Choose a focused resource
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.
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.
Start here
Your route through this topic
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.
By the end, you should be able to…
- Explain choose a focused resource using precise physics language.
- Apply the relevant equations, diagrams or practical method to an exam-style situation.
- Use the mini quizzes and practice answers to identify and correct a misconception.
Core learning content
Learn the idea before you practise it
Start with this short teaching sequence for AQA GCSE Magnetism and electromagnetism Revision. Read the model, use the visual, then test your recall before moving into examples and exam practice.
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.
Use the right relationship
Choose a relationship because of the physical change in the question, not because it is familiar. Transformer ratio: Vₚ ÷ Vₛ = Nₚ ÷ Nₛ (V, turns). Power in an ideal transformer: VₚIₚ = VₛIₛ (W, V, A). Magnetic field strength idea: closer field lines = stronger field (qualitative). Keep the unit next to each value while you substitute.
What a strong answer does
Use precise definitions, show the relevant working and link each conclusion to the physics evidence in the question. Before writing, underline the command word and identify the information that matters. Keep a calculation as equation, substitution and answer with unit; keep an explanation as a linked chain using because, so or therefore. Finish by checking that the final sentence answers the exact context in the question and that the number, direction or conclusion agrees with the evidence given.
Retrieval practice
Quick checks
Answer without looking back first. The feedback explains the model, so a wrong answer still helps you learn.
Mini quiz 1
Field basics
Mini quiz 2
Induction and motors
Mini quiz 3
Transformers
Worked examples
See the method being built
Cover the answer, attempt the method and then compare your physics language as well as the number.
Example 1 · Transformer turns ratio
A transformer has 1 000 primary turns, 100 secondary turns and a primary potential difference of 230 V. Calculate the secondary potential difference.
- Use Vₚ ÷ Vₛ = Nₚ ÷ Nₛ.
- Vₛ = Vₚ × Nₛ ÷ Nₚ.
- Vₛ = 230 × 100 ÷ 1 000.
Show the answer
23 V. This is a step-down transformer.
Example 2 · Transmission reasoning
Explain why the National Grid uses high potential differences.
- For a fixed power, higher V means lower I.
- Heating loss depends on current.
- Lower current reduces energy dissipated in the cables.
Show the answer
High voltage allows the same power to be transmitted at lower current, reducing heating losses in the cables.
Example 3 · Induction
Give two ways to increase the induced potential difference in a coil.
- Increase the rate of change of magnetic field through the coil.
- Increase the number of turns or use a stronger magnet.
Show the answer
Move the magnet/coil faster and use more turns or a stronger magnetic field.
Misconception clinic
Common wrong turns
Each of these is tempting because it sounds almost right. Replace it with the precise physics before you meet it in a question.
- Drawing field lines crossing or pointing the wrong way.
- Saying a transformer works with direct current.
- Confusing the motor effect with electromagnetic induction.
- Claiming high voltage automatically means high current.
Independent practice
Exam-style questions
Use the working space first. Reveal the guidance only after you have committed to an answer, then improve the exact part that would gain the next mark.
1. State the direction of magnetic field lines outside a bar magnet.
[1 mark]Show answer and marking guidance
From north to south.
2. A transformer changes 12 V to 60 V. Is it step-up or step-down?
[2 marks]Show answer and marking guidance
Step-up, because the secondary potential difference is greater.
3. Explain how a loudspeaker uses the motor effect.
[3 marks]Show answer and marking guidance
A current in the coil interacts with a permanent magnetic field, causing the coil and cone to move.
4. Why does moving a magnet faster increase induced p.d.?
[2 marks]Show answer and marking guidance
The magnetic field through the coil changes more rapidly.
5. Why do transformers require alternating current?
[2 marks]Show answer and marking guidance
Alternating current creates a changing magnetic field, which is needed for induction.
6. State one way to make an electromagnet stronger.
[1 mark]Show answer and marking guidance
Increase current, add turns to the coil or use an iron core.
Focused revision
Choose one idea at a time
When you are ready to go narrower, each focused page follows the same learning route: explain, check, explore, diagnose and practise.
MA-01
Magnetic Fields, Electromagnets and the Motor Effect
A current produces a magnetic field, and a current-carrying conductor in an external field can experience a force. Use field diagrams and Fleming’s left-hand rule carefully for Higher demand.
MA-02
Generator Effect and Electromagnetic Induction
Moving a conductor through a magnetic field, or changing the magnetic field through a coil, induces a potential difference. Reversing the motion reverses the induced current direction.
MA-03
Transformers and the National Grid
Step-up transformers raise potential difference for transmission; step-down transformers reduce it for consumers. Use the turns ratio and explain why high voltage reduces current and cable heating for a given power.
Keep going
Related GCSE Physics routes
AQA GCSE Energy RevisionEnergy questions become easier when you name the system, track the stores that change and identify the transfer pathway. Then choose an equation only when the physical change requires it.AQA GCSE Electricity RevisionElectricity questions reward careful definitions and circuit rules. Keep current, charge, potential difference, resistance, power and energy as separate quantities.AQA GCSE Particle model of matter RevisionUse a particle model to explain density, changes of state, internal energy and gas pressure. Keep particle spacing, particle motion and energy separate.AQA GCSE Atomic structure RevisionAtomic-structure questions combine a model of the atom, radiation properties and careful use of nuclear notation. Always distinguish irradiation from contamination.
AQA GCSE Physics Required PracticalsExam skills, method and self-checks.GCSE Physics Equations and Maths SkillsExam skills, method and self-checks.
Questions pupils ask
GCSE Physics FAQs
What is the key idea in 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.
How should I practise AQA GCSE Magnetism and electromagnetism Revision?
Read the snapshot, attempt the worked examples without looking, complete the mini quizzes and then use the practice questions to check your wording and method.
Next step
Keep your revision moving
Physics sticks when you move between explanation, retrieval and application.