the variable that the person doing the experiment changes

the variable that the person doing the experiment measures

the variables that may affect the dependent variable and should be kept the same

an experiment where the control variables are kept the same

the centre of a strong electromagnet that becomes magnetised

Current through an electromagnet

Science

Magnetic poles

The magnetic field of a bar magnet

Electromagnets

Using electromagets

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

The variable that is measured by a person doing an experiment.

A variable that is kept the same by a person doing an experiment.

The variable that is changed by a person doing an experiment.

Match the following key terms to their definition.

An experiment that has an independent variable.

An experiment that gives accurate and reliable results.

An experiment that gives the same results each time it is repeated.

An experiment in which the experimenter changes only one variable.

Which of the following statements describes a fair test?

number of paperclips the electromagnet can pick up

A pupil tests how the strength of an electromagnet’s magnetic field is affected by the current in its coil. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

A pupil tests how the strength of an electromagnet’s magnetic field is affected by the current in the coil. Which of the following are control variables in this experiment?

The iron remains magnetised after the current is switched off.

The iron becomes demagnetised after the current is switched off.

Electromagnets typically have a core made of pure iron inside the coil, known as a soft iron core. What does ‘soft’ mean when describing the iron core?

The coils of wire melt and stick to the core.

Current does not go around the turns of the coil.

A pupil wants to make an electromagnet. They wrap bare wire around an iron core and pass a current through the wire. Why does their electromagnet not work?

It has a north–seeking pole and a south–seeking pole.

It is attracted to all other objects made of magnetic material.

It experiences a force when there is a magnet nearby.

Which of the following statements about an object made of a magnetic material are correct?

One piece could be a magnet and not the other.

Both pieces must be made of a magnetic material.

A pupil moves two pieces of metal towards each other and they attract each other by a magnetic force. Which of the following statements are correct?

Both pieces are made of magnetic material.

A pupil moves two pieces of metal towards each other and they repel each other by a magnetic force. Which of the following statements are correct?

The wires are made of a magnetic material.

There is a magnetic field around the current–carrying wire.

The wire gets hot, which heats the core and makes it magnetic.

An electromagnet has a coil of wire wrapped around an iron core. A current flows in the wire. Which of the following statements explains why the electromagnet behaves like a magnet?

increasing the number of turns (loops) in the coil

replacing the iron core with a wooden core

Which of the following would decrease the strength of an electromagnet’s magnetic field?

An electromagnet can repel another electromagnet.

Only one end of an electromagnet can pick up iron paperclips.

Which of the following statements are correct?

Starter Quiz

Which of the following statements about an object made of a magnetic material are correct?