Magnets and Magnetic Fields

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Magnets and Magnetic Fields, the JAMB Physics syllabus expects you to study:

• 33. Magnets and Magnetic Fields
• (i) natural and artificial magnets;
• (ii) magnetic properties of soft iron and steel;
• (iii) methods of making magnets and demagnetization;
• (iv) concept of magnetic field;
• (v) magnetic field of a permanent magnet;
• (vi) magnetic field round a straight current carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid;
• (vii) properties of the earth’s magnetic field;
• north and south poles, magnetic meridian and angle of dip and declination;
• (viii) flux and flux density;
• (ix) variation of magnetic field intensity over the earth’s surface
• (x) applications: earth’s magnetic field in navigation and mineral exploration.

Study notes & guidance

Study Magnets and Magnetic Fields using a recommended Physics textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in Physics, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying Magnets and Magnetic Fields, you should be able to:

1. Give examples of natural and artificial magnets;
2. Differentiate between the magnetic properties of soft iron and steel;
3. Identify the various methods of making magnets and demagnetizing magnets;
4. Describe how to keep a magnet from losing its magnetism;
5. Determine the flux pattern of an isolated magnet;
6. Determine the flux pattern exhibited when two magnets are placed together pole to pole;
7. Determine the flux of a current carrying conductor, circular wire and solenoid including the polarity of the solenoid;
8. Determine the flux pattern of a magnet placed in the earth’s magnetic fields;
9. Identify the magnetic elements of the earth’s flux;
10. Determine the variation of earth’s magnetic field on the earth’s surface;
11. Examine the applications of the earth’s magnetic field.

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Source: official JAMB UTME Physics syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.