A region where a magnetic material experiences a force.

A small compass that can show the field of a magnet.

The end of a compass needle which points to the north of Earth.

The end of a compass needle which points to the south of Earth.

An imaginary line that shows the direction and shape of a magnetic field.

The magnetic field of a bar magnet

Science

Magnetic poles

Electromagnets

Current through an electromagnet

Using electromagets

In the Electromagnetism unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn about the motor effect and electric motors, the generator effect and electric generators, and how loudspeakers and microphones work.

In the Series circuits unit, pupils learnt about static electricity (electric charge), setting up series circuits using circuit diagrams, finding and replacing faulty components, and the rules for electric current and voltage in series circuits.

This unit explores magnetism, including magnetic poles, fields, and Earth’s magnetism, along with the principles of electromagnets and DC motors. It focuses on conducting precise scientific enquiries and identifying variables and emphasises accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility.

Magnets and electromagnets

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Which of the following materials can be used to show the magnetic field of a magnet?

they are evenly distributed around the magnet

How are iron filings affected by a magnet?

What causes a compass needle to point towards Earth's north pole?

Which of the following correctly describes the direction in which the needle of a plotting compass will point?

from the S–pole of a magnet to the N–pole of a magnet

from the S–pole of a magnet to the S–pole of a magnet

from the N–pole of a magnet to the S–pole of a magnet

from the N–pole of a magnet to the N–pole of a magnet

In which direction do magnetic field lines point?

fewer lines in an area indicate a weaker magnetic field

they come out of the centre of a bar magnet

Which of the following statements about magnetic field lines are correct?

Which of the following statements about magnets is correct?

it will attract to the N–pole of a magnet

it will attract to the S–pole of a magnet

Which of the following statements about a south–seeking pole are correct?

If a magnet is broken into two pieces, how many poles will there be in total?

Which of the following statements about the magnetic force is correct?

What does the part of a bar magnet, shown in the image, do?

a magnet will attract and repel an iron nail

a magnet will attract and repel another magnet

a magnet will only attract another magnet

Which of the following statements is correct?

The magnetic field of a bar magnet

Lesson outcome

Content guidance