Electromagnetism
How can a junkyard crane pick up heavy pieces
of metal, but then drop them whenever it wants?
Explain this process in your own words.
Date:
LI: Understand the concept of
electromagnetism and explore the properties
and applications of electromagnets.
Success Criteria
Knowledge: Identify the core components of an
electromagnet.
Understanding: Explain how electricity can turn a piece
of metal into a magnet.
Creating: Create and investigate a simple electromagnet
and observe how its strength changes with various
modifications.
Fact of the Day
The Boomerang Nebula is
the coldest known place in
the universe, with
temperatures even lower
than the background
radiation after the Big
Bang.
Recap Questions
1. What is electric charge?
2. What’s the difference between a series circuit
and a parallel circuit?
3. Draw a circuit diagram for a series circuit with
two bulbs and a battery.
Answers
1. Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that
causes it to experience a force when placed in an
electromagnetic field. There are two types of electric charges:
positive and negative. Like charges repel each other, while
opposite charges attract.
2. In a series circuit, components are connected end-to-end, so
there is only one path for current to flow. If one component
fails, the circuit is broken and the current stops. In a parallel
circuit, components are connected across common points or
junctions, creating multiple paths for current to flow. If one
component fails, current can still flow through the other paths.
3.
Magnetised
Magnetic materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt
can become temporary magnets when exposed
to a magnetic field. We say that they have been
‘magnetized’.
Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism is the interaction between
electricity and magnetism, where electric
currents can create or influence magnetic fields.
Electromagnets
An electromagnet is made by
wrapping a wire around a
magnetic material and passing
an electric current through it.
This creates a temporary
magnetic field, which switches
off when there is no electric
current.
The wire wrapped around is
called a coil, and the magnetic
material at the centre is called
the core.
Electromagnet Poles
Just like a bar magnet, an electromagnet has a
north and south pole. You can identify the poles
by using a compass or another magnet.
The poles of an electromagnet can be reversed
by wrapping the coil in the opposite direction, or
reversing the connections on the power supply.
Current and Magnetic Fields
Electric current flowing through a wire produces
a magnetic field around it. The direction of this
field follows the right-hand grip rule.
Applications of Electromagnets
Electromagnets are
used in various
applications where
control over the
magnetic field is
necessary, such as in
electric bells, MRI
scanners, and cranes
for lifting scrap metal.
Electromagnet Strength
The strength of an electromagnet can be affected
by the following:
• Size of the electric current
• Number of coils around the iron core
• Thickness of the wire
Investigate how these variables affect the strength
of the electromagnet by changing how many paper
clips each electromagnet can pick up at one time.
Electromagnet Investigation
Oldest Partner Youngest Partner
1. Insulated wire (1 1. Connecting leads
meter in length) – 2 2. Clamp stand
different thicknesses
3. Crocodile clips (2)
2. Iron nail
4. Paper clips
3. Variable low voltage
power pack
4. Ammeter
Method
Wind Wire Around Nail: Tightly wind the insulated wire around the nail to create the
electromagnet.
Assemble Equipment: Arrange the power pack, ammeter, retort stand, boss and clamp,
connecting leads, and crocodile clips as shown in the experiment diagram.
Adjust Current: Set the power pack to generate a current of 0.1 A. Verify the current with
the ammeter and record it in your results table.
Attach Paper Clips: Turn on the electromagnet and attach paper clips one at a time until
no more can be held. Count the attached paper clips and note this in the results table.
Switch Off and Repeat: Turn off the electromagnet, then turn it on again, ensuring the
current remains at 0.1 A. Attach paper clips again to check consistency, record the
number, and calculate the average.
Increase Current: Incrementally increase the current in steps of 0.1 A, repeating the
paper clip test for each new current setting up to 0.6 A. Ensure each new current is
recorded along with the corresponding number of paper clips the electromagnet holds.
Record and Calculate Averages: For each current setting, repeat the paper clip
attachment to ensure reliability and calculate the average number of paper clips held for
each current level.
Writing Lab Report
Write a lab report to record the results of your investigation.
Include the following sections:
• Title
• Aim
• Hypothesis
• Apparatus
• Method
• Diagram
• Results
• Conclusions
• Evaluations
Extension Task
We’ve looked at the use of electromagnets for
moving scrap metal in junkyards. What are some
of the other uses of electromagnets?
Plenary Activity
Brainstorm Ideas: Think about everyday
problems or tasks that could be simplified or
improved using an electromagnet. Consider
areas such as transportation, recycling, medical
devices, or entertainment.
Sketch Your Design: On a piece of paper, draw
a simple diagram of your electromagnet
application. Label the main components,
including where the electromagnet is and how
it's used.
Key Terms
Coil: A spiral or series of loops of wire. When electricity goes through
it, it can create a magnetic field.
Core: The middle part of something. In magnets, it's often made of
iron and helps make the magnet's force stronger.
Electric Current: Electricity moving through a wire. It can make things
work, like lights or motors.
Electromagnetism: A science word that talks about how electricity
and magnets work together. It's why magnets can attract or push
away things, and how electricity can make magnets.
Exposed: When something is not covered up. Like when wires are not
hidden, and you can see them.
Magnetic: When something can pull certain metals towards itself or
stick to them, like how fridge magnets stick to the fridge.
Key Terms
Magnetic Field: The space around a magnet where its power works. It's
invisible but can pull things made of metal towards the magnet.
Magnetised: When a piece of metal becomes a magnet and can pull other
metals toward itself.
Pole: The ends of a magnet. One end is called the north pole and the other
the south pole. Opposite poles attract each other, and the same poles push
each other away.
Right-Hand Grip Rule: A way to figure out where the magnetic field goes
when electricity moves through a wire. If you hold the wire with your right
hand and point your thumb in the direction of the electricity, your fingers
will curl in the direction of the magnetic field.
Temporary: Something that only lasts for a short time. A temporary magnet
can act like a magnet but only when electricity is passing through it.
Magnetic Field: An area around a magnet where its magnetic force can be
felt. It's invisible but can pull on things made of iron or steel.
“Mr Luke, I Wasn’t Here When We Did This”
Investigating Electromagnets [3:57]: https://
[Link]/watch?v=zE34APZybfY
How Does an Electromagnet Work? [2:55]: https://
[Link]/watch?v=cxELqN7wjS0
GCSE Physics – Electromagnetism [5:08]: https://
[Link]/watch?v=79_SF5AZtzo
Electromagnetism 101 National Geographic [3:19]:
[Link]
Test Your Knowledge
See how well you’ve mastered this lesson on
electromagnetism by using the link below:
https://
[Link]/view/65e7ff99fcd4b60032c5da3
b
Success Criteria
Knowledge: Identify the core components of an
electromagnet.
Understanding: Explain how electricity can turn
a piece of metal into a magnet.
Creating: Create and investigate a simple
electromagnet and observe how its strength
changes with various modifications.
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