Magnetic Classification of Substances
ICSE · Class 12 · Physics
Most important questions from Magnetic Classification of Substances for ICSE Class 12 Physics board exam 2026. MCQs, short answer, and long answer questions with marks.
Interactive on Super Tutor
Studying Magnetic Classification of Substances? Get the full interactive chapter.
Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan — built for important questions and more.
1,000+ Class 12 students started this chapter today
Sample Questions
Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between relative permeability (μᵣ) and magnetic susceptibility (χₘ) AND identifies what this relationship implies for a diamagnetic substance?
Show answer
μᵣ = 1 + χₘ; for diamagnetic, χₘ < 0 so μᵣ < 1
Step 1: Starting from B = μ₀(H + M) and M = χₘ H, we get B = μ₀(1 + χₘ)H. Step 2: Since B = μH = μᵣμ₀H, comparing gives μᵣ = 1 + χₘ. Step 3: Diamagnetic substances are magnetised opposite to the applied field, so M is antiparallel to H, giving χₘ = M/H < 0. Step 4: Therefore μᵣ = 1 + (negative number) < 1 for diamagnetics. Wrong options: Option B uses a minus sign which is incorrect; Option C gives a completely wrong formula; Option D correctly states the formula but incorrectly assigns χₘ > 0 to diamagnetics.
In a hysteresis loop of a ferromagnetic material, the area of the loop represents:
Show answer
Energy dissipated as heat per unit volume per cycle of magnetisation
Step 1: During each cycle of magnetisation, the domains in the ferromagnetic material undergo repeated realignment, consuming energy. Step 2: When the external field is removed, domain walls do not return to original positions (hysteresis effect), so the energy input during magnetisation is not fully recovered. Step 3: The unrecovered energy is released as heat — this is called hysteresis loss. Step 4: Mathematically, the area enclosed by the B-H (or M-H) hysteresis loop equals the energy lost per unit volume per complete magnetisation cycle. Wrong options: Total magnetic flux has different un
A ferromagnetic substance has a Curie temperature of 500 K. At 300 K, its susceptibility is χ₁. At 600 K, its susceptibility is χ₂. Using the Curie-Weiss law χₘ = C/(T − Tᶜ), the ratio χ₁/χ₂ is:
Show answer
χ₁ is in ferromagnetic region (undefined by Curie-Weiss); χ₂ = C/(600 − 500) = C/100
Step 1: The Curie-Weiss law χₘ = C/(T − Tᶜ) applies only above the Curie temperature (T > Tᶜ). Step 2: At T = 300 K < Tᶜ = 500 K, the substance is in the ferromagnetic region. Curie-Weiss law does NOT apply here. χ₁ cannot be calculated using this law. Step 3: At T = 600 K > Tᶜ = 500 K, the substance behaves paramagnetically and Curie-Weiss law applies: χ₂ = C/(600 − 500) = C/100. Step 4: Therefore, only χ₂ is calculable; the ratio χ₁/χ₂ is not simply obtainable. This is a conceptually tricky question — the key point is the domain of validity of Curie-Weiss law.
Two ferromagnetic materials P and Q have hysteresis loops of different shapes. Material P has a narrow loop with low coercivity and high retentivity. Material Q has a wide loop with high coercivity and moderate retentivity. Which material is better suited for making a permanent magnet and which for
Show answer
P for transformer core; Q for permanent magnet
Step 1: Transformer core requirements — the material undergoes continuous cyclic magnetisation, so it must have low hysteresis loss (narrow loop), low coercivity (easy to magnetise/demagnetise), and high permeability. Material P (narrow loop, low coercivity) fits perfectly. Step 2: Permanent magnet requirements — the material must retain magnetism strongly (high retentivity) and resist demagnetisation by external fields (high coercivity). Material Q (wide loop, high coercivity) fits perfectly. Step 3: The confusion arises because P has high retentivity, but its low coercivity makes it unsuitab
+40 more questions available
Practice AllFrequently Asked Questions
What are the important topics in Magnetic Classification of Substances for ICSE Class 12 Physics?
How to score full marks in Magnetic Classification of Substances — ICSE Class 12 Physics?
How many important questions are there in Magnetic Classification of Substances?
Sources & Official References
Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.
More resources for Magnetic Classification of Substances
Practice Quiz
Test yourself with a quick quiz
Revision Notes
Key points for last-minute revision
Formula Sheet
All formulas in one place
Chapter Summary
Understand the chapter at a glance
Concept Maps
See how topics connect visually
Study Plan
Step-by-step plan to ace this chapter
Flashcards
Quick-fire cards for active recall
Syllabus
What topics to cover
NCERT Solutions
Every textbook question solved step by step
For serious students
Get the full Magnetic Classification of Substances chapter — for free.
Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan for ICSE Class 12 Physics.