IP Physics Notes (Upper Secondary, Year 3-4): 15) Electromagnetism
Download printable cheat-sheet (CC-BY 4.0)30 Sep 2025, 00:00 Z
Reviewed by
Chee Wei Jie·Academic Advisor (Physics)
Want small-group support? Browse our IP Physics Tuition hub.
Q: What does IP Physics Notes (Upper Secondary, Year 3-4): 15) Electromagnetism cover?
A: Map current-generated fields, magnetic forces, and the DC motor cycle for integration into IP problem solving.
Quick recap -- Electric currents create magnetic fields, and those fields can push on other currents or moving charges. Use the right-hand grip to sketch fields and Fleming's left hand to predict the resulting forces.
Keep your practice loop tight via our IP Physics tuition hub-it links each topic here to quizzes, diagnostics, and WA-style problem sets.
These notes align with SEAB GCE O-Level Physics (6091) content used in IP programmes (exams from 2026).
Status: SEAB O-Level Physics 6091 syllabus (exams from 2026) checked 2025-11-30 - scope unchanged; remains the reference for these notes.
Magnetic Effect of a Current
- Straight wire: concentric circular field lines; use right-hand grip rule .
- Flat coil: field resembles that of a bar magnet; centre behaves like the interior of a solenoid.
- Solenoid: produces a strong, nearly uniform field inside; right-hand grip rule gives poles (thumb points to north when fingers curl with current).
- Field strength increases with higher current, more turns, or inserting soft iron core.
Applications of Current-Produced Fields
- Electric bell: current energises an electromagnet which attracts an armature; contact opens, circuit breaks, spring restores armature, cycle repeats.
