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17 Jan 2026
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Physics AQA Combined Higher Paper 2: Magnetism Notes
R
ruby
@rubymqy
1 / 3
Magnetic Fields and Types of Magnets
Think of magnetic fields as invisible force bubbles around magnets - they're the regions where magnetic materials feel a push or pull. Every magnet has two poles: a north pole and a south pole, and here's the golden rule: like poles repel, unlike poles attract.
There are two main types of magnets you need to know about. Permanent magnets (like bar magnets) are made from magnetic materials and keep their magnetism forever - they're always ready to attract iron, steel, nickel, or cobalt. Induced magnets are different - they only become magnetic when placed near another magnet and lose their powers when moved away.
You can detect magnetic fields using a magnetic compass, which contains a small bar magnet that rotates freely. The needle always points in the direction of the magnetic field, whether it's from Earth's magnetism or a nearby magnet.
Quick Tip: Remember that magnetic forces are non-contact forces - magnets can push and pull without actually touching each other!
Magnetic Field Lines and Electromagnets
When drawing magnetic field lines, always remember they show the direction of force and never cross each other. Lines close together mean a stronger field - it's like a crowd of people; the more packed together, the more intense the situation gets.
Fleming's Left Hand Rule is your secret weapon for working out directions in electromagnetism. Point your thumb for movement (force), first finger for field direction (N to S), and second finger for current direction - this helps you predict what happens when electricity meets magnetism.
Electromagnets are basically magnets you can switch on and off! When current flows through a wire, it creates a circular magnetic field around it. Coil that wire around an iron core (making a solenoid), and you've got a powerful electromagnet. The closer you are to the wire or the stronger the current, the stronger the magnetic field becomes.
The motor effect happens when a current-carrying conductor sits in a magnetic field - they push against each other, creating movement. This force can be calculated using: Force = magnetic flux density × current × length.
Remember: Electromagnets only work with electricity flowing - no current means no magnetism!
Electric Motors and Transformers
Electric motors are brilliant examples of the motor effect in action. A coil of wire carrying current in a magnetic field experiences forces that make it rotate - that's how your phone's vibration motor and car engines work! Fleming's Left Hand Rule explains exactly why the coil spins.
Transformers are clever devices that change the voltage of alternating current - they're the reason you can safely charge your laptop without getting electrocuted. They only work with AC (alternating current), never DC.
Here's how transformers work their magic: AC flows through the primary coil, creating a changing magnetic field in the iron core. This changing field induces a voltage in the secondary coil, which produces AC in the external circuit. The iron core is crucial because it strengthens the magnetic field, making the whole process more efficient.
The beauty of transformers is that they can step voltage up or down depending on the number of coils - more coils in the secondary means higher voltage output, fewer coils means lower voltage.
Key Point: Transformers are essential for the electrical grid - they step up voltage for efficient transmission and step it down for safe home use!
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
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Elisha
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Physics AQA Combined Higher Paper 2: Magnetism Notes
R
ruby
@rubymqy
Ever wondered how your phone's speakers work or why fridge magnets stick? Magnetism and electromagnetism are everywhere around you, from the motors in your devices to the transformers that power your home. Understanding these forces will help you grasp how... Show more
Magnetic Fields and Types of Magnets
Think of magnetic fields as invisible force bubbles around magnets - they're the regions where magnetic materials feel a push or pull. Every magnet has two poles: a north pole and a south pole, and here's the golden rule: like poles repel, unlike poles attract.
There are two main types of magnets you need to know about. Permanent magnets (like bar magnets) are made from magnetic materials and keep their magnetism forever - they're always ready to attract iron, steel, nickel, or cobalt. Induced magnets are different - they only become magnetic when placed near another magnet and lose their powers when moved away.
You can detect magnetic fields using a magnetic compass, which contains a small bar magnet that rotates freely. The needle always points in the direction of the magnetic field, whether it's from Earth's magnetism or a nearby magnet.
Quick Tip: Remember that magnetic forces are non-contact forces - magnets can push and pull without actually touching each other!
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Magnetic Field Lines and Electromagnets
When drawing magnetic field lines, always remember they show the direction of force and never cross each other. Lines close together mean a stronger field - it's like a crowd of people; the more packed together, the more intense the situation gets.
Fleming's Left Hand Rule is your secret weapon for working out directions in electromagnetism. Point your thumb for movement (force), first finger for field direction (N to S), and second finger for current direction - this helps you predict what happens when electricity meets magnetism.
Electromagnets are basically magnets you can switch on and off! When current flows through a wire, it creates a circular magnetic field around it. Coil that wire around an iron core (making a solenoid), and you've got a powerful electromagnet. The closer you are to the wire or the stronger the current, the stronger the magnetic field becomes.
The motor effect happens when a current-carrying conductor sits in a magnetic field - they push against each other, creating movement. This force can be calculated using: Force = magnetic flux density × current × length.
Remember: Electromagnets only work with electricity flowing - no current means no magnetism!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Electric Motors and Transformers
Electric motors are brilliant examples of the motor effect in action. A coil of wire carrying current in a magnetic field experiences forces that make it rotate - that's how your phone's vibration motor and car engines work! Fleming's Left Hand Rule explains exactly why the coil spins.
Transformers are clever devices that change the voltage of alternating current - they're the reason you can safely charge your laptop without getting electrocuted. They only work with AC (alternating current), never DC.
Here's how transformers work their magic: AC flows through the primary coil, creating a changing magnetic field in the iron core. This changing field induces a voltage in the secondary coil, which produces AC in the external circuit. The iron core is crucial because it strengthens the magnetic field, making the whole process more efficient.
The beauty of transformers is that they can step voltage up or down depending on the number of coils - more coils in the secondary means higher voltage output, fewer coils means lower voltage.
Key Point: Transformers are essential for the electrical grid - they step up voltage for efficient transmission and step it down for safe home use!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user