is a material that does not conduct electric current

a coil of insulated wire that spins inside an electric motor when a current flows through it

a rod at the centre of wheels and gears around which they turn

in a motor kit, a U–shaped piece of iron that holds two magnets in place to create a uniform magnetic field

An electric motor

Combined science

In the Magnets and electromagnets unit, pupils learnt about rules for magnets, magnetic fields of bar magnets, and the properties and uses of electromagnets. 

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.

Electromagnetism

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

insulated wire wound into many turns; rotates when the motor runs

a U–shaped piece of iron that holds two magnets in place

Match each part of a motor with its description.

The diagram shows a simple electric motor from one end, with some of its parts labelled with the letters A to D. Match each letter with the name of the part.

The coil is made of a magnetic material which is repelled by the magnets.

The coil is made of a magnetic material which is attracted by the magnets.

The magnetic field exerts a force on the axle which makes it spin.

The magnetic field exerts a force on the coil because it carries a current.

Which of the following explains why the coil of a motor turns when it is connected to a suitable power supply?

There is no electrical contact between the coil and the battery.

A pupil tries to make an electric motor. They join the wire contacts onto the ends of the coil. Why does the motor not work correctly when a battery is connected to the other ends of the contacts?

The coil stops turning because no force is acting on it.

The coil falls back to horizontal because gravity acts on it.

The coil keeps turning because hardly any force is acting on it.

The coil keeps turning because the magnetic field still exerts a force on it.

The diagram shows a motor that is powered by a battery. When the coil is in the vertical position shown, there is no electrical contact between the coil and the battery. What happens next, and why?

The ends of the wire contacts are not insulated.

The magnets have their north poles facing each other.

The rod through the centre of the core is not insulated.

A pupil makes a simple electric motor. When they connect it to a suitable power supply, the coil does not spin. Which of the following are possible reasons why?

A material that allows an electric current to flow is called an electrical conductor. A material that does not allow an electric current to flow is called an electrical {{}}.

The diagram shows a magnetic field between two magnets. The north–seeking and south–seeking poles are shown but the arrows are missing from the field lines. Which way should the arrows point?

A magnetic field with equally spaced field lines is described as {{}}.

A current appears in a wire that is moving in an electric field.

A current appears in a wire that is moving in a magnetic field.

A magnetic field appears around a current–carrying wire.

A current–carrying wire in an electric field experiences a force.

A current–carrying wire in a magnetic field experiences a force.

Which of the following statements describes the motor effect?

Only the left hand gives the correct result.

The first finger points in the direction of the force.

The second finger points in the direction of the current.

The thumb, first finger and second fingers are at right angles to each other.

When using Fleming’s rule to predict the direction of the force, current or magnetic field in the motor effect, which of the following are correct?

The diagram shows a current–carrying wire in a uniform magnetic field. Black arrows show magnetic field direction and a grey arrow shows current direction. In which direction is the force on the wire?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet