Physics (Combined Science) · GCSE · OCR · OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway Science) — Physics — Foundation (J250) · Specification point · P3.3 · Electricity and magnetism
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P3.3 Magnets and magnetic fields
Summary Having an understanding of the flow of charge and its effects, we can now consider the links between movement of charge and magnetism. To begin, learners will investigate magnets and magnetic fields around magnets and current-carrying wires. Underlying knowledge and understanding Learners should have been introduced to magnets and the idea of attractive and repulsive forces. They should have an idea of the shape of the fields around bar magnets. Learners are expected to have an awareness of the magnetic effect of a current and electromagnets.
Common misconceptions Learners hold the misconception that larger magnets will always be stronger magnets. They also have difficulty understanding the concept of field line density being an indicator of field strength. Learners often do not know that the geographic and magnetic poles are not located in the same place.
| Learning outcomes | To include | Maths | Working scientifically | Practical suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
P3.3a describe the attraction and repulsion between unlike and like poles for permanent magnets | diagrams of magnetic field patterns around bar magnets to show attraction and repulsion |
WS1.1b, WS1.2a, WS1.2b, WS2a, WS2b
Using suspended magnets to show attraction and repulsion. |
P3.3b describe the difference between permanent and induced magnets |
P3.3c describe the characteristics of the magnetic field of a magnet, showing how strength and direction, change from one point to another | diagrams to show attraction and repulsion and also depict how the strength of the field varies around them and ways of investigating this | M5b | WS1.1b, WS1.2a, WS1.2b, WS2a, WS2b, WS2c | Plotting of magnetic fields and use of dipping compass. |
P3.3d explain how the behaviour of a magnetic (dipping) compass is related to evidence that the core of the Earth must be magnetic |
P3.3e describe how to show that a current can create a magnetic effect and describe the directions of the magnetic field around a conducting wire | WS1.1b, WS1.2a, WS1.2b, WS2a, WS2b, WS2c | Investigation of the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire using plotting compasses. |
P3.3f recall that the strength of the field depends on the current and the distance from the conductor |
P3.3g explain how solenoid arrangements can enhance the magnetic effect | WS1.1b, WS1.2a, WS1.2b, WS2a, WS2b, WS2c, WS2d | Investigation of the magnetic field around a current-carrying solenoid using plotting compasses. Investigation of factors that can affect the magnetic effect e.g. number of turns and length. |