NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 5 – Magnetism and Matter
NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 5 – Magnetism and Matter deals with the magnetic properties of materials and the behaviour of magnets in fields. At Myclass24, we understand that many students find this chapter conceptually different from the previous ones — it is less calculation-heavy. Still, it demands a clear understanding of terminology, properties, and the distinctions among diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and ferromagnetic materials. Our solutions make these distinctions crisp and memorable. Also, get subject-wise NCERT Solutions for class 12, for all chapters of Physics, check NCERT Solutions for class 12 Physics.
Find the PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 5
The free PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Physics Chapter 5 – Magnetism and Matter is available on Myclass24 for download. Students will find all NCERT exercise solutions clearly solved, along with explanatory notes on key terms like magnetic susceptibility, permeability, and the B-H curve. The PDF is useful for quick revision and as a ready reference when studying from the textbook.
Chapter 5 – At a Glance
Detail | Information |
Chapter Name | Magnetism and Matter |
Chapter Number | 5 |
Class | Class 12 |
Subject | Physics |
Total Exercises | 2 (Exercise + Additional) |
Total Questions | 16 |
Important Topics | Bar Magnet, Earth's Magnetism, Magnetic Properties, Hysteresis, Curie's Law |
CBSE Marks Weightage | Approx. 5 marks |
PDF Available | Yes – Free Download on Myclass24 |
What is Chapter 5 – Magnetism and Matter About?
Chapter 5 begins by drawing parallels between the electric dipole and a bar magnet — treating the bar magnet as a magnetic dipole. The magnetic dipole moment, torque in an external field, and potential energy of the dipole are discussed in direct analogy with electrostatics. The magnetic field on the axial and equatorial lines of a bar magnet is derived using these analogy principles.
Earth's Magnetism is a fascinating section where students learn about the geographic and magnetic poles, magnetic declination, magnetic inclination (or dip), and horizontal component of Earth's field. These definitions are frequently tested as short-answer questions.
The chapter then explores Magnetisation and Magnetic Intensity — the response of a material to an applied magnetic field. Students are introduced to three key quantities: magnetisation (M), magnetic intensity (H), and magnetic field (B), along with their inter-relationship through permeability and susceptibility.
The classification of materials into diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and ferromagnetic is explained in terms of their response to external fields, temperature dependence, and behaviour in non-uniform fields. Curie's Law gives the temperature dependence of susceptibility for paramagnetic materials. The B-H curve (hysteresis loop) for ferromagnetic materials is discussed with its significance in choosing materials for permanent magnets versus electromagnets.
What Makes Chapter 5 Unique Compared to Other Chapters
Unlike most of Class 12 Physics, Chapter 5 is largely descriptive and definition-based. Students who rely only on numerical practice often lose marks here. The key is to understand the physical meaning of each magnetic quantity and be able to distinguish between terms like susceptibility, permeability, and retentivity clearly.
At Myclass24, our solutions emphasise the conceptual clarity of these terms and include comparison tables for the three types of magnetic materials — something that is extremely useful when writing five-mark descriptive answers in the board exam.
FAQs on NCERT Solutions Class 12 Physics Chapter 5-Magnetism and Matter
A magnetic field describes the region around a magnet where magnetic forces can be experienced, while magnetic field intensity represents the strength of the magnetic field at a point. This chapter explains these concepts along with magnetic lines of force and magnetic properties of materials. Students learn how magnetic fields are measured and represented. Understanding the distinction between these terms is important for solving numerical problems and interpreting magnetic phenomena. These concepts form the basis for studying magnetic materials and their behaviour under external magnetic influences.
Magnetic materials are substances that respond to magnetic fields. They are classified into diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and ferromagnetic materials based on their magnetic behavior. This chapter explains the characteristics of each category and how they interact with external magnetic fields. Students learn about magnetic susceptibility and the alignment of atomic magnetic moments. Understanding the classification of magnetic materials helps explain the functioning of magnetic devices and industrial applications. Questions related to material properties and comparisons between different magnetic substances frequently appear in examinations.
Earth behaves like a giant magnet because it possesses a magnetic field with magnetic poles near its geographical poles. This chapter explains the origin of Earth’s magnetism and introduces concepts such as magnetic declination, dip, and horizontal component of Earth’s magnetic field. Students learn how compasses work and why they align in the north-south direction. Understanding Earth’s magnetic properties is important for navigation and geophysical studies. This topic is often included in theoretical questions and helps students understand the practical significance of magnetic fields.
Magnetic dip is the angle made by Earth’s magnetic field with the horizontal plane at a particular location. Its value changes from place to place and becomes maximum near the magnetic poles. This chapter explains the factors affecting magnetic dip and its relationship with Earth’s magnetic field components. Students learn how dip is measured and why it is useful in navigation and magnetic studies. Understanding magnetic dip helps explain variations in Earth’s magnetic field and provides insight into practical applications involving compass-based measurements and geophysical observations.




