Magnets and Magnetic Fields: JAMB Physics Questions, Answers & Notes

What Magnets and Magnetic Fields covers in the JAMB Physics syllabus

Like magnetic poles repel and unlike poles attract; poles always occur in north–south pairs (cutting a magnet gives two complete magnets). A magnetic field is the region of magnetic influence, with field lines running north to south outside the magnet. Soft iron magnetises and demagnetises easily (good for temporary magnets and electromagnet cores); steel retains magnetism (permanent magnets). An electromagnet uses a current in a coil around soft iron, and is stronger with more turns, larger current and a soft-iron core. The domain theory explains magnetism as aligned atomic magnets. The Earth acts as a giant magnet, giving the compass its direction.

For Magnets and Magnetic Fields, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• State the laws of magnetic poles and describe magnetic fields
• Distinguish temporary and permanent magnets and make electromagnets
• Explain the domain theory, the Earth's magnetism and methods of magnetisation

Key facts & revision notes: Magnets and Magnetic Fields

These are the recurring points our Magnets and Magnetic Fields questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• Like poles (N–N or S–S) repel; unlike poles attract.
• A magnetic field is the region around a magnet where a magnetic force acts.
• Outside a magnet, field lines run from the north pole to the south pole.
• Iron (a ferromagnetic material) is strongly attracted by magnets.
• A freely suspended magnet aligns north–south (the basis of the compass).
• Soft iron is easily magnetised and demagnetised, so it makes a good temporary magnet.
• Steel retains its magnetism, making it suitable for permanent magnets.
• An electromagnet is produced by the magnetic effect of a current in a coil around soft iron.
• More turns, a larger current and a soft-iron core all increase an electromagnet's strength.
• Rough handling (hammering) or strong heating disturbs the aligned domains, demagnetising the magnet.
• Soft-iron keepers across the poles preserve magnetism by providing a closed path for the field.
• In a magnetised material the magnetic domains are aligned; in an unmagnetised one they point randomly.
• The angle of dip (inclination) is between the Earth's magnetic field and the horizontal.
• A magnetic compass uses a freely pivoting magnetised needle to indicate direction.
• Steel can be magnetised by stroking with a magnet or placing it in a coil carrying current.
• Soft iron magnetises strongly when current flows and loses it when the current stops — ideal for electromagnets.
• Magnetic poles always come in north–south pairs; a single isolated pole has never been found.
• Cutting a magnet produces two smaller complete magnets, each with a north and south pole.
• The Earth's magnetic 'south' lies near the geographic north, which is why a compass north points north.
• Electromagnets are used in electric bells, relays, loudspeakers and cranes that lift scrap iron.
• Closely spaced lines indicate a strong field.
• Field lines cannot cross.
• Iron is a ferromagnetic (magnetic) material.
• It lines up with the Earth's magnetic field.

Worked examples

Three Magnets and Magnetic Fields questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Magnets and Magnetic Fields is tested in JAMB Physics

Our Magnets and Magnetic Fields bank holds 40 questions (9 easy, 24 medium, 7 hard). JAMB Physics typically returns to Magnets and Magnetic Fields year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Magnets and Magnetic Fields questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Magnets and Magnetic Fields. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one Physics item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Magnets and Magnetic Fields is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Magnets and Magnetic Fields

The errors that cost marks on Magnets and Magnetic Fields are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Magnets and Magnetic Fields actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Magnets and Magnetic Fields part of the JAMB Physics syllabus?

Yes. Magnets and Magnetic Fields is a recognised topic in the JAMB Physics syllabus, covering state the laws of magnetic poles and describe magnetic fields. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Magnets and Magnetic Fields questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 40 original, JAMB-standard Magnets and Magnetic Fields questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Magnets and Magnetic Fields?

Like magnetic poles repel and unlike poles attract; poles always occur in north–south pairs (cutting a magnet gives two complete magnets). A magnetic field is the region of magnetic influence, with field lines running north to south outside the magnet. Soft iron magnetises and demagnetises easily (g…

How do I answer Magnets and Magnetic Fields questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Magnets and Magnetic Fields. Practising timed Magnets and Magnetic Fields questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB Physics Magnets and Magnetic Fields questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Magnets and Magnetic Fields questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Magnets and Magnetic Fields practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME Physics syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.