What is electromagnetism?

Electromagnetism is the phenomenon that when an electrical current flows through a wire, a magnetic field is produced.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

A wire is carrying a current, as indicated by the diagram.


How would you use your right hand to work out the direction of the magnetic field?

(this is sometimes called the 'right hand thumb rule' or the 'right hand grip rule')

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What would the direction of magnetic field lines be for the above current-carrying wire?

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

For a current carrying wire, how could you increase the strength of the magnetic field?

Increase the current (or voltage).

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

For a current carrying wire, how could you change the direction of the magnetic field?

Change the direction of the current (or voltage). 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is a solenoid? 

A solenoid is a coil of wire, with a strong uniform magnetic field inside it.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is an electromagnet?

An electromagnet is a solenoid with an iron core inside.


The magnetic field can be turned on or off by turning the circuit on or off. 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

Why do we add a soft iron cores to solenoids?

The iron core increases the strength of the solenoid's magnetic field. 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

Give 4 ways to increase the strength of a solenoid. 

  1. Increase the current.
  2. Increase the number of turns in the solenoid, while keeping the length the same.
  3. Reduce the length of the solenoid while keeping the number of turns the same.
  4. Add a soft iron core.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.