MagnetismDiagram

Magnetic Field Patterns

Part of Magnetic Fields · GCSE GCSE Physics revision

This diagram covers Magnetic Field Patterns within Magnetic Fields for GCSE Physics. Revise Magnetic Fields in Magnetism for GCSE Physics with 14 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 3 of 13 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.

Topic position

Section 3 of 13

Practice

14 questions

Recall

12 flashcards

📊 Magnetic Field Patterns

Studio render of a bar magnet with N pole (warm amber) on the left and S pole (cool cyan) on the right. Glowing field lines arc from N to S, with arrowheads showing direction. Lines are denser at the poles (stronger field) and more spread in the middle (weaker field).

Figure: Magnetic field lines around a bar magnet — always N to S outside the magnet, densest at the poles.

RULES for drawing field lines:

  • Field lines go from NORTH to SOUTH (outside magnet)
  • Arrows show direction a north pole would move
  • Closer lines = STRONGER field
  • Lines never cross
  • Field strongest at the poles

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Magnetic Fields. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Magnetic Fields

What happens when two like magnetic poles (e.g. north and north) are brought close together?

  • A. They repel each other
  • B. They attract each other
  • C. One pole cancels the other out
  • D. Nothing happens
1 markfoundation

State the rules for the attraction and repulsion of magnetic poles.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Like poles?
Repel
Unlike poles?
Attract

14 questions on Magnetic Fields — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 12 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.

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