Distinguish magnetic materials from other metals and insulators
Classify stated examples from their magnetic response and keep conductivity separate from magnetism.
Section 4.1 · Simple phenomena of magnetism
Exam scope and assessment notes
Core and Extended · Physics 0972, 2026–2028. Follow the selected magnetism or charge section. Field lines are explanatory models, not material threads or measured force values. Written practice is self-checked. Human subject-teacher review, supervised practical competence and cumulative assessment remain pending. Cambridge states that IGCSE 0972 has the same subject content as IGCSE 0625, with 9–1 grading. This StudyForA pathway maps the 2026–2028 syllabus only. This 9–1 graded qualification is available only in a limited number of administrative zones. Confirm that your centre can enter you for this code and exam series with Cambridge International. Cambridge has published a separate syllabus for 2029. StudyForA has not reconciled that version yet; this page supports exams in 2026, 2027 and 2028 only.
Before you begin
- Describe attraction to magnetic material.
- Use controlled observations to classify samples.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Which observation supports the simple magnetic-material classification?
What you will learn
- Give typical magnetic and non-magnetic examples.
- Explain why being a metal or electrical conductor is not a magnetic classification.
Use representative materials
Iron, steel, nickel and cobalt are familiar magnetic materials in the school model. Copper and aluminium are typical non-magnetic metals for this classification. Wood, glass and plastic also do not show the ordinary strong attraction used to identify magnetic material.
The school classification concerns the readily observable magnetic behaviour of the stated sample. It is not a claim that every substance has exactly zero response to every possible magnetic field. Alloys and composition can change behaviour, so a label such as 'metal' or 'stainless steel' alone is not enough for every unknown sample.
Separate two physical properties
Copper conducts electricity well but is not strongly attracted like iron in the simple magnet test. Plastic is typically both an electrical insulator and non-magnetic, but this does not make the two categories the same property. Ask separately about magnetic response and charge movement.
Use a freely responsive sample and a known magnet, keeping distance and mounting comparable. A heavy clamped object may not visibly move even if it experiences a force. Record the observation and its limits rather than classifying from colour or an unresponsive mounting.
Pause and explain
Which listed pair consists of typical non-magnetic metals?
Worked example
Classify iron, copper and plastic for ordinary strong attraction to a bar magnet.
Show the worked solution
- Iron is a magnetic material.
- Copper is a typical non-magnetic metal.
- Plastic is non-magnetic in this model.
Answer Iron magnetic; copper and plastic non-magnetic in the stated school classification.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Name two typical magnetic materials and two non-magnetic metals.
Give me a hint
Use the stated school examples rather than all-metal reasoning.
Compare my reasoning
- Iron and nickel are magnetic examples.
- Copper and aluminium are non-magnetic metals.
- The categories describe magnetic response.
Iron and nickel; copper and aluminium.
Look for these in your work
- Include both categories.
- Do not claim all metals behave alike.
Copper carries charge in a test circuit but shows no ordinary strong magnet attraction. Are these observations inconsistent?
Give me a hint
Compare the two independently tested properties.
Compare my reasoning
- Electrical conduction concerns charge movement.
- Magnetic attraction concerns magnetic response.
- Copper can conduct while being non-magnetic in the school model.
No; conductivity and magnetic classification are different properties.
Look for these in your work
- Name both properties.
- Use the copper example.
An unknown alloy is called metal. Can its magnetic response be determined from that word alone?
Give me a hint
Check composition or an appropriate controlled observation.
Compare my reasoning
- Both magnetic and non-magnetic metals exist.
- An alloy's composition affects its response.
- The word metal alone does not decide.
No; composition or magnetic-test evidence is needed.
Look for these in your work
- Give the reason.
- State the missing evidence.
Common mistakes
- Not all metals are magnetic.
- Conductivity is a separate property.
- Composition and mounting affect interpretation.
What can you explain now?
Does being an electrical conductor guarantee ordinary strong magnetic attraction?
Compare with the explanation
No.
Copper is a standard counterexample: conducting but non-magnetic in this school classification.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
Classify representative materials and separate magnetic response from electrical conduction.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.