Magnetism and electromagnetism: GCSE Combined Science
Magnetic poles and fields, electromagnets, the motor effect, Fleming’s left-hand rule, loudspeakers, and magnets in devices
The short version
Draw field lines, explain electromagnets, and on Higher use F = BIL, Fleming’s left-hand rule and the loudspeaker.
Key idea
Closer lines = stronger field; they never cross. Strongest at the poles.
Grade 2–3: Opposite poles pull together. Like poles push apart. Iron is attracted to a magnet.
Grade 5–6: I can draw a bar-magnet field and I know a compass points north.
Grade 9: Earth: compass north pole points towards Earth's magnetic south pole. Induced magnets are temporary. Magnetic materials are iron, steel, cobalt and nickel - not all metals (copper is not).
Go a bit deeper
solenoid: field like a bar magnet while current is on - N at one end, S at the other
Grade 2–3: A coil with electricity is a magnet you can turn off. More coils or more current makes it stronger.
Grade 5–6: I can say the solenoid field looks like a bar magnet and I can name a scrapyard crane as a use.
Grade 9: Write all three strength factors even if they asked for one - spare knowledge sometimes picks up a second mark. Relays, bells and door locks use the same idea (next lessons).
Worked example
Worked example
Grade 2–3: Opposite poles pull together. Like poles push apart. Iron is attracted to a magnet. Grade 5–6: I can draw a bar-magnet field and I know a compass points north. Grade 9: Earth: compass north pole points towards Earth's magnetic south pole. Induced magnets are temporary. Magnetic materials are iron, steel, cobalt and nickel - not all metals (copper is not).
Lessons in this topic
- Poles and fields
- Electromagnets
- Motor effect HT
- Fleming left hand HT
- Loudspeakers Combined
- Magnets in devices
In the app each lesson is video (when we have a real YouTube id) then intro, learn and summary steps.
What the examiner wants
Field lines go north to south. Motor effect: a current in a magnetic field feels a force. Combined Higher includes F = BIL and loudspeakers; generators and transformers are Triple.
Try these questions
Cover the answers and have a go first. Worked solutions are underneath.
Like magnetic poles
Magnetic field lines outside a bar magnet go
Which materials are magnetic?
A solenoid’s field (current on) is like
Common mistakes
- Do not draw lines crossing. Do not draw them from S to N outside the magnet.
- A steel core can stay magnetised - not what you want in a crane that must drop the car.
- Do not use the total length of a long lead on the bench - only the length in the field. F = BIL is Higher.
- Do not use your right hand (that is the generator rule, Triple).
Answers and working
Frequently asked questions
Is GCSE Magnetism and electromagnetism on Combined Science and Triple?
Magnetism and electromagnetism is on Combined Science and on Triple Physics. Progress is shared in the ReviseEasy app.
Which exam board is this Magnetism and electromagnetism page for?
The ideas are board-agnostic for AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC and CCEA. Paper lengths and question numbers differ — check your specification.
Is Magnetism and electromagnetism Foundation or Higher?
The core ideas appear on both tiers. Higher papers add extra application and some HT-only detail, marked in lessons with a Higher badge.
Learn, try, get feedback, fix the mistake
Open the stepped lesson, then the quiz with hints. Required-practical and calculation questions use the same method you will need in the paper.
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