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Science Quiz - Electromagnets 01 (Questions)

Electromagnets are magnets powered by electricity. In KS3 Science, pupils learn how they work, why they are temporary, and how they are used in everyday technology.

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Fascinating Fact:

MRI scanners in hospitals use powerful electromagnets to see inside the human body.

In KS3 Science, electromagnets are studied to show how electric current creates magnetism. Pupils explore their advantages, such as being switched on or off, and their use in machines and medicine.

Key Terms

Electromagnet: A magnet created when an electric current flows through a coil of wire.
Magnetic Field: The invisible area around a magnet where magnetic forces act.
Solenoid: A coil of wire that becomes magnetic when electricity passes through it.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is an electromagnet in KS3 Science?

An electromagnet is a magnet made by passing electric current through a coil of wire, often wrapped around iron to make it stronger.

Where are electromagnets used in real life?

Electromagnets are used in cranes to lift scrap metal, in door locks, in loudspeakers, and in medical machines like MRI scanners.

What is the difference between a permanent magnet and an electromagnet?

A permanent magnet always produces a magnetic field, while an electromagnet only works when electricity flows through it.

Try These Related Quizzes

1.

The magnetic field around a straight wire carrying an electric current has:

[ ]	A circular shape
[ ]	A diamond shape
[ ]	A square shape
[ ]	An oval shape

2.

The magnetic field around a coil of wire carrying current:

[ ]	Is a circular shape
[ ]	Is a diamond shape
[ ]	Is a square shape
[ ]	Is the same shape as around a bar magnet

3.

If the current direction through the wire is reversed, the direction of the magnetic field:

[ ]	Is also reversed
[ ]	Stays in the same direction
[ ]	The current stops flowing
[ ]	There is no magnetic field

4.

If the current in the wire increases, what happens to the strength of the magnetic field?

[ ]	It decreases
[ ]	It increases
[ ]	It stops the magnetic field
[ ]	No change

5.

Which of the following is NOT true about the magnetic field around a coil of wire carrying a current?

[ ]	Changing the direction of the current will reverse the poles
[ ]	Increasing the number of coils will increase the strength
[ ]	Making the coil wider will increase the strength
[ ]	Putting an iron core into the coil will increase the strength

6.

Which of the following is a difference between an electromagnet and a permanent bar magnet?

[ ]	Electromagnets are stronger
[ ]	Electromagnets can be turned off
[ ]	Permanent magnets are stronger
[ ]	Permanent magnets can be turned off

7.

Which of the following uses an electromagnetic effect?

[ ]	Iron
[ ]	Light bulb
[ ]	Toaster
[ ]	Washing machine

8.

A relay uses a small current to:

[ ]	Attract a magnet
[ ]	Repel a magnet
[ ]	Switch off a current
[ ]	Switch on a larger current

9.

A relay is used in:

[ ]	A car ignition
[ ]	An electric bell
[ ]	An electric cooker
[ ]	An iron

10.

An electromagnet on a crane is used in a scrapyard because:

[ ]	It can be turned on and off
[ ]	It can't be turned on and off
[ ]	It is stronger than a permanent magnet
[ ]	It is weaker than a permanent magnet

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Electromagnets

Science Quiz - Electromagnets 01 (Answers)

1.

The magnetic field around a straight wire carrying an electric current has:

[x]	A circular shape
[ ]	A diamond shape
[ ]	A square shape
[ ]	An oval shape

You may have seen this demonstrated at school using iron filings

2.

The magnetic field around a coil of wire carrying current:

[ ]	Is a circular shape
[ ]	Is a diamond shape
[ ]	Is a square shape
[x]	Is the same shape as around a bar magnet

A coil of wire is known as a solenoid

3.

If the current direction through the wire is reversed, the direction of the magnetic field:

[x]	Is also reversed
[ ]	Stays in the same direction
[ ]	The current stops flowing
[ ]	There is no magnetic field

Whenever there is a current flowing, an electromagnet will have a magnetic field around it

4.

If the current in the wire increases, what happens to the strength of the magnetic field?

[ ]	It decreases
[x]	It increases
[ ]	It stops the magnetic field
[ ]	No change

There is a direct positive correlation between current and magnetic field strength

5.

Which of the following is NOT true about the magnetic field around a coil of wire carrying a current?

[ ]	Changing the direction of the current will reverse the poles
[ ]	Increasing the number of coils will increase the strength
[x]	Making the coil wider will increase the strength
[ ]	Putting an iron core into the coil will increase the strength

Making the coil wider would make it shorter, unless you used more wire

6.

Which of the following is a difference between an electromagnet and a permanent bar magnet?

[ ]	Electromagnets are stronger
[x]	Electromagnets can be turned off
[ ]	Permanent magnets are stronger
[ ]	Permanent magnets can be turned off

It is that feature that makes them so useful

7.

Which of the following uses an electromagnetic effect?

[ ]	Iron
[ ]	Light bulb
[ ]	Toaster
[x]	Washing machine

Electromagnetic effect is used in any appliance with a motor

8.

A relay uses a small current to:

[ ]	Attract a magnet
[ ]	Repel a magnet
[ ]	Switch off a current
[x]	Switch on a larger current

When you press a lift button, it operates a relay that switches on the motor. The motor needs a high current and if that sort of current passed through a lift call button, it would be dangerous if something went wrong

9.

A relay is used in:

[x]	A car ignition
[ ]	An electric bell
[ ]	An electric cooker
[ ]	An iron

A starter motor needs a large current

10.

An electromagnet on a crane is used in a scrapyard because:

[x]	It can be turned on and off
[ ]	It can't be turned on and off
[ ]	It is stronger than a permanent magnet
[ ]	It is weaker than a permanent magnet

They can also be made a lot stronger and for less cost than a permanent magnet of the same strength