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Magnetism and Electromagnetism Flashcards
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Work through magnetic field lines, the motor effect, solenoids, transformers and electromagnetic induction with these free Physics flashcards. Great for GCSE and A Level Physics revision.
Question
What are magnetic poles and what is the rule for attraction/repulsion?
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Answer
Magnets have a north and a south pole. Like poles repel; unlike poles attract.
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Question
What is a magnetic field?
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Answer
A region of space where a magnetic force is experienced. Represented by field lines pointing from north to south poles outside the magnet. Closer lines = stronger field.
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Question
What materials are ferromagnetic?
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Answer
Iron, nickel, cobalt, and some rare-earth metals. These can be magnetised and are strongly attracted to magnets.
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Question
What is the difference between a permanent and temporary magnet?
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Answer
Permanent magnet: retains magnetisation after the magnetising field is removed (e.g. steel). Temporary/induced magnet: only magnetic while in a magnetic field (e.g. iron).
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Question
What is the magnetic effect of a current (Oersted's discovery)?
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Answer
An electric current produces a magnetic field around it. The field forms concentric circles around a straight wire; direction given by the right-hand grip rule.
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Question
What is a solenoid?
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Answer
A coil of wire that acts as an electromagnet when carrying current. The magnetic field inside resembles that of a bar magnet. Adding an iron core greatly increases field strength.
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Question
What is an electromagnet?
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Answer
A temporary magnet created by passing current through a coil of wire wound around a soft iron core. Strength increases with current, number of turns, and iron core permeability.
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Question
What is Fleming's left-hand rule?
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Answer
Predicts the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field. Thumb = force/motion (thrust), index finger = magnetic field, middle finger = conventional current.
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Question
What is the motor effect?
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Answer
A current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field experiences a force (F = BIL sin θ), where B = field strength, I = current, L = length of conductor in the field.
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Question
What is electromagnetic induction?
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Answer
The generation of an EMF (voltage) in a conductor when the magnetic flux through it changes — discovered by Faraday. The basis of generators and transformers.
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