What this topic covers
Magnetism and electromagnetism has 3 subtopics:
- Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields
- The motor effect
- Induced potential, transformers and the National Grid (physics only) (HT only)
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GCSE AQA Foundation Physics · Topic 7 of 9
Magnetism and electromagnetism – GCSE AQA Foundation Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Magnetism and electromagnetism covers Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields, The motor effect, and Induced potential, transformers and the National Grid (physics only) (HT only) in GCSE AQA Foundation Physics. 7 lessons in 3 subtopics.
Revise Magnetism and electromagnetism for GCSE AQA Foundation Physics, including Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields.
7
Lessons
3
Subtopics
Magnetism and electromagnetism lessons by subtopic
7 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields
- Magnetic Poles and Forces
- Permanent vs. Induced Magnets
- Introduction to Magnetic Fields
- Plotting Magnetic Field Patterns
- Earth's Magnetic Field and Compasses
The motor effect
More in this course
Go back to the full GCSE AQA Foundation Physics topic list, or practise this topic with past-paper questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is Magnetism and electromagnetism?
Magnetism and electromagnetism covers Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields, The motor effect, and Induced potential, transformers and the National Grid (physics only) (HT only) in GCSE AQA Foundation Physics. 7 lessons in 3 subtopics.
Is aluminium magnetic?
Aluminium is not magnetic, and neither is copper, even though they are metals. The Introduction to Magnetic Fields notes cover this in full.
Is copper magnetic?
Copper is not magnetic, even though it is a metal; only iron, steel, cobalt and nickel are magnetic materials. The Introduction to Magnetic Fields notes cover this in full.
What is a solenoid?
A solenoid is a coil of wire that produces a magnetic field when current flows through it. The Solenoids and Electromagnets notes cover this in full.
How does a compass work?
A compass contains a magnetised steel needle, a small bar magnet, that can rotate freely on a pivot. The Earth's Magnetic Field and Compasses notes cover this in full.
What is an electromagnet?
An electromagnet is a solenoid with an iron core that can be switched on and off by controlling the electric current. The Solenoids and Electromagnets notes cover this in full.
What is a magnetic field?
A magnetic field is the region around a magnet where a force acts on another magnet or on a magnetic material: iron, steel, cobalt and nickel. The Introduction to Magnetic Fields notes cover this in full.
What is the right-hand grip rule?
The right-hand rule finds the direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor: the right thumb points in the direction of conventional current, and the fingers curl in the direction of the magnetic field lines. The Currents and Magnetic Fields notes cover this in full.
What does the magnetic field of a solenoid look like?
Outside a solenoid, the field lines curve from one end to the other like those of a bar magnet, so one end is a north pole and the other a south pole. The Solenoids and Electromagnets notes cover this in full.