Electromagnetism and the Motor Effect
A comprehensive lesson on electromagnetism covering magnetic fields around wires, solenoids, the motor effect, and the F=BIl equation, designed for GCSE-level Physics students.
Learning objectives
- Describe the magnetic field patterns around a straight wire and a solenoid.
- Identify the factors that affect the strength of an electromagnet.
- Calculate the force on a conductor using F = BIl.
- Apply Fleming's Left-Hand Rule to predict the direction of force in the motor effect.
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Introduction · 5 min
Starter: Recall activity on permanent vs induced magnets and magnetic field shapes.
Teaching · 10 min
Direct Instruction: Teacher explains the magnetic field around a wire and the construction of an electromagnet using the explainer script.
Demonstration · 10 min
Demonstration/Worked Example: Showing the Right-Hand Grip Rule and calculating force using F=BIl.
Independent Practice · 20 min
Differentiated Practice: Students complete the Support, Core, or Stretch worksheets based on prior attainment.
Application · 10 min
Application: Brief look at the electric motor and how Fleming's Left-Hand Rule applies.
Review · 5 min
Plenary: 8-question MCQ quiz to check for understanding.
Key vocabulary
- Solenoid
- A coil of wire that acts as a magnet when carrying an electric current.
- Electromagnet
- A solenoid with an iron core that can be turned on and off.
- Magnetic Flux Density
- A measure of the strength of a magnetic field (measured in Tesla, T).
- Motor Effect
- When a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field experiences a force.
- Fleming's Left-Hand Rule
- A mnemonic used to find the direction of the force in the motor effect.
Core worksheet (first questions)
- List three ways you can increase the strength of an electromagnet.
- What happens to the magnetic field of a solenoid if the direction of the current is flipped?
- Explain why iron is used for the core of an electromagnet instead of steel.
- State what each finger represents in Fleming's Left-Hand Rule.
Quiz (sample)
1. What is the name for a coil of wire that acts as a magnet when current flows?
- A. A solenoid
- B. A diode
- C. A capacitor
- D. A transformer
2. What is the shape of the magnetic field around a straight current-carrying wire?
- A. Parallel lines
- B. Concentric circles
3. What happens to the magnetic field if the direction of the current is reversed?
- A. The magnetic field stays the same
- B. The magnetic field reverses direction
- C. The magnetic field disappears
- D. The magnetic field gets stronger
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Support and Stretch worksheets, every answer and model answer, the teaching explainer and common misconceptions, editable and ready to print as PDF or Word.
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