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AQASpec 4.7Foundation & Higher~30 min

Magnetism & Electromagnetism

Physics · Topic revision workspace

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Topic overview

What you need to know

Magnetism & Electromagnetism is a key part of GCSE Physics. Choose the right model or equation, track units carefully and connect calculations to physical meaning. The region around a magnet where a magnetic force acts on magnetic materials or other magnets. A magnet that produces its own magnetic field. It always has a north and south pole. A magnet created by passing electric current through a coil of wire (solenoid), often with an iron core.

Exam tip

Write the equation, substitute with units, calculate, then round only at the end.

Revision notes

Core ideas

Secure these ideas first. Say each definition in your own words, then connect it to the topic overview.

  • Magnetic Field: The region around a magnet where a magnetic force acts on magnetic materials or other magnets.
  • Permanent Magnet: A magnet that produces its own magnetic field. It always has a north and south pole.
  • Electromagnet: A magnet created by passing electric current through a coil of wire (solenoid), often with an iron core.
  • Solenoid: A coil of wire that produces a magnetic field when current flows through it. The field inside is strong and uniform.

Revision notes

Apply it in the exam

The exam will rarely ask for an isolated definition. Practise selecting the right idea and using it as part of a complete explanation or method.

  • Motor Effect: A current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field experiences a force. F = BIl (force = magnetic flux density × current × length).
  • Fleming's Left-Hand Rule: Used to find the direction of force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field. Thumb = force, first finger = field, second finger = current.
  • Electromagnetic Induction: A potential difference is induced when a conductor moves through a magnetic field or when a magnetic field changes around a conductor.
  • Transformer: A device that changes the voltage of an alternating current using electromagnetic induction. Vp/Vs = Np/Ns.

Core knowledge

Key facts for Magnetism & Electromagnetism

1

Magnetic Field

The region around a magnet where a magnetic force acts on magnetic materials or other magnets.

2

Permanent Magnet

A magnet that produces its own magnetic field. It always has a north and south pole.

3

Electromagnet

A magnet created by passing electric current through a coil of wire (solenoid), often with an iron core.

4

Solenoid

A coil of wire that produces a magnetic field when current flows through it. The field inside is strong and uniform.

5

Motor Effect

A current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field experiences a force. F = BIl (force = magnetic flux density × current × length).

6

Fleming's Left-Hand Rule

Used to find the direction of force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field. Thumb = force, first finger = field, second finger = current.

7

Electromagnetic Induction

A potential difference is induced when a conductor moves through a magnetic field or when a magnetic field changes around a conductor.

8

Transformer

A device that changes the voltage of an alternating current using electromagnetic induction. Vp/Vs = Np/Ns.

Active recall

Close the notes and answer these

  1. 1.Without looking, explain magnetic field and give one example or consequence.
  2. 2.Without looking, explain permanent magnet and give one example or consequence.
  3. 3.Without looking, explain electromagnet and give one example or consequence.
  4. 4.Without looking, explain solenoid and give one example or consequence.

Content reviewed 23 July 2026 against the current linked specification.

Finished learning?

Mark the notes complete, then test what you can recall.

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