Draw magnetic fields
Field lines show the direction a north pole would move and the relative strength of a field. Lines are closer together where the field is stronger and never cross.
GCSE Physics resources
AQA GCSE Magnetism and electromagnetism
AQA GCSE Magnetism and electromagnetism Revision
Use field-line direction and the right-hand rule carefully. Electricity and magnetism are linked: current creates a magnetic field, and changing magnetic fields can induce a potential difference.
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Plan your magnetism and electromagnetism revision
Use the resource cards below to revise one idea at a time. Each page includes worked examples, mini quizzes, practice questions, exam language and a visual or simulation when it adds learning value.
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Use this overview to find the part of the topic that needs attention; the focused guides below teach and assess each idea in depth.
Explain electromagnets and motors
A current in a wire creates a magnetic field. The interaction between this field and an external field can produce a force on the wire. Increasing current or field strength can increase the motor effect.
Link induction to the National Grid
A changing magnetic field through a coil induces a potential difference. Transformers use electromagnetic induction to change potential difference, allowing high-voltage transmission with lower current and reduced heating losses.
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Choose one idea at a time
Each guide combines explanation, a diagnostic check, misconception repair, worked examples and exam-style practice.
MA-01
Magnetic Fields, Electromagnets and the Motor Effect
Start with the field made by a magnet or current, then distinguish it from the force on a current in an external magnetic field.
MA-02
Generator Effect and Electromagnetic Induction
Induction requires a change, rather than simply the presence of a magnet. A microphone reverses the loudspeaker chain by turning motion into an electrical signal.
MA-03
Transformers and the National Grid
The National Grid’s purpose is common course content. Both courses Higher use ideal-transformer power equality; transformer construction, induction and turns ratio are Physics Higher.
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AQA GCSE Physics Required PracticalsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.GCSE Physics Equations and Maths SkillsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.How to Answer GCSE Physics Calculation QuestionsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.How to Answer GCSE Physics Six-Mark QuestionsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.GCSE Physics Graph SkillsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.
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Continue from Magnetism and electromagnetism
AQA GCSE Physics Magnetic Fields, Electromagnets and Motor Effect WorksheetFree printable questions and a separate solutions PDF.
AQA GCSE Physics Transformers Turns Ratio and Efficiency WorksheetFree printable questions and a separate solutions PDF.
AQA GCSE Physics Electromagnetic Induction and Generator Effect WorksheetFree printable questions and a separate solutions PDF.
AQA GCSE Physics AC DC Generators and Output Graphs WorksheetFree printable questions and a separate solutions PDF.
AQA GCSE Physics Loudspeakers Microphones and Electromagnetic Devices WorksheetFree printable questions and a separate solutions PDF.
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