Edexcel IGCSE Physics · Section 6
Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Magnetic fields, electromagnets, motors, generators, transformers and electromagnetic induction. All videos are available on YouTube.
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.
Physics workbook
Revise alongside the Physics videos
Use the Physics workbook as a companion guide for notes, recall questions and exam-style practice.