Year 11 - Science
Plotting magnetic fields
Electromagnetism
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit explores magnetism, including permanent and induced magnets, magnetic fields, and Earth's magnetism. It covers current-induced magnetic effects, electric motors, and devices like microphones and loudspeakers, with an emphasis on models, calculations, and practical applications.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to plot and describe magnetic fields around bar magnets.
Key Notes
- All magnets have a north–seeking pole and a south–seeking pole.
- Unlike magnetic poles attract each other, and like magnetic poles repel each other.
- Just three metal elements (iron, cobalt and nickel) are magnetic; other metals and non–metals are not magnetic.
- The needle of a plotting compass lines up with the magnetic field of a magnet.
- Arrows on magnetic field lines show the direction in which the north–seeking pole of another magnet would be forced.
Vocabulary To Learn
- north–seeking pole: The part of a magnet that is attracted to the south–seeking pole of another magnet, and to Earth's magnetic North Pole.
- magnetic material: A material that is attracted to a magnet. The elements iron, cobalt and nickel, and their alloys (such as steel), are magnetic; non–metals and other metals are not magnetic.
- compass needle: A tiny magnet in a compass that freely turns to line up with the direction of a magnetic field.
- magnetic field line: A line with an arrow, showing the direction in which a force acts on the north–seeking pole of a magnet in a magnetic field.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- The magnetic field is only at the poles of a magnet.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
All magnets have a north–seeking pole and a south–seeking pole. Unlike magnetic poles attract each other, and like magnetic poles repel each other.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'north–seeking pole'
The part of a magnet that is attracted to the south–seeking pole of another magnet, and to Earth's magnetic North Pole. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: The magnetic field is only at the poles of a magnet. Correction: Provide opportunity for pupils to plot magnetic field lines around pairs of bar magnets and to experiment with a second magnet as described in the teacher tip.
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