Electromagnets · IGCSE Physics 0625 Simulation

About this lab: Electromagnets

Build an electromagnet and test turns, current and core with a paper-clip pull. Map the solenoid field and poles with a compass, then press the switch on a relay.

IGCSE Physics 0625, topics 4.1 and 4.5.3. Build one, map its field, then switch a relay.

Electromagnets is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge IGCSE Physics 0625 (topic 4 Electricity and magnetism, sections 4.1 Simple phenomena of magnetism, 4.5 Electromagnetic effects). The course is assessed in Papers 1 and 2 (multiple choice), 3 and 4 (theory), 5 (practical test) and 6 (alternative to practical). There are 3 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.

Syllabus coverage

4.1 Describe the forces between magnetic poles and between magnets and magnetic materials, including the use of the terms north pole (N pole), south pole (S pole), attraction and repulsion, magnetised and unmagnetised
4.1 Describe induced magnetism
4.5.1 Know that a conductor moving across a magnetic field or a changing magnetic field linking with a conductor can induce an e.m.f. in the conductor
4.5.2 Describe a simple form of a.c. generator (rotating coil or rotating magnet) and the use of slip rings and brushes where needed (Supplement)
4.5.3 Describe the pattern and direction of the magnetic field due to currents in straight wires and in solenoids
4.5.4 Describe an experiment to show that a force acts on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field, including the effect of reversing: (a) the current (b) the direction of the field
4.5.5 Know that a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field may experience a turning effect and that the turning effect is increased by increasing: (a) the number of turns on the coil (b) the current (c) the strength of the magnetic field
4.5.6 Describe the construction of a simple transformer with a soft-iron core, as used for voltage transformations
Lessons on this topic: Magnetic poles, attraction, and repulsion, Temporary (soft iron) vs permanent (steel) magnets, Magnetic fields: drawing field lines and using a compass, Electromagnetic induction: inducing an EMF, The A.C. generator (slip rings, EMF graphs).

Full syllabus map: IGCSE Physics 0625 topic 4.

How to use this simulation

1. Build an electromagnet.
2. Field and poles.
3. The relay.
The buttons at the end of the tab strip give the scene the whole window (Full screen, Hide controls) and, on a dark stage, a projector-friendly palette (Light scene). Many scenes also have drag handles: drag them to change the set-up directly.

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