HSC Physics Module 6: Electromagnetism Questions

Browse 10 selected questions from the 2023 and 2024 HSC exams. Choose a skill, open the question’s page in NESA’s PDF and check your work with the marking guidelines in NESA’s marking guide.

These papers were set under the 2017 syllabus. The first HSC exam for the replacement Physics syllabus is in 2028. NESA syllabus and implementation dates.

Module 6: Electromagnetism

Charged Particles, Conductors and Electric and Magnetic Fields

2024 Q28 · 7 marks. Multi-part electron-deflection problem through a charged parallel-plate field: derive acceleration, vertical displacement, then final screen position. Paper (PDF) · Marking guidelines
2023 Q24 · 3 marks. Calculate the magnetic field strength needed to keep a moving electron on a given circular path. Paper (PDF) · Marking guidelines

The Motor Effect

2024 Q21 · 6 marks. Torque calculation on a spanner and explanation of two ways to increase torque in a simple DC motor. Paper (PDF) · Marking guidelines
2024 Q29 · 6 marks. Design a wiring configuration for unequal currents in two current-carrying rods, then evaluate a claim about which rod's magnetic force causes the observed displacement. Paper (PDF) · Marking guidelines
2023 Q10 · 1 mark. Multiple choice: compare force and torque on a current loop in a magnetic field across two orientations. Paper (PDF) · Marking guidelines

Electromagnetic Induction

2024 Q33 · 7 marks. Analyse the motion and energy transformations of a swinging magnet pendulum and a nearby free-spinning aluminium can (eddy-current braking scenario). Paper (PDF) · Marking guidelines
2023 Q28 · 5 marks. Transformer voltage calculation and explanation of why primary current changes when a parallel load is switched in. Paper (PDF) · Marking guidelines
2023 Q30 · 8 marks. Analyse eddy-current and induced-emf behaviour of a complete ring versus a split ring near a changing electromagnet field, including a maximum induced emf calculation. Paper (PDF) · Marking guidelines

Applications of the Motor Effect

2023 Q25 · 4 marks. Describe the function of a split-ring commutator in a DC motor and explain why torque falls as rotational speed increases (back-emf). Paper (PDF) · Marking guidelines
2023 Q31 · 5 marks. Compare eddy-current braking acceleration-time graphs for a roller coaster entering a magnetic brake at two different speeds. Paper (PDF) · Marking guidelines