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EnglandPhysics

4.7 Magnetism and electromagnetism

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does an electric current create a magnetic field?

Electromagnetism: the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire, the field of a solenoid, and how electromagnets are made and used.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Physics 4.7.2, covering the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire, the stronger uniform field of a solenoid, how an electromagnet is built and strengthened, and the advantages of electromagnets.
8 min answer →

How is a potential difference induced, and how do transformers work?

Induced potential and transformers: electromagnetic induction, the generator effect, how transformers change voltage, and the transformer equations (separate physics).
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Physics 4.7.3, covering electromagnetic induction and the generator effect, how alternators and dynamos produce a current, how transformers change the size of an alternating potential difference, and the transformer equations.
9 min answer →

What are magnetic poles and fields, and how do they behave?

Magnets and magnetic fields: permanent and induced magnets, attraction and repulsion between poles, magnetic field patterns, and the Earth's magnetic field.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Physics 4.7.1, covering permanent and induced magnets, the forces between magnetic poles, the shape of magnetic field patterns, magnetic materials, and the use of a compass and the Earth's magnetic field.
8 min answer →

Why does a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field feel a force?

The motor effect: the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field, the force equation, Fleming's left-hand rule, and the electric motor.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Physics 4.7.2, covering the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field, the force equation, Fleming's left-hand rule for finding its direction, and how the electric motor works.
9 min answer →