JEE Mains Magnetism PYQ

For aspirants preparing for one of India’s most competitive engineering entrance exams, understanding previous year questions (PYQs) is a strategic advantage. Specifically, JEE Mains Magnetism PYQs are an essential resource for mastering the Magnetism and Magnetic Effects of Current chapters. This section, although often perceived as challenging, can be mastered with a conceptual understanding and familiarity with the types of questions frequently asked. Regular practice with actual exam questions helps students develop problem-solving skills, identify key patterns, and boost overall confidence for the Physics section.

Understanding the Importance of Magnetism in JEE Mains

Weightage of Magnetism Topics

Magnetism and its related subtopics typically account for about 10–12% of the Physics portion in JEE Mains. These include chapters like:

• Magnetic Effects of Current
• Moving Charges and Magnetism
• Magnetism and Matter
• Electromagnetic Induction (linked conceptually)

While not the highest weightage, magnetism questions often involve deep understanding of vector analysis, right-hand rules, and integration. Hence, mastering these questions through PYQs becomes crucial.

Why Focus on PYQs?

Practicing JEE Mains Magnetism PYQs gives insight into question trends and difficulty levels. Students also learn the specific ways in which theoretical concepts are tested. For example, conceptual questions about magnetic field direction or numerical questions involving the Biot–Savart law are frequently seen.

Commonly Asked Magnetism Topics in Previous Year Questions

1. Biot–Savart Law and Applications

Questions based on the Biot–Savart Law often involve current-carrying conductors such as circular loops, straight wires, and solenoids. Students may be asked to find the magnetic field at a given point or determine the effect of changing current or radius.

2. Ampere’s Circuital Law

PYQs from this topic typically require calculating magnetic field intensity in symmetrical current distributions. Students are expected to understand and apply Ampere’s Law to ideal systems like toroids and infinite wires.

3. Force on a Moving Charge and Lorentz Force

These questions combine kinematics and vector analysis with electromagnetic concepts. A typical PYQ might ask about the path of a charged ptopic in a magnetic field or calculate the radius of circular motion.

4. Magnetic Dipole and Torque

In JEE Mains, conceptual questions on torque on magnetic dipoles and energy in a magnetic field are popular. Students should be ready to evaluate alignment of dipoles in uniform magnetic fields and calculate potential energy.

5. Force Between Current-Carrying Wires

Expect numerical and theoretical questions about the force per unit length between parallel conductors. The direction of force (attractive or repulsive) based on current direction is a frequent area of testing.

6. Magnetic Field Due to a Solenoid

Students often encounter questions about the field inside and outside a solenoid or toroid. The focus is usually on understanding the uniform field inside and how parameters like number of turns per unit length affect results.

Analysis of Past Year Questions in JEE Mains

Trends from Recent Exams

Over the last five years, the following trends have been observed in JEE Mains Magnetism PYQs:

• At least 1–2 questions from magnetism appear in each paper
• Balanced mix of numerical problems and conceptual MCQs
• Increased focus on applications of right-hand thumb rule and Lorentz force
• Integration-based field calculations are rare but high-yield

Difficulty Level

Magnetism questions range from moderate to high difficulty. However, well-prepared students often score full marks due to the predictable nature of PYQs. Time management is key as vector calculations can be time-consuming if not practiced.

Effective Strategies to Solve Magnetism PYQs

Master the Fundamentals

Before attempting PYQs, a strong conceptual foundation is necessary. Focus on understanding physical meanings of magnetic field, force, and motion. Visualize field lines and their interaction with charges and currents.

Use the Right-Hand Rule Efficiently

This technique is essential for solving direction-based problems. Whether it’s determining magnetic field direction or Lorentz force, the right-hand rule is a powerful tool that must be second nature during exams.

Break Down the Problem

In numerical questions, break down the problem into logical parts identify knowns, choose the right formula (e.g., Biot–Savart Law), and solve step by step. Avoid skipping units and directions in your working.

Practice Timed Mock Tests

Include previous year magnetism questions in mock test sessions. Simulate exam conditions to improve speed and accuracy. Review mistakes and reattempt questions to reinforce learning.

Keep a Formula Sheet

Maintain a compact formula sheet specifically for magnetism-related topics. Review it daily in the weeks before the exam. Include vector equations, constants, and field calculation formulas.

Sample Magnetism PYQs with Explanations

Example 1: Biot–Savart Law

Question: Calculate the magnetic field at the center of a circular loop of radius R carrying a current I.

Answer: Using Biot–Savart Law: \( B = \frac{{\mu0 I}}{{2R}} \) Direction is perpendicular to the plane of the loop based on the right-hand rule.

Example 2: Lorentz Force

Question: A ptopic of charge q enters a magnetic field B perpendicularly with velocity v. What is the radius of its circular path?

Answer: \( r = \frac{{mv}}{{qB}} \) The motion is circular due to the perpendicular magnetic force acting as centripetal force.

Example 3: Force Between Wires

Question: Two parallel wires carry current I in the same direction and are placed a distance d apart. What is the force per unit length between them?

Answer: \( F/L = \frac{{\mu0 I^2}}{{2\pi d}} \) The wires attract each other since currents are in the same direction.

Recommended Resources to Practice More PYQs

Official NTA Website and Booklets

Download authentic JEE Mains PYQs from the National Testing Agency’s official platform. These are the most reliable sources for exam practice.

Coaching Institute Compilations

Renowned coaching institutions often publish topic-wise previous year question books. Magnetism chapters can be found in Physics PYQ volumes from institutes like Allen, Aakash, and Resonance.

Online Practice Platforms

Many educational websites offer free and paid mock test platforms where you can filter questions by topic. Solving online helps simulate computer-based testing environments.

JEE Mains Magnetism PYQs serve as a goldmine of exam preparation material for serious candidates. They help identify which concepts are frequently tested, expose you to real exam patterns, and enhance your problem-solving techniques. By thoroughly analyzing and practicing these questions, you can secure critical marks in the Physics section. Whether you’re aiming for NITs or just looking to clear the cutoff, magnetism PYQs should be a core part of your study plan. Stay consistent, stay curious, and let each solved question bring you closer to your engineering dream.