · Medium
A lamp is rated 60 W and operates at 240 V. What current does it draw?
Tap an answer to check it.
WhyFrom P = IV, I = P/V = 60/240 = 0.25 A.
Key terms in Electricity and magnetism
Magnet: An object that produces a magnetic field and attracts magnetic materials such as iron.
Magnetic material: A material like iron, steel, cobalt or nickel that can be attracted by a magnet and magnetised.
Non-magnetic material: A material such as copper, plastic or aluminium that is not attracted by a magnet.
North pole: The end of a magnet that points towards Earth's geographic north when the magnet is free to rotate.
South pole: The end of a magnet that points towards Earth's geographic south when the magnet is free to rotate.
Magnetic pole: A region at the end of a magnet where the magnetic force is strongest.
Law of magnetic poles: The rule that like poles repel each other while unlike poles attract each other.
Attraction: A force that pulls two objects together, such as between unlike magnetic poles.
See the full study notes and flashcards for this topic.
Practise other IGCSE Physics topics