CCEA GCSE Physics
CCEA GCSE Physics 2.4 Magnetism and Electromagnetism Exam Questions
Free CCEA GCSE Physics revision for 2.4 Magnetism and Electromagnetism: what you need to know, common mistakes and exam-style questions with answers. Covers magnetic fields, electromagnets, the motor effect and Fleming's Left Hand Rule, a.c. and d.c., electromagnetic induction, generators and transformers.
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About CCEA GCSE Physics 2.4 Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Magnetism and Electromagnetism is a Unit 2 topic in CCEA GCSE Physics. It covers the magnetic field patterns of bar magnets and current-carrying coils, and the prescribed practical investigating how the strength of an electromagnet depends on current, number of turns and core material. You also need the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field using Fleming's Left Hand Rule, the difference between a.c. and d.c. on an oscilloscope, electromagnetic induction and generators, and transformers in the transmission of electricity. It links to electricity in 2.3. Examiners frequently set transformer calculations and ask why electricity is transmitted at high voltage.
What you need to know
- Magnetic fields Field lines go from the north pole to the south pole of a bar magnet and are closest together where the field is strongest. A current-carrying coil (solenoid) produces a field like a bar magnet.
- Prescribed practical: electromagnets Count the number of paper clips an electromagnet can pick up while varying one factor. The field is stronger with a larger current, more turns of wire and an iron core.
- Motor effect A current-carrying wire in a magnetic field experiences a force. Fleming's Left Hand Rule: first finger is the field, second finger is the current and thumb is the motion (force). Reversing either the current or the field reverses the force.
- a.c. and d.c. Direct current flows in one direction only, shown as a flat horizontal line on an oscilloscope. Alternating current repeatedly changes direction, shown as a wave. Mains electricity in the UK is a.c.
- Induction and generators A voltage is induced when a wire or coil cuts magnetic field lines or the field through a coil changes. A larger voltage is induced with a stronger magnet, faster movement or more turns. An a.c. generator rotates a coil in a magnetic field to produce alternating current.
- Transformers Transformers change a.c. voltages: Ns / Np = Vs / Vp. Step-up transformers increase voltage at power stations so the current in transmission cables is lower, reducing heat losses. Step-down transformers reduce the voltage for safe use in homes.
Common mistakes in 2.4 Magnetism and Electromagnetism
- Using the right hand for the motor effect. Fleming's Left Hand Rule is used for the force on a current-carrying conductor.
- Saying transformers work with d.c. They need an alternating current to produce a changing magnetic field.
- Explaining high voltage transmission as making electricity travel faster. Higher voltage means lower current, so less energy is wasted as heat in the cables.
- Drawing field lines that cross or point from south to north outside a magnet.
- Thinking moving a magnet slowly does not induce any voltage. It induces a smaller voltage; there must be relative movement.
Try three 2.4 Magnetism and Electromagnetism exam-style questions
1. A transformer has 2300 turns on its primary coil and is connected to a 230 V supply. How many turns are needed on the secondary coil to give 12 V? (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Ns / Np = Vs / Vp; Ns = 12 / 230 x 2300; = 120 turns.
2. Explain why electricity is transmitted across the National Grid at high voltage. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
High voltage means a low current for the same power; less heating of the cables; less energy wasted, so transmission is more efficient.
3. State three ways to increase the strength of an electromagnet. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Increase the current; increase the number of turns; use an iron core.
2.4 Magnetism and Electromagnetism FAQs
What does CCEA GCSE Physics 2.4 Magnetism and Electromagnetism cover?
It covers magnetic field patterns, electromagnets, the motor effect and Fleming's Left Hand Rule, a.c. and d.c., electromagnetic induction, generators and transformers.
Which unit is 2.4 Magnetism and Electromagnetism examined in?
It is examined in the Unit 2 written paper, and the electromagnet practical can also be assessed in Unit 3 Practical Skills.
What equation do I need for transformers?
Ns / Np = Vs / Vp. Rearrange it carefully and check that a step-up transformer has more turns on the secondary coil than on the primary coil.
