Electromagnetism
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Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Magnets and electromagnets, where they explored the basic principles of magnetism and electromagnetic fields. It deepens their understanding by examining electromagnetism in more complex applications, such as electric motors and generators. As the final unit in the big question, How do electricity and magnetism work?, it reinforces pupils’ understanding of the interconnected nature of electricity and magnetism and their applications in technology and everyday life.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Arrows on magnetic field lines show the direction in which the north-seeking pole of another magnet would be forced.
- Where a magnetic field is stronger, the field lines are closer together.
- When there is an electric current in a wire, there is a magnetic field around the wire.
- When there is an electric current in a coil of wire, the magnetic field around each loop adds to make a stronger field.
- An electromagnet is made by wrapping a coil of wire around a core.
- An electromagnet is a magnet that can be turned on with an electric current, and turned off.
- The more loops of wire in the coil of an electromagnet, the stronger its magnetic field.
- The larger the current through the coil of an electromagnet, the stronger its magnetic field.
- The more tightly wound the coil of wire is in an electromagnet, the stronger its magnetic field.
- A soft iron core increases the strength of an electromagnet because it becomes magnetised when it is turned on.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Magnets and electromagnets, where they explored the basic principles of magnetism and electromagnetic fields. It deepens their understanding by examining electromagnetism in more complex applications, such as electric motors and generators. As the final unit in the big question, How do electricity and magnetism work?, it reinforces pupils’ understanding of the interconnected nature of electricity and magnetism and their applications in technology and everyday life.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Arrows on magnetic field lines show the direction in which the north-seeking pole of another magnet would be forced.
- Where a magnetic field is stronger, the field lines are closer together.
- When there is an electric current in a wire, there is a magnetic field around the wire.
- When there is an electric current in a coil of wire, the magnetic field around each loop adds to make a stronger field.
- An electromagnet is made by wrapping a coil of wire around a core.
- An electromagnet is a magnet that can be turned on with an electric current, and turned off.
- The more loops of wire in the coil of an electromagnet, the stronger its magnetic field.
- The larger the current through the coil of an electromagnet, the stronger its magnetic field.
- The more tightly wound the coil of wire is in an electromagnet, the stronger its magnetic field.
- A soft iron core increases the strength of an electromagnet because it becomes magnetised when it is turned on.
Physics
Electromagnetism
This unit explores magnetism, including permanent and induced magnets, magnetic fields, and Earth's magnetism. It covers current-induced magnetic effects, electric motors, and devices like microphones and loudspeakers, with an emphasis on models, calculations, and practical applications.
9 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Electromagnetism unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our OCR secondary physics curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for OCR secondary physics programmes.