CBSE Class 12 Physics Magnetism and Matter PYQs Analysis (2021-2025)

Based on detailed analysis of last 5 years' papers. Perfect for 2026 Boards prep!

Key Trends

Weightage Breakdown: 1-2 MCQs/assertion-reason (1 mark), 1-2 short answers/theoretical (2-3 marks), occasional long answer on magnetic properties or Earth's magnetism (3-5 marks).
Repeated Topics: Bar magnet as dipole (field on axis/equatorial line), magnetic moment & torque in uniform field, Earth's magnetic field (elements: declination, dip, horizontal component), magnetic intensity, paramagnetic/diamagnetic/ferromagnetic substances, Curie temperature, hysteresis loop, susceptibility/permeability, solenoid as magnetic dipole, pole strength & magnetic length.
Difficulty: Easy to medium; conceptual questions on material classification & Earth's magnetism are most repeated.
Changes: More assertion-reason & case-based on hysteresis & material properties in 2023–2025.

Most Important and Repeated Questions

Question Example	Type/Marks	Years Repeated	Notes
Derive expression for magnetic field due to a bar magnet (dipole) at a point on axial line and equatorial line.	Derivation (3-4 marks)	2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025	Repeated 5x; Axial: B = (μ₀/4π) (2m/r³), Equatorial: B = (μ₀/4π) (m/r³) opposite to m.
Explain Earth's magnetism. Define magnetic elements: declination, dip (inclination), horizontal component. How to find BH using dip needle/tangent galvanometer (or tan A & tan B positions).	Short Answer/Theory (3 marks)	2021 Term 2, 2022, 2023, 2024	Repeated 4x; BH = B cos δ, BV = B sin δ, dip angle θ = tan⁻¹(BV/BH); tan A: plane vertical, tan B: plane horizontal.
Classify magnetic materials: diamagnetic, paramagnetic, ferromagnetic. Give examples, properties, susceptibility, permeability, Curie temperature, hysteresis.	Short Answer (3 marks)	2022, 2023, 2024, 2025	Repeated 4x; Diamagnetic: χ negative small, Paramagnetic: χ positive small, Ferromagnetic: χ large positive, hysteresis loop, Curie temp (transition to paramagnetic).
Assertion: Soft iron is used in electromagnets. Reason: It has high permeability and low retentivity (narrow hysteresis loop).	Assertion-Reason (1 mark)	2023, 2024, 2025	Repeated 3x; Both true, reason explains.
A bar magnet of magnetic moment m is cut into two equal parts perpendicular to length. Find new magnetic moment of each piece.	Short Answer (2 marks)	2021 Term 1, 2022, 2023, 2025	Repeated 4x; Each piece: m' = m/2 (pole strength same, length half).
Find torque on a bar magnet in uniform magnetic field B at angle θ.	Short Answer (2 marks)	2022, 2024	Repeated 2x; τ = m B sinθ (tends to align with field).
MCQ: The magnetic susceptibility of a paramagnetic material is: (a) negative (b) positive small (c) positive large (d) zero	MCQ (1 mark)	2021 Term 1, 2023, 2024	Repeated 3x; Answer (b) positive small.
Derive expression for magnetic field inside a long solenoid using Ampere’s law.	Derivation (3 marks)	2023, 2025	Repeated 2x; B = μ₀ n I (n = turns per unit length).
Case-based: Given hysteresis loop, identify material (hard/soft magnetic), retentivity, coercivity, use in permanent magnet/electromagnet/transformer core.	Case-Based (4 marks)	2023, 2025	Repeated 2x; Narrow loop → soft iron (transformer), wide loop → steel (permanent magnet).
A bar magnet is suspended in Earth's magnetic field. Find time period of oscillation (like magnetic needle).	Short Answer (2 marks)	2021 Term 2, 2024	Repeated 2x; T = 2π √(I / (m BH)) (BH = horizontal component).

Best Format for Preparation and Answering

Study Format: Memorize magnetic dipole field formulas (axial/equatorial), material classification table (χ, μr, behaviour), & Earth's magnetism elements. Practice hysteresis loop interpretation & bar magnet numericals daily.
Answer Format: Derivations: Use dipole approximation → vector form → magnitude + direction. Theory: Define terms → examples → properties → Curie temp/hysteresis. Always draw diagrams (field lines, loop, dip needle).
Tips: Bar magnet as dipole (field & torque) & classification of materials (with hysteresis) are highest repeat & marks. Learn differences between paramagnetic/ferromagnetic clearly. Time: 8–10 mins for 3–5 mark questions. Very scoring chapter conceptually.

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