Current through an electromagnet
I can plan an experiment to test the strength of an electromagnet and explain how different factors affect the strength of an electromagnet.
Current through an electromagnet
I can plan an experiment to test the strength of an electromagnet and explain how different factors affect the strength of an electromagnet.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The more turns of wire in the coil of an electromagnet, the stronger its magnetic field.
- The greater the current through the coil of an electromagnet, the stronger its magnetic field.
- The more closely spaced the coils of wire of an electromagnet, the stronger its magnetic field.
- An electromagnet made from bare wire will not work if adjacent turns are touching.
- A soft iron core increases the strength of an electromagnet because it becomes magnetised when it is turned on.
Keywords
Independent variable - the variable that the person doing the experiment changes
Dependent variable - the variable that the person doing the experiment measures
Control variable - the variables that may affect the dependent variable and should be kept the same
Fair test - an experiment where the control variables are kept the same
Soft iron core - the centre of a strong electromagnet that becomes magnetised
Common misconception
Pupils often refer to the turns of a coil as the number of coils.
Emphasise that turns of wire can be added to a coil to make the coil longer.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Current through an electromagnet, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Current through an electromagnet, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Magnets and electromagnets unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
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.