MagnetismDeep Dive

Magnetic Fields and Field Lines

Part of Magnetic Fields · GCSE GCSE Physics revision

This deep dive covers Magnetic Fields and Field Lines 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 2 of 13 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 2 of 13

Practice

14 questions

Recall

12 flashcards

🔬 Magnetic Fields and Field Lines

A magnetic field is a region in which a magnetic material experiences a force. We represent this using field lines — imaginary lines that show the direction and strength of the field.

  • Field lines go from NORTH to SOUTH pole (outside the magnet)
  • Arrows show the direction a free north pole would move
  • Closely spaced lines = stronger magnetic field
  • Lines never cross each other
  • The field is strongest at the poles (lines are closest together)

Direction of the field: A compass needle always aligns with field lines — the north end points in the direction of the field (from N to S outside the magnet).

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

Unlike poles?
Attract
Like poles?
Repel

14 questions on Magnetic Fields — practise free

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

Try PrepWise Free