Preparing Chapter 13 becomes much easier when you revise concepts through the right set of practice questions. Magnetic Effects of Electric Current Class 10 MCQs help you test your understanding of magnetic fields, electric motors, generators, electromagnetic induction, and important NCERT concepts in a quick way.
This chapter connects electricity with magnetism and explains many real-life applications that we use every day. Practicing MCQs regularly improves concept clarity and prepares you for CBSE Board exams, including competency-based and application-based question formats.
For more practice, explore our complete collection of Class 10 Science MCQs and other Class 10 MCQs to strengthen your preparation with chapter-wise questions.
Magnetic Effects of Electric Current Class 10 MCQs
Practice these Class 10 Science Chapter 13 MCQs based on NCERT concepts and the latest CBSE exam pattern. These questions will help you revise important topics like magnetic field lines, current-carrying conductors, Fleming’s rules, electric motors, generators, and domestic electric circuits.
Q. A student brings a small magnetic compass close to the north pole of a strong permanent bar magnet during a laboratory demonstration. The student observes that the compass needle's pointer behaves in a specific manner. What is the expected behavior of this pointer?
A. It points directly toward the north pole of the bar magnet.
B. It aligns itself parallel to the magnet's length, pointing toward the center.
C. It points directly away from the north pole of the bar magnet.
D. It oscillates continuously without coming to a rest position.
Answer: C
Explanation:
Compass needles are essentially tiny bar magnets with their pointers acting as north poles. Like poles repel, while opposite poles attract. Therefore, when the compass is placed near the north pole of a bar magnet, its north-seeking pointer is repelled and points away from the magnet's north pole.
Q. Which statement best explains why two magnetic field lines are never observed to cross each other in any mapped magnetic field pattern?
A. Field lines represent physical barriers that physically repel one another.
B. Crossing lines would indicate two different directions of the magnetic field at a single point, which is physically impossible.
C. The strength of the magnetic field becomes zero at any point where lines attempt to intersect.
D. Field lines always run parallel to each other from the north pole to the south pole.
Answer: B
Explanation:
The direction of a magnetic field at any point is given by the direction in which a compass needle points, tangent to the field line. If two field lines crossed, a compass needle would need to point in two different directions simultaneously, which is impossible.
Q. During an experiment with magnetic materials, a student sprinkles iron filings on a sheet of paper placed over a bar magnet. Upon tapping the paper, what physical feature of the field lines indicates the regions of maximum magnetic strength?
A. The length and straightness of the individual field lines.
B. The degree of closeness or density of the field lines.
C. The specific geometric shape of the closed loops.
D. The rate at which the field lines change their overall direction.
Answer: B
Explanation:
The strength of a magnetic field is represented by how closely packed the field lines are. Near the poles of a bar magnet, field lines are closest together, showing maximum magnetic strength.
Q. A teacher asks a class to trace the path of magnetic field lines through and around a permanent bar magnet. What is the correct direction of these field lines inside the magnetized bar magnet?
A. From the north pole to the south pole.
B. From the south pole to the north pole.
C. Radially outward from the center of the magnet.
D. Circularly around the axis of the magnet.
Answer: B
Explanation:
Outside a magnet, magnetic field lines travel from the north pole to the south pole. Inside the magnet, they complete the closed loop by moving from the south pole to the north pole.
Q. A strong bar magnet is held vertically above a horizontal wooden table. In which geometric planes around the magnet do its magnetic field lines exist?
A. Exclusively in the horizontal plane parallel to the table.
B. Exclusively in the vertical plane perpendicular to the table.
C. In both the horizontal and vertical planes, extending in all directions.
D. Only along a single straight line passing through the magnetic poles.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A magnetic field exists in three-dimensional space around a magnet. Magnetic field lines extend horizontally, vertically, and in all surrounding directions.
Q. In a laboratory activity, a student passes a straight vertical copper wire through the center of a horizontal cardboard. After sprinkling iron filings on the cardboard and turning on a high current, what pattern do the filings form?
A. Radial straight lines radiating outward from the wire.
B. Parallel straight lines perpendicular to the wire.
C. Concentric circles centered on the wire.
D. Helical loops winding upward along the wire.
Answer: C
Explanation:
When electric current flows through a straight conductor, it produces a magnetic field around it. The magnetic field lines form concentric circles centered on the wire in a plane perpendicular to the conductor.
Q. A student observes that a magnetic compass needle placed directly below a straight copper wire deflects when a current is turned on. When the direct current flows from south to north through the wire, in which direction does the north pole of the compass needle deflect?
A. The compass needle remains completely stationary.
B. The north pole of the compass needle deflects toward the east.
C. The north pole of the compass needle deflects toward the west.
D. The compass needle begins to spin continuously in a clockwise direction.
Answer: C
Explanation:
When current flows from south to north through a wire placed above a compass needle, the magnetic field produced by the current causes the north pole of the compass needle to deflect toward the west.
8. A student measures the magnetic field strength B at different perpendicular distances r from a long straight wire carrying a constant current. What is the mathematical relationship between the field strength and the distance?
A. The magnetic field strength increases linearly as distance increases.
B. The magnetic field strength is inversely proportional to the distance.
C. The magnetic field strength is independent of the distance.
D. The magnetic field strength is proportional to the square of the distance.
Answer: B
Explanation:
The magnetic field around a straight current-carrying conductor is inversely proportional to the distance from the wire. As the distance increases, magnetic field strength decreases.
Q. A horizontal high-tension power line carries a direct current flowing from east to west. What is the direction of the magnetic field at a point located directly below the power line?
A. Toward the north.
B. Toward the south.
C. Toward the east.
D. Toward the west.
Answer: B
Explanation:
According to the Right-Hand Thumb Rule, when the thumb points in the direction of current (east to west), the curled fingers show the magnetic field direction. At a point below the wire, the magnetic field points toward the south.
Q. During an experiment, the current passing through a straight vertical conductor is gradually scaled up while a compass is kept at a fixed distance from the wire. What change is observed in the deflection of the compass needle?
A. The deflection decreases because the magnetic field weakens.
B. The deflection increases because the magnetic field strength grows.
C. The deflection remains identical regardless of the current.
D. The needle stops deflecting and aligns parallel to the wire.
Answer: B
Explanation:
The magnetic field produced by a current-carrying conductor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it. Increasing the current increases the magnetic field strength, causing greater compass deflection.
Q. A student traces the magnetic field lines around a flat circular wire loop carrying current. What change is observed in the shape of the field lines near the center of the loop?
A. They become tighter, smaller concentric circles.
B. They diverge and form highly curved, irregular loops.
C. They become progressively straighter and parallel to each other.
D. They vanish entirely, leaving a region of zero magnetic field.
Answer: C
Explanation:
Near the center of a current-carrying circular loop, magnetic field lines become almost straight and parallel, representing a nearly uniform magnetic field.
Q. A circular loop of wire lies in the plane of a horizontal table and carries a steady current clockwise. How does the magnetic field behave inside and outside the loop?
A. It points upward inside the loop and downward outside.
B. It points downward inside the loop and upward outside.
C. It runs horizontally from left to right across the table.
D. It vanishes completely due to the symmetry of the loop.
Answer: B
Explanation:
Using the Right-Hand Thumb Rule, clockwise current produces a magnetic field directed downward inside the loop. Outside the loop, field lines return upward to complete closed paths.
Q. A multi-turn circular coil consists of N identical turns of insulated copper wire wrapped closely together. If a steady current I flows through the coil, how does the resulting magnetic field strength at the center compare to that of a single-turn loop?
A. It is exactly the same because extra turns cancel each other's fields.
B. It is N times stronger because the magnetic fields of individual turns add up.
C. It is N times weaker due to increased electrical resistance.
D. It is N² times stronger due to mutual electromagnetic induction.
Answer: B
Explanation:
In a coil with N turns, the magnetic fields produced by each turn combine together. Therefore, the total magnetic field becomes N times stronger than a single-turn loop.
Q. A circular coil is placed flat on a horizontal drawing board. When viewed from above, the current flows in an anticlockwise direction. Which magnetic pole is formed at this upper face of the loop?
A. North Pole.
B. South Pole.
C. Positive Pole.
D. Negative Pole.
Answer: A
Explanation:
According to the Clock-Face Rule, when current appears anticlockwise from one side of a circular loop, that side behaves as a magnetic North Pole.
Q. Which of the following modifications will decrease the magnitude of the magnetic field strength at the center of a current-carrying circular loop?
A. Increasing the number of turns in the coil.
B. Increasing the magnitude of the current flowing through the coil.
C. Increasing the radius of the circular coil.
D. Placing a soft iron core inside the coil.
Answer: C
Explanation:
The magnetic field at the center of a circular loop decreases when the radius increases because the current-carrying wire moves farther away from the center point.
Q. The overall pattern of magnetic field lines through and around a current-carrying solenoid is structurally identical to the field lines of which device?
A. A horseshoe magnet.
B. A straight current-carrying wire.
C. A permanent bar magnet.
D. A spherical magnetic mono-pole.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A current-carrying solenoid behaves like an electromagnet. Its magnetic field pattern is similar to a bar magnet, with distinct north and south poles and field lines extending from north to south outside the solenoid.
Q. Which statement correctly describes the nature of the magnetic field inside a long, straight solenoid carrying a steady current?
A. It is zero at all points along the axis.
B. It decreases rapidly as we move from the ends to the center.
C. It is uniform and represented by parallel straight lines.
D. It consists of circular field lines centered on the axis.
Answer: C
Explanation:
Inside a long solenoid, magnetic field lines are straight, parallel, and equally spaced. This shows that the magnetic field inside the solenoid is uniform in strength and direction.
Q. An electrical engineer needs to choose the most suitable material for the core of a powerful temporary electromagnet. Which material should be selected?
A. Steel, because it retains its magnetic properties permanently.
B. Soft iron, because it magnetizes easily but loses its magnetism quickly when current stops.
C. Copper, because it is an excellent conductor of electricity.
D. Aluminium, because it is lightweight and non-magnetic.
Answer: B
Explanation:
Soft iron is used as the core of an electromagnet because it gets magnetized easily and loses its magnetism quickly when the current is switched off, making it suitable for temporary magnets.
Q. A student keeps the current through a solenoid constant, but doubles the number of turns per unit length. What happens to the internal magnetic field strength of the solenoid?
A. It remains completely unchanged.
B. It is reduced to exactly half its original value.
C. It is doubled.
D. It increases by a factor of four.
Answer: C
Explanation:
The magnetic field strength of a solenoid is directly proportional to the number of turns per unit length. Therefore, doubling the turns per unit length doubles the magnetic field strength.
Q. A student suspends a current-carrying solenoid freely in a horizontal plane. When the electrical circuit is broken and the current drops to zero, what is the behavior of the solenoid?
A. It continues to point in the geographic north-south direction.
B. It rotates continuously due to residual magnetic inertia.
C. It loses its magnetic properties and can orient in any random direction.
D. It aligns itself perpendicular to the Earth's magnetic field lines.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A solenoid acts as a temporary electromagnet only when electric current flows through it. When the current stops, it loses its magnetic properties and no longer aligns with Earth’s magnetic field.
Q. Under what spatial alignment does a current-carrying straight copper conductor experience the maximum deflecting force when placed in a uniform magnetic field?
A. When the conductor is placed parallel to the direction of the magnetic field.
B. When the conductor is placed perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field.
C. When the conductor is aligned at an angle of 45° to the magnetic field.
D. The force is always constant and independent of the alignment angle.
Answer: B
Explanation:
The magnetic force on a current-carrying conductor is maximum when the conductor is placed perpendicular to the magnetic field because the angle between current and magnetic field is 90°.
Q. Select the correct description of Fleming's Left-Hand Rule used to determine the direction of force acting on a conductor.
A. The thumb represents the magnetic field, the forefinger represents current, and the middle finger points in the direction of force.
B. The thumb represents force, the forefinger represents the magnetic field, and the middle finger points in the direction of current.
C. The thumb represents current, the forefinger represents force, and the middle finger points in the direction of the magnetic field.
D. The thumb represents force, the forefinger represents current, and the middle finger points in the direction of the magnetic field.
Answer: B
Explanation:
Fleming's Left-Hand Rule states that the forefinger represents the magnetic field, the middle finger represents current, and the thumb represents the direction of force or motion.
Q. A stream of positively charged alpha-particles moving toward the west is deflected toward the north by a uniform magnetic field. What is the direction of this magnetic field?
A. Towards the South.
B. Towards the East.
C. Vertically Downward.
D. Vertically Upward.
Answer: D
Explanation:
Alpha particles are positively charged, so their motion represents the direction of conventional current. Applying Fleming's Left-Hand Rule with current toward the west and force toward the north gives the magnetic field direction vertically upward.
Q. An electron moving horizontally toward the north enters a region with a uniform magnetic field directed vertically upward. In which direction will the electron experience a deflecting force?
A. Toward the East.
B. Toward the West.
C. Toward the South.
D. Vertically Downward.
Answer: A
Explanation:
Since an electron has a negative charge, the direction of conventional current is opposite to its motion. Applying Fleming's Left-Hand Rule gives the direction of force acting on the electron toward the east.
Q. A straight copper rod carrying an electric current is placed parallel to the magnetic field lines inside a large horseshoe magnet. What is the magnitude of the deflecting force acting on the rod?
A. It is maximum because of the parallel alignment.
B. It is zero because the angle between the current and the magnetic field is 0° or 180°.
C. It depends on the thickness of the copper rod.
D. It is half of the maximum possible force.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A current-carrying conductor experiences no magnetic force when it is placed parallel to the magnetic field because the angle between current and magnetic field is 0° or 180°, making the force zero.
Q. Which option correctly lists the standard insulation color coding used for the three wires in a modern domestic electrical circuit in India?
A. Live: Red; Neutral: Green; Earth: Black.
B. Live: Red; Neutral: Black; Earth: Green.
C. Live: Green; Neutral: Red; Earth: Black.
D. Live: Black; Neutral: Red; Earth: Green.
Answer: B
Explanation:
In domestic electrical wiring systems in India, the live wire is covered with red insulation, the neutral wire with black insulation, and the earth wire with green insulation for safety identification.
Q. A safety fuse is an essential protective device. In a domestic electrical circuit, to which wire must the safety fuse always be connected?
A. The neutral wire, to stop the return flow of current.
B. The earth wire, to ensure rapid grounding.
C. The live wire, so that the circuit is broken before current enters any appliance.
D. Any wire, as its position does not affect its working.
Answer: C
Explanation:
A safety fuse is always connected in series with the live wire. When excessive current flows, the fuse melts and breaks the circuit, disconnecting the appliance from the high-voltage supply.
Q. What physical occurrence in a domestic circuit directly results in the dangerous situation known as overloading?
A. Connecting a single low-power bulb to a heavy-duty power socket.
B. Connecting multiple high-power appliances simultaneously to a single socket.
C. Leaving a switch in the "on" position without connecting any appliance.
D. Accidental contact between the neutral wire and the earth wire.
Answer: B
Explanation:
Overloading occurs when too many high-power appliances are connected to the same circuit or socket, causing the current demand to exceed the safe carrying capacity of the wires.
Q. During a household inspection, it is discovered that the live wire has come into direct contact with the neutral wire. This observation indicates that:
A. The total electrical resistance of the circuit has become extremely high.
B. A short-circuit has occurred, causing a dangerous surge in current.
C. The earth wire is disconnected from the metallic body of an appliance.
D. The mains voltage has dropped significantly below 220 V.
Answer: B
Explanation:
A short circuit occurs when the live wire directly touches the neutral wire. This creates a very low resistance path, allowing a sudden large amount of current to flow, which can produce excessive heat and cause damage.
Q. Why is it mandatory to connect the green-insulated earth wire to the metallic outer casing of high-power household appliances?
A. To reduce the overall power consumption of the appliance.
B. To provide a low-resistance path for any leakage current to flow safely into the ground.
C. To stabilize the voltage fluctuations in the domestic power supply.
D. To complete the electrical loop and allow the appliance to function.
Answer: B
Explanation:
The earth wire provides a safe, low-resistance path for leakage current to flow into the ground. This prevents the metallic body of an appliance from becoming dangerous and protects users from electric shocks.
About Chapter 13 Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
Magnetic Effects of Electric Current is an important chapter in Class 10 Science that explains how electricity and magnetism are connected. The chapter begins with the concept that an electric current flowing through a conductor produces a magnetic field around it.
Students learn about magnetic field lines, the behaviour of current-carrying wires, solenoids, and the rules used to determine the direction of magnetic fields and forces. The chapter also explains important devices like electric motors and electric generators, which work on the principles of electromagnetism.
This chapter is highly application-based because many concepts are linked to daily life examples such as fans, household wiring, electrical safety devices, and power generation systems.
A strong understanding of this chapter helps students solve both theoretical and reasoning-based questions effectively.
Topics Covered in Magnetic Effects of Electric Current Class 10 MCQs
The MCQs from this chapter mainly focus on the following concepts:
| Topic | What You Should Know |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Field | Meaning, properties, and magnetic field lines |
| Current Carrying Conductor | Magnetic field produced around a conductor |
| Right Hand Thumb Rule | Finding the direction of magnetic field |
| Solenoid | Magnetic field pattern and electromagnet formation |
| Force on Current Carrying Conductor | Effect of magnetic field on electric current |
| Fleming’s Left Hand Rule | Direction of force, magnetic field, and current |
| Electric Motor | Principle, parts, and working |
| Electromagnetic Induction | Production of current due to changing magnetic field |
| Fleming’s Right Hand Rule | Direction of induced current |
| Electric Generator | Conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy |
| Domestic Electric Circuit | Fuse, earthing, short circuit, and overload |
Why Practice Magnetic Effects of Electric Current MCQs?
MCQs are one of the fastest ways to check whether you have understood a chapter properly. For Chapter 13, practicing objective questions is especially helpful because many topics are based on rules, diagrams, and applications.
Regular MCQ practice helps you:
- Revise important NCERT concepts quickly
- Understand the difference between similar terms
- Remember important rules and their applications
- Improve accuracy in board exam questions
- Build confidence for competency-based questions
- Identify weak areas before exams
This chapter contains many concepts where small details matter. Practicing different question patterns helps you avoid confusion during exams.
Magnetic Effects of Electric Current Quick Revision Notes
Use these short notes for last-minute revision before solving MCQs.
| Concept | Quick Explanation |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Field | The region around a magnet where magnetic force can be experienced |
| Magnetic Field Lines | Imaginary lines used to represent the strength and direction of a magnetic field |
| Right Hand Thumb Rule | Shows the direction of magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor |
| Solenoid | A coil of wire that behaves like a magnet when current flows through it |
| Electromagnet | A temporary magnet produced using electric current |
| Electric Motor | Converts electrical energy into mechanical energy |
| Electromagnetic Induction | Process of producing current by changing magnetic field |
| Electric Generator | Converts mechanical energy into electrical energy |
| Fuse | Safety device that prevents damage due to excess current |
| Earthing | Protects users from electric shocks |
Tips to Solve Magnetic Effects of Electric Current MCQs Correctly
1. Understand the direction rules clearly
Many students mix up different rules. Remember the purpose of each rule:
Right Hand Thumb Rule → Direction of magnetic field
Fleming’s Left Hand Rule → Direction of force in a motor
Fleming’s Right Hand Rule → Direction of induced current in a generator
2. Focus on diagrams
Questions are often asked from diagrams related to:
Magnetic field around a wire
Magnetic field due to a solenoid
Electric motor
Electric generator
Understanding the working is better than only memorising labels.
3. Connect concepts with real examples
Relating concepts with practical examples makes revision easier.
Examples:
Electric fan → Electric motor
Power generation → Generator
Household safety → Fuse and earthing
4. Read every option carefully
Many MCQs have similar-looking options. Check keywords like:
clockwise / anticlockwise
AC / DC
motor / generator
left hand / right hand rule
Common Mistakes Students Make in Magnetic Effects of Electric Current MCQs
Avoid these mistakes while preparing Magnetic Effects of Electric Current:
| Mistake | Correct Approach |
|---|---|
| Confusing Fleming’s left and right hand rules | Learn their applications separately |
| Memorising diagrams without understanding working | Focus on the principle behind devices |
| Mixing electric motor and generator concepts | Remember their energy conversions |
| Ignoring domestic circuits | Revise fuse, earthing, and safety concepts |
| Skipping NCERT examples | Practice concept-based questions |
Important Exam Focus Areas from Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
For better exam preparation, give extra attention to these areas:
- Properties of magnetic field lines
- Magnetic field around current-carrying conductors
- Right Hand Thumb Rule applications
- Working of electric motor
- Role of split ring and brushes
- Electromagnetic induction
- Difference between AC and DC current
- Electric generator working
- Short circuit and overloading
- Importance of fuse and earth wire
These topics frequently appear in objective, reasoning, and application-based questions.
Conclusion
Practicing Magnetic Effects of Electric Current Class 10 MCQs is an effective way to revise Chapter 13 and improve your understanding of important Physics concepts. This chapter is not just about memorising definitions, but about understanding how electricity and magnetism work together in real applications. Revise the important rules, focus on diagrams, understand device working, and practice different MCQ formats to prepare confidently for your Class 10 Science exams.
