A magnet made by running current through a coil of wire round an iron core.

An electromagnet that loses its magnetism when current stops flowing through it.

A lock that can be opened with an electromagnet when a switch is closed.

A bell that uses an electromagnet to strike a clapper on the bell and which resets itself to keep ringing.

A motor that uses a magnetic field to produce a force.

Using electromagets

Science

Magnetic poles

The magnetic field of a bar magnet

Electromagnets

Current through an electromagnet

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

An electromagnet that loses its magnetism when current stops flowing can also be called a __________ magnet.

Electromagnets attract all types of metal.

An electromagnet has one pole instead of two.

An electromagnet has two of the same type of pole.

A scrapyard uses an electromagnet to move objects made of a magnetic material such as steel. Which of the following describe an advantage of using an electromagnet compared with a permanent magnet?

They attract the bolt when a current flows in them.

They are attracted to the electromagnet when a current flows in them.

They pull the bolt into the door when the electromagnet is switched off.

They pull the bolt out of the door when the electromagnet is switched off.

Which of the following is the purpose of the springs attached to the bolt of the electromagnetic door lock shown?

The diagram shows an electric door lock. Which of the following statements are correct?

The electromagnet stops being magnetised.

The clapper moves up with the iron armature.

The clapper moves down with the iron armature.

The diagram shows an electric bell. Which of the following happen as the switch is pressed?

It uses a magnetic field and a current to produce a force.

It uses a force and a current to produce a magnetic field.

It uses a magnetic field and a force to produce a current.

Which of the following statements describes the function of an electric motor?

An object that always behaves as a magnet is called a __________  magnet.

Which of the following objects would be attracted to an electromagnet?

Soft iron is a poor conductor of electricity.

Soft iron is a good conductor of electricity.

Which of the following statements explain why soft iron is usually used for the core of an electromagnet?

A circuit that includes at least one bulb or resistor.

A circuit made up of straight sections of wire.

Which of the following is a definition of a complete circuit?

The magnetic fields around the left and right sides of the wire cancel out.

A pupil has a coil of wire coated in yellow plastic, as shown. They attach metal clips to the ends of the coil and connect them to a suitable battery. Why is there no magnetic field around the coil?

The bar magnet and electromagnet can repel but cannot attract each other.

The bar magnet and electromagnet can attract but cannot repel each other.

The bar magnet and electromagnet can attract and repel each other.

The bar magnet and electromagnet cannot attract or repel each other.

A pupil experiments with a bar magnet and an electromagnet. Which of the following statements are correct?

Starter Quiz