Edexcel IGCSE Physics · Section 6
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Magnetic fields, electromagnets, motors, generators, transformers and electromagnetic induction.
What this section covers
This section covers magnetic fields and the practical devices that use electromagnetism.
- Describe magnetic field patterns and electromagnets.
- Explain the motor effect and generator effect.
- Apply transformer ideas to electricity transmission.
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1
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Magnets, Fields & Electromagnets
Spec 6.1-6.3
Magnets, magnetic fields, and how electromagnets work.
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2
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Magnetic Materials and Field Patterns (Paper 2)
Spec 6.3-6.10P
Covers compare hard and soft magnetic materials, Map fields for magnets and uniform pole faces and Draw fields around a wire, coil and solenoid.
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3
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The Motor Effect & the d.c. Motor
Spec 6.4-6.5
The motor effect and how a d.c. motor works.
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4
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The Motor Effect: Using the Equation
Spec 6.4-6.5
Worked examples using the motor effect equation (F = BIL).
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5
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Electromagnetic Induction & Generators
Spec 6.6-6.7
Electromagnetic induction and how generators produce electricity.
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6
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Transformers
Spec 6.8-6.9
How transformers change the voltage of an alternating supply.
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7
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Transformers: Using the Equations
Spec 6.8-6.9
Worked examples using the transformer equations.
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8
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Motor Effect, Loudspeakers and Generators (Paper 2)
Spec 6.11P-6.16
Covers describe force on a moving charge, Explain a loudspeaker using the motor effect and Compare two generator arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a permanent magnet and an electromagnet?
A permanent magnet is always magnetic; an electromagnet is only magnetic when a current flows, so it can be switched on and off.
What is the motor effect?
When a current-carrying wire sits in a magnetic field it experiences a force — the basis of the electric motor.
How does a transformer work?
A changing current in the primary coil induces a changing voltage in the secondary coil; the turns ratio decides whether the voltage goes up or down.
What is electromagnetic induction?
A voltage is induced when a wire and a magnetic field move relative to each other — how generators produce electricity.
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