UNIT - III

MAGNETISM

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 FOURTEEN YEARS BOARD PROBLEMS

CBSE 2023

1. Beams of electrons and protons move parallel to each other in the same direction. They
(a) attract each other.
(b) repel each other.
(c) neither attract nor repel.
(d) force of attraction or repulsion depends upon speed of beams.
2. A long straight wire of radius 'a' carries a steady current 'I'.The current is uniformly
distributed across its area of cross-section. The ratio of magnitude of magnetic field
B1 at a/2 B2 at distance 2a is
(a) 1/2 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 4
3.
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the
correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is NOT the correct
explanation of Assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true and Reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false and Reason (R) is also false.
Assertion (A) :Diamagnetic substances exhibit magnetism.
Reason (R) : Diamagnetic materials do not have permanent magnetic dipole
moment.
4. Briefly explain why and how a galvanometer is converted into an ammeter.

CBSE 2022

1. Two wires carrying currents I1 and I2 lie, one slightly above the other, in a
horizontal plane as shown in figure. The region of vertically upward strongest
magnetic field is

(a) I (b) II
(c) III (d) IV

2. Two parallel conductors carrying current of 4.0 A and 10.0 A are placed 2.5 cm apart in vacuum. The
force per unit length between them is –
(a) 6.4 X 10–5 N/m (b) 6.4 X 10–2 N/m
–4
(c) 4.6 X 10 N/m (d) 3.2 X 10–4 N/m
3. If an ammeter is to be used in place of a voltmeter, then we must connect with the ammeter a –
(a) Low resistance in parallel
(b) Low resistance in series
(c) High resistance in parallel
(d) High resistance in series

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4. The magnetic field at the centre of a current carrying circular loop of radius R is B1. The magnetic field
at a point on its axis at a distance R from the centre of the loop is B2. Then the ratio (B1 / B2) is
(a) √ (b)
√
(c) √ (d) 2
5. A current carrying wire kept in a uniform magnetic field, will experience a maximum force when it is
(a) Perpendicular to the magnetic field
(b) Parallel to the magnetic field
(c) At an angle of 45o to the magnetic field
(d) At an angle of 60o to the magnetic field
6. The horizontal component of earth's magnetic field at a place is 0.2 G whereas it's total magnetic field is
0.4 G. The angle of dip at the place is
(a) 30o (b) 45o
(c) 60o (d) 90o
7. A straight conducting rod of length l and mass m is suspended in a horizontal plane by a pair of flexible
strings in a magnetic field of magnitude B. To remove the tension in the supporting strings, the
magnitude of the current in the wire is
(a) (b)

(c) (d)

8. A proton and an alpha particle move in circular orbits in a uniform magnetic field. Their speeds are in
the ratio of 9 : 4. The ratio of radii of their circular orbits ( ) is

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

9. Which of the following statements is correct?

(a) Magnetic field lines do not form closed loops
(b) Magnetic field lines start from north pole and end at south pole of a magnet
(c) The tangent at a point on a magnetic field line represents the direction of the magnetic field at
that point
(d) Two magnetic field lines may intersect each other
10. A bar magnet has magnetic dipole moment ⃗⃗⃗⃗ . Its initial position is parallel to the direction of uniform
magnetic field ⃗⃗⃗ . In this position, the magnitudes of torque and force acting on it respectively are –
(a) 0 and MB (b) MB and MB
(c) 0 and 0 (d) |⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗ | and 0

Two statements are given-one labelled Assertion (A) and the other labelled Reason (R). Select the
correct answer to these questions from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) as given below.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true and R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false and R is also false

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11. Assertion (A) : The poles of a bar magnet cannot be separated.
Reason (R) : Magnetic monopoles do not exist.
12. Assertion (A) : When radius of a current carrying loop is doubled, its magnetic moment becomes four
times.
Reason (R) : The magnetic moment of a current carrying loop is directly proportional to the area of the
loop.
13. Assertion (A) : Higher the range, lower is the resistance of an ammeter.
Reason (R) : To increase the range of an ammeter additional shunt is added in series to it.

CBSE 2020
1. The magnetic dipole moment of a current carrying coil does not depend upon
(A) number of turns of the coil.
(B) cross-sectional area of the coil.
(C) current flowing in the coil.
(D) material of the coil.
2. The magnetic field lines are _________ by a paramagnetic substance.
3. The magnetic field lines are ___________ by a diamagnetic substance.
4. The magnetic field and angle of dip at a place on the earth are 0·3 G and 30o , respectively. The value of
vertical component of the earth‟s magnetic field at the place is ___________
5. Two long straight parallel wires A and B separated by a distance d, carry equal current I flowing in same
direction as shown in the figure.

(a) Find the magnetic field at a point P situated between them at a distance x from one wire.
(b) Show graphically the variation of the magnetic field with distance x for 0 < x < d.

6.
(a) Write an expression of magnetic moment associated with a current (I) carrying circular coil of
radius r having N turns.
(b) Consider the above mentioned coil placed in YZ plane with its centre at the origin. Derive
expression for the value of magnetic field due to it at point (x, 0, 0).

7.
(a) Define current sensitivity of a galvanometer. Write its expression.
(b) A galvanometer has resistance G and shows full scale deflection for current Ig.
(i) How can it be converted into an ammeter to measure current up to I0 (I0 > Ig) ?
(ii) What is the effective resistance of this ammeter ?

8.
(a) Derive the expression for the torque acting on the rectangular current carrying coil of a
galvanometer. Why is the magnetic field made radial ?
(b) An -particle is accelerated through a potential difference of 10 kV and moves along x-axis.
It enters in a region of uniform magnetic field B = 2  10–3 T acting along y-axis. Find the
radius of its path. (Take mass of -particle = 6·4  10–27 kg )

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 CBSE 2019

1. A proton is accelerated through a potential difference V, subjected to a uniform magnetic field acting
normal to the velocity of the proton. If the potential difference is doubled, how will the radius of the
circular path described by the proton in the magnetic field change ? (1)
2. When a charge q is moving in the presence of electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields which are
perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the velocity v of the particle, write the relation
expressing v in terms of E and B. (1)
3. The magnetic susceptibility of magnesium at 300 K is 1·2 X 105. At what temperature will its magnetic
susceptibility become 1·44 X 105 ? (1)
OR
The magnetic susceptibility of a given material is – 0·5. Identify the magnetic material. (1)

4. A long straight wire AB carries a current of 3 A. A proton P travels at 5 X 106 m/s parallel to the wire
0·3 m from it and in a direction opposite to the current as shown in the figure. Calculate the force which
the magnetic field due to the current carrying wire exerts on the proton. Also give its direction. (2)

5. A particle of charge q and mass m is moving with velocity ⃗⃗ in the positive x-direction.
(a) It is subjected to a uniform magnetic field B directed along negative z-direction. Explain briefly the
trajectory it would describe.
(b) When the particle is subjected simultaneously to both the magnetic and electric fields directed
along the z-axis and y-axis respectively, obtain the condition when the particle will go undeflected.
(3)
6.
(a) Briefly explain how a galvanometer is converted into an ammeter.
(b) A galvanometer coil has a resistance of 15 ohm and it shows full scale deflection for a current of
4 mA. Convert it into an ammeter of range 0 to 6 A. (3)
OR
(a) Briefly explain how a galvanometer is converted into a voltmeter.
(b) A voltmeter of a certain range is constructed by connecting a resistance of 980 ohm in series with a
galvanometer. When the resistance of 470 ohm is connected in series, the range gets halved. Find
the resistance of the galvanometer. (3)
7. Draw a labelled diagram of cyclotron. Explain its working principle. Show that cyclotron frequency is
independent of the speed and radius of the orbit. (3)
OR
(a) Derive, with the help of a diagram, the expression for the magnetic field inside a very long solenoid
having n turns per unit length carrying a current I.
(b) How is a toroid different from a solenoid ? (3)
8. Prove that the magnetic moment of the electron revolving around a nucleus in an orbit of radius r with
orbital speed v is equal to evr/2. Hence using Bohr‟s postulate of quantization of angular momentum,
deduce the expression for the magnetic moment of hydrogen atom in the ground state. (3)

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 CBSE 2018
1. A proton and an electron travelling along parallel paths enter a region of uniform magnetic
field, acting perpendicular to their paths. Which of them will move in a circular path with
higher frequency ? (1)
2. A bar magnet of magnetic moment 6 J/T is aligned at 600 with a uniform external magnetic field of
0·44 T. Calculate (a) the work done in turning the magnet to align its magnetic moment (i) normal to the
magnetic field, (ii) opposite to the magnetic field, and (b) the torque on the magnet in the final
orientation in case (ii). (3)
3. (a) An iron ring of relative permeability has windings of insulated copper wire of n turns per metre.
When the current in the windings is I, find the expression for the magnetic field in the ring.
(b) The susceptibility of a magnetic material is 0·9853. Identify the type of magnetic material. Draw the
modification of the field pattern on keeping a piece of this material in a uniform magnetic field. (3)

CBSE 2017

1. Write two properties of a material suitable for making

(a) a permanent magnet, and
(b) an electromagnet.
2. (a) State Biot – Savart law and express this law in the vector form.
(b) Two identical circular coils, P and Q each of radius R, carrying currents 1A and √ A
respectively, are placed concentrically and perpendicular to each other lying in the XY and YZ
planes. Find the magnitude and direction of the net magnetic field at the centre of the coils.

CBSE 2016

1. What can be the cause of helical motion of a charged particle ?

2. State Ampere's circuital law. Use this law to find magnetic field due to straight infinite current
carrying wire. How are the magnetic field lines different from the electrostatic field lines ?
OR
State the principle of a cyclotron. Show that the time period of revolution of particles in a cyclotron is
independent of their speeds. Why is this property necessary for the operation of a cyclotron ?

CBSE 2015

1. Deduce the expression for the torque ⃗⃗ acting on a planar loop of area ⃗⃗⃗ and carrying current I placed in
a uniform magnetic field ⃗⃗⃗ .If the loop is free to rotate, what would be its orientation in stable
equilibrium ?
2. A cyclotron‟s oscillator frequency is 10 MHz What should be the operating magnetic field for
accelerating protons ? If the radius of its „Dees‟ is 60 cm, calculate the kinetic energy (in MeV) of the
proton beam produced by the accelerator.
3. A closely wound solenoid of 2000 turns and cross sectional area 1.6 × 10–4 m2 carrying a current of
4.0 A is suspended through its centre allowing it to turn in a horizontal plane. Find (i) the magnetic
moment associated with the solenoid, (ii) magnitude and direction of the torque on the solenoid if a
horizontal magnetic field of 7.5 × 10–2 T is set up at an angle of 30° with the axis of the solenoid.
4. (a) Why is the magnetic field radial in a moving coil galvanometer ? Explain how it is achieved.

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 (b) A galvanometer of resistance „G‟ can be converted into a voltmeter of range (0-V) volts by
connecting a resistance „R‟ in series with it. How much resistance will be required to change its range
from 0 to V/2 ?
5. A square loop of side 20 cm carrying current of 1A is kept near an infinite long straight wire carrying a
current of 2A in the same plane as shown in the figure. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the net
force exerted on the loop due to the current carrying conductor.

OR
A square shaped plane coil of area 100 cm2 of 200 turns carries a steady current of 5A. It is placed in
a uniform magnetic field of 0.2 T acting perpendicular to the plane of the coil. Calculate the torque
on the coil when its plane makes an angle of 60° with the direction of the field. In which orientation
will the coil be in stable equilibrium ?

CBSE 2014

1. Using the concept of force between two infinitely long parallel current carrying conductors, define one
ampere of current.
2. Show diagrammatically the behaviour of magnetic field lines in the presence of
(i) paramagnetic and
(ii) diamagnetic substances. How does one explain this distinguishing feature?
3. (a) Deduce an expression for the frequency of revolution of a charged particle in a magnetic field and
show that it is independent of velocity or energy of the particle.
(b) Draw a schematic sketch of a cyclotron. Explain, giving the essential details of its construction, how it is
used to accelerate the charged particles.
OR
(a) Draw a labelled diagram of a moving coil galvanometer. Describe briefly its principle and
working.
(b) Answer the following:
(i) Why is it necessary to introduce a cylindrical soft iron core inside the coil of a
galvanometer?
(ii) Increasing the current sensitivity of a galvanometer may not necessarily increase its
voltage sensitivity. Explain, giving reason.
4. Write the expression, in a vector form, for the Lorentz magnetic force ⃗⃗ due to a charge moving with
velocity ⃗⃗ in a magnetic field ⃗⃗⃗ . What is the direction of the magnetic force?
5. Out of the two magnetic materials, „A‟ has relative permeability slightly greater than unity while „B‟ has
less than unity. Identify the nature of the materials „A‟ and „B‟. Will their susceptibilities be positive or
negative?
6. (a) State Ampere‟s circuital law, expressing it in the integral form.
(b) Two long coaxial insulated solenoids, S1 and S2 of equal lengths are wound one over the other as shown
in the figure. A steady current “I” flow through the inner solenoid S1 to the other end B, which is
connected to the outer solenoid S2 through which the same current “I” flows in the opposite direction
so as to come out at end A. If n1 and n2 are the number of turns per unit length, find the magnitude

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 and direction of the net magnetic field at a point (i) inside on the axis and (ii) outside the combined
system.

CBSE 2013

1. (a) Using Biot-Savart‟s law, derive the expression for the magnetic field in the vector form at a point on
the axis of a circular current loop.
(b) What does a toroid consist of ? Find out the expression for the magnetic field inside a toroid for N
turns of the coil having the average radius r and carrying a current I. Show that the magnetic field in the
open space inside and exterior to the toroid is zero.
OR
(a) Draw a schematic sketch of a cyclotron. Explain clearly the role of crossed electric and magnetic
field in accelerating the charge. Hence derive the expression for the kinetic energy acquired by the
particles.
(b) An –particle and a proton are released from the centre of the cyclotron and made to accelerate.

(i) Can both be accelerated at the same cyclotron frequency? Give reason to justify your
answer.
(ii) When they are accelerated in turn, which of the two will have higher velocity at the exit
slit of the dees?
2. A wire AB is carrying a steady current of 12 A and is lying on the table. Another wire CD carrying 5A is
held directly above AB at a height of 1 mm. Find the mass per unit length of the wire CD so that it
remains suspended at its position when left free. Give the direction of the current flowing in CD with
respect to that in AB. [Take the value of g = 10 ms–2]
3. What are permanent magnets? Give one example.
4. Which of the following substances are diamagnetic?
Bi, Al, Na, Cu, Ca and Ni
5. An ammeter of resistance 0.80 W can measure current up to 1.0 A.
(i) What must be the value of shunt resistance to enable the ammeter to measure current up to
5.0 A?
(ii) What is the combined resistance of the ammeter and the shunt?
6. (a) Derive the expression for the torque on a rectangular current carrying loop suspended in a uniform
magnetic field.
(b) A proton and a deuteron having equal momenta enter in a region of uniform magnetic field at right
angle to the direction of the field. Depict their trajectories in the field.
OR
(a) A small compass needle of magnetic moment „m‟ is free to turn about an axis perpendicular to
the direction of uniform magnetic field „B‟. The moment of inertia of the needle about the axis
is „I‟. The needle is slightly disturbed from its stable position and then released. Prove that it
executes simple harmonic motion. Hence deduce the expression for its time period.

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 (b) A compass needle, free to turn in a vertical plane orients itself with its axis vertical at a certain
place on the earth. Find out the values of
(i) horizontal component of earth‟s magnetic field and
(ii) angle of dip at the place.

CBSE 2012

1. A circular coil of N turns and radius R carries a current I. It is unwound and rewound to make another
coil of radius R/2, current I remaining the same. Calculate the ratio of the magnetic moments of the new
coil and the original coil.
2. The horizontal component of the earth‟s magnetic field at a place is B and angle of dip is 60°. What is
the value of vertical component of earth‟s magnetic field at equator?
3. The susceptibility of a magnetic material is 2.6 × 10–5. Identify the type of magnetic material and state its
two properties.
4. (a) Write the expression for the force, ⃗⃗ , acting on a charged particle of charge „q‟, moving with a
velocity ⃗⃗ in the presence of both electric field ⃗⃗⃗ and magnetic field ⃗⃗⃗ . Obtain the condition under
which the particle moves undeflected through the fields.(b) A rectangular loop of size l × b carrying a
steady current I is placed in a uniform magnetic field ⃗⃗⃗ . Prove that the torque ⃗⃗ acting on the loop is
given by ⃗⃗ = ⃗⃗⃗⃗ × ⃗⃗⃗ , where ⃗⃗⃗⃗ is the magnetic moment of the loop.
OR
(a) Explain, giving reasons, the basic difference in converting a galvanometer into (i) a voltmeter
and (ii) an ammeter.
(b) Two long straight parallel conductors carrying steady current I1 and I2 are separated by a
distance „d‟. Explain briefly, with the help of a suitable diagram, how the magnetic field due to
one conductor acts on the other. Hence deduce the expression for the force acting between the
conductors. Mention the nature of this force.
5. A circular coil of „N‟ turns and diameter „d‟ carries a current „I‟. It is unwound and rewound to make
another coil of diameter „2d‟, current „I‟ remaining the same. Calculate the ratio of the magnetic
moments of the new coil and the original coil.
6. A circular coil of closely wound N turns and radius r carries a current I. Write the expressions for the
following: (i) the magnetic field at its centre (ii) the magnetic moment of this coil
7. Two identical circular wires P and Q each of radius R and carrying current „I‟ are kept in perpendicular
planes such that they have a common centre as shown in the figure. Find the magnitude and direction of
the net magnetic field at the common centre of the two coils.

8. A rectangular loop of wire of size 4 cm × 10 cm carries a steady current of 2A. A

straight long wire carrying 5A current is kept near the loop as shown. If the loop
and the wire are coplanar, find
(i) the torque acting on the loop and
(ii) the magnitude and direction of the force on the loop due to the current
carrying wire.

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9. Two identical circular loops, P and Q, each of radius r and carrying currents I and 2I respectively are
lying in parallel planes such that they have a common axis. The direction of current in both the loops is
clockwise as seen from O which is equidistant from the both loops. Find the magnitude of the net
magnetic field at point O.

CBSE 2011

1. Where on the surface of Earth is the angle of dip 90°?

2. Where on the surface of Earth is the angle of dip zero?
3. Where on the surface of Earth is the vertical component of Earth‟s magnetic field zero?
4. The permeability of a magnetic material is 0.9983. Name the type of magnetic materials it represents.
5. A magnetic needle free to rotate in a vertical plane parallel to the magnetic meridian has its north tip
down at 60° with the horizontal. The horizontal component of the earth‟s magnetic field at the place is
known at to be 0.4 G. Determine the magnitude of the earth‟s magnetic field at the place.
6. Write the expression for Lorentz magnetic force on a particle of charge „q‟ moving with velocity ⃗⃗⃗ in a
magnetic field ⃗⃗⃗ . Show that no work is done by this force on the charged particle.
OR
A steady current (I1) flows through a long straight wire. Another wire carrying steady current (I2) in the
same direction is kept close and parallel to the first wire. Show with the help of a diagram how the
magnetic field due to the current I1 exerts a magnetic force on the second wire. Write the expression
for this force.
7. (a) State the principle of the working of a moving coil galvanometer, giving its labelled diagram.
(b) “Increasing the current sensitivity of a galvanometer may not necessarily increase its voltage
sensitivity.” Justify this statement.
(c) Outline the necessary steps to convert a galvanometer of resistance RG into an ammeter of a given
range.

OR
(a) Using Ampere‟s circuital law, obtain the expression for the magnetic field due to a long solenoid at
a point inside the solenoid on its axis.
(b) In what respect is a toroid different from a solenoid? Draw and compare the pattern of the magnetic
field lines in the two cases.
(c) How is the magnetic field inside a given solenoid made strong?

8. State Biot-Savart law, giving the mathematical expression for it. Use this law to derive the expression for
the magnetic field due to a circular coil carrying current at a point along its axis. How does a circular
loop carrying current behave as a magnet?
OR
With the help of a labelled diagram, state the underlying principle of a cyclotron. Explain clearly how it
works to accelerate the charged particles. Show that cyclotron frequency is independent of energy of
the particle. Is there an upper limit on the energy acquired by the particle? Give reason.

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 CBSE 2010

1. A beam of particles projected along +x-axis, experiences a force due to a magnetic field along the +y-
axis. What is the direction of the magnetic field?

2. Deduce the expression for the magnetic dipole moment of an electron orbiting around the central
nucleus.
3. (a) With the help of a diagram, explain the principle and working of a moving coil galvanometer.
(b) What is the importance of a radial magnetic field and how is it produced
(c) Why is it that while using a moving coil galvanometer as a voltmeter a high resistance in series is
required whereas in an ammeter a shunt is used?
OR
(a) Derive an expression for the force between two long parallel current carrying conductors.
(b) Use this expression to define S. I. unit of current.
(c) A long straight wire AB carries a current I. A proton P travels with a speed v, parallel to the wire,
at a distance d from it in a direction opposite to the current as shown in the figure. What is the
force experienced by the proton and what is its direction?

4. (i) Write two characteristics of a material used for making permanent magnets.
(ii) Why is core of an electromagnet made of ferromagnetic materials?

5. Draw magnetic field lines when a (i) diamagnetic, (ii) paramagnetic substance is placed in an external
magnetic field. Which magnetic property distinguishes this behaviour of the field lines due to the two
substances?

6. Write the expression for the magnetic moment due to a planar square loop of side „l‟ carrying a steady
current I in a vector form. In the given figure this loop is placed in a horizontal plane near a long straight
conductor carrying a steady current I1 at a distance l as shown. Give reasons to explain that the loop will
experience a net force but no torque. Write the expression for this force acting on the loop.

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7. A long straight wire of a circular cross-section of radius „a‟ carries a steady current „I‟. The current is
uniformly distributed across the cross-section. Apply Ampere‟s circuital law to calculate the magnetic
field at a point „r‟ in the region for (i) r < a and (ii) r > a.

8. State the underlying principle of working of a moving coil galvanometer. Write two reasons why a
galvanometer cannot be used as such to measure current in a given circuit. Name any two factors on
which the current sensitivity of a galvanometer depends

CBSE 2009

1. An electron does not suffer any deflection while passing through a region of uniform magnetic field.
What is the direction of the magnetic field?
2. Define current sensitivity and voltage sensitivity of a galvanometer. Increasing the current sensitivity
may not necessarily increase the voltage sensitivity of a galvanometer. Justify.
3. Draw a schematic sketch of a cyclotron. Explain briefly how it works and how its is used to accelerate
the charged particles.
(i) Show that time period of ions in a cyclotron is independent of both the speed and radius of
circular path.
(ii) What is resonance condition? How is it used to accelerate the charged particles?
OR
A. Two straight long parallel conductors carry currents I1 and I2 in the same direction. Deduce the
expression for the force per unit length between them. Depict the pattern of magnetic field lines
around them.
B. A rectangular current carrying loop EFGH is kept in a uniform magnetic field as shown in the
fig.
(i) What is the direction of the magnetic moment of the current loop?
(ii) When its the torque acting on the loop (a) maximum, (b) zero?

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