JAMB 2025 Physics · Question 27
The point where no magnetic effect is felt around a magnet is
Options
- A.near point
- B.far point
- C.Infinite point
- D.Neutral point
Answer: D. Neutral point
Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key
Analysis of the Question
The question asks for the specific term used to describe a location in a magnetic field where the magnetic influence of a magnet is completely cancelled out or non-existent.
Concept Explanation
In magnetism, a Neutral Point is a location in the vicinity of a magnet (or magnets) where the magnetic field strength is zero.
This usually happens when you place a magnet in the Earth's magnetic field. At a specific distance from the magnet, the magnetic field produced by the magnet is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the Earth's horizontal magnetic field component. Because these two fields cancel each other out, a compass needle placed at this point will not show any preferred direction (it will remain in whatever position it is placed).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Understand the Magnetic Field: A magnet creates a field of force around it. The strength of this field decreases as you move further away from the poles.
- Interaction with Earth's Field: When we study magnets in a laboratory, we consider the Earth's magnetic field. The "Neutral Point" is the specific coordinate where the magnet's field and the Earth's field sum to zero.
- Evaluate the Options: • Near point/Far point: These terms are typically used in Optics (specifically regarding human vision and lenses), not magnetism. • Infinite point: While magnetic field strength theoretically approaches zero at infinity, the specific term for a point of zero magnetic effect in a controlled magnetic setup is the "Neutral Point." • Neutral point: This is the standard terminology in physics for a point where the resultant magnetic field intensity is zero.
Conclusion
The point where the magnetic effect of a magnet is nullified by an opposing field (like the Earth's) is known as the Neutral point.
Exam Tip: When you see the word "Neutral" in physics, it almost always refers to a state of balance or zero net effect (like a neutral point in magnetism or a neutral point in electrostatics). Don't confuse this with "Infinite," which is a theoretical limit rather than a specific experimental location.
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