This key facts covers Electromagnets within Magnetic Fields for GCSE Physics. Revise Magnetic Fields in Magnetism for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 5 of 14 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 5 of 14
Practice
13 questions
Recall
12 flashcards
⚡ Electromagnets
What they are: Magnets created by electric current flowing through a coil of wire.
Advantages over permanent magnets:
- Can be switched ON and OFF
- Strength can be controlled by varying current
- Polarity can be reversed by reversing current
How to make a stronger electromagnet:
- Increase the current
- Increase the number of turns/coils
- Add a soft iron core (not steel — it would stay magnetised!)
Uses: Scrapyard cranes, MRI machines, electric bells, loudspeakers, relays