GCSE Physics — Magnetism and Electromagnetism

Led by Michael Faraday Simulacrum

Five tutorials covering AQA GCSE Physics §4.7 Magnetism and Electromagnetism — permanent and induced magnetism, electromagnetism from current-carrying wires, the motor effect, the generator effect, and transformers — taught by simulacra of the physicists whose 19th-century work turned electromagnetism from laboratory curiosity into the infrastructure of the modern world.

1. Module 1 ○ Open

   Magnets and Magnetic Fields

   Led by Michael Faraday Simulacrum

   The question

   What is a magnetic field, and why does a compass needle always point north?

   Outcome

   The student can describe the attraction and repulsion between magnetic poles, distinguish permanent from induced magnets, draw the magnetic field pattern of a bar magnet with correct direction, plot a field using a compass, and explain how the compass behaviour reveals Earth's magnetic field. (AQA 4.7.1.1, 4.7.1.2)

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2. Module 2 ○ Open

   Electromagnetism

   Led by André-Marie Ampère Simulacrum

   The question

   A current flowing through a wire produces a magnetic field around the wire — why, and how can this be put to use?

   Outcome

   The student can describe how a current produces a magnetic field, draw the field pattern for a straight wire and a solenoid with correct direction, explain how a solenoid and an iron core together make an electromagnet, and (physics only) interpret diagrams of electromagnetic devices. (AQA 4.7.2.1)

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3. Module 3 ○ Open

   The Motor Effect *(Higher Tier)*

   Led by Nikola Tesla Simulacrum

   The question

   When a current-carrying wire is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a force — how big, in which direction, and how can this be turned into a motor?

   Outcome

   The student can describe the motor effect, apply Fleming's left-hand rule, apply F = BIl, explain how a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field causes rotation in an electric motor, and (physics only) explain how a moving-coil loudspeaker and headphones work. (AQA 4.7.2.2, 4.7.2.3, 4.7.2.4)

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4. Module 4 ○ Open

   The Generator Effect *(physics-only, Higher Tier)*

   Led by Michael Faraday Simulacrum

   The question

   If a current creates a magnetic field, can a magnetic field create a current?

   Outcome

   The student can describe the generator effect, apply its principles to a moving conductor in a field, distinguish alternators from dynamos, draw and interpret pd-time graphs for both, and explain how a moving-coil microphone works. (AQA 4.7.3.1, 4.7.3.2, 4.7.3.3)

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5. Module 5 ○ Open

   Transformers and the National Grid *(physics-only, Higher Tier)*

   Led by James Clerk Maxwell Simulacrum

   The question

   How does a transformer change the voltage of an alternating-current supply — and why is that the reason the National Grid works?

   Outcome

   The student can describe a basic transformer, apply both the turns-ratio equation and the ideal-transformer power equation, calculate input current for a required output power, and explain why high-voltage transmission is efficient — linking the transformer's function to the operation of the National Grid. (AQA 4.7.3.4)

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