Science 5 · Unit 5: Forces and magnetism · Cambridge Primary Science Stage 5

Questions

1. 1. Can magnetic force act over a distance?

   • Yes, a magnet attracts things before they touch.
   • No, they must touch.
   • Only underwater.
   • Only in space.
   Check

2. 2. How can you tell which magnet is stronger?

   • It is heavier.
   • It attracts a paperclip from further away.
   • It is a brighter colour.
   • It is bigger.
   Check

3. 3. Why can't you use a steel ruler in the magnet strength test?

   • Steel rulers are too short.
   • Steel rulers are not accurate.
   • Steel is too heavy.
   • The steel ruler would be attracted to the magnet.
   Check

4. 4. Why use a steel paperclip with no plastic coating?

   • Steel is prettier.
   • Steel is magnetic and plastic could reduce the attraction.
   • Plastic is magnetic.
   • Coated clips are heavier.
   Check

5. 5. How do you calculate the mean of 3.2 mm, 3.4 mm and 3.0 mm?

   • add them, giving 9.6 mm
   • add them and divide by 3, giving 3.2 mm
   • take the smallest, 3.0 mm
   • take the biggest, 3.4 mm
   Check

6. 6. Magnet 1 north pole readings: 35, 28 and 30 mm. What is the mean?

   • 31 mm
   • 28 mm
   • 93 mm
   • 35 mm
   Check

7. 7. Magnet 2 north pole readings: 51, 46 and 53 mm. What is the mean?

   • 46 mm
   • 50 mm
   • 150 mm
   • 53 mm
   Check

8. 8. Magnet 1 attracts from about 30 mm and Magnet 2 from about 50 mm. Which is stronger?

   • Magnet 1
   • Magnet 2
   Check

9. 9. Why is it good practice to take each measurement more than once?

   • to make the magnet stronger
   • to use up time
   • to get more reliable results
   • because the first is always wrong
   Check

10. 10. In the magnet strength test, what is the independent variable?

    • the magnet (and which pole) used
    • the ruler
    • the distance
    • the paperclip
    Check

11. 11. In the magnet strength test, what is the dependent variable?

    • the type of ruler
    • the distance at which the paperclip is attracted
    • the paperclip
    • the magnet
    Check

12. 12. In the magnet strength test, what is a control variable?

    • the distance
    • the result
    • a different magnet each time
    • the same paperclip and ruler position each time
    Check

13. 13. Marcus picks up a screw through three cards with magnet A but not with magnet B. Which is stronger?

    • magnet A
    • magnet B
    Check

14. 14. Could Marcus have used a cork instead of a steel screw?

    • Yes, corks are magnetic.
    • Only if it is wet.
    • No, a cork is not magnetic.
    • Yes, it is lighter.
    Check

15. 15. What does 'Maglev' stand for?

    • magnetic level
    • magnet lever
    • magical leverage
    • magnetic levitation
    Check

16. 16. Why can a Maglev train go so fast?

    • It uses more friction.
    • It floats above the track, so there is no friction with it.
    • It has very big wheels.
    • It is pulled by horses.
    Check

17. 17. What is the main disadvantage of Maglev trains?

    • They are slow.
    • The magnets and new tracks are very expensive.
    • They use lots of friction.
    • They are very noisy.
    Check