4.5.1

Electromagnetic induction

Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625)  · Unit 4: Electricity and magnetism  · 10 flashcards

Electromagnetic induction is topic 4.5.1 in the Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) syllabus , positioned in Unit 4 — Electricity and magnetism , alongside Simple phenomena of magnetism, Electric charge and Electric current.

This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical).

The deck below contains 10 flashcards — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.

What the Cambridge 0625 syllabus says

Official 2026-2028 spec

These are the exact learning objectives Cambridge sets for this topic. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks.

  1. Know 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
  2. Describe Describe an experiment to demonstrate electromagnetic induction
  3. State State the factors affecting the magnitude of an induced e.m.f.
  4. Know Know that the direction of an induced e.m.f. opposes the change causing it Supplement
  5. State State and use the relative directions of force, field and induced current Supplement
Key Concept Flip

A straight wire, 0.5m long, is moved perpendicularly through a uniform magnetic field of flux density 0.8 T at a speed of 2 m/s. Explain why an e.m.f. is induced in the wire.

Answer Flip

As the wire moves through the magnetic field, it cuts through the magnetic field lines. This causes free electrons within the wire to experience a force due to the magnetic field. This force causes the electrons to move along the wire, creating a potential difference (e.m.f.) between the ends of the wire. This effect is known as electromagnetic induction.

Key Concept Flip

A coil of wire is connected to a galvanometer. A bar magnet is quickly moved towards the coil. State TWO things that could be done to increase the size of the induced e.m.f.

Answer Flip

1. Increase the speed at which the magnet is moved towards the coil.
2. Increase the number of turns on the coil.

Key Concept Flip

Describe an experiment to demonstrate electromagnetic induction. Your answer should include a labelled diagram of the setup and a description of the observations.

Answer Flip

Diagram:
* A coil of wire connected to a galvanometer.
* A bar magnet.

Procedure:
1. Hold the bar magnet stationary near the coil. Note the galvanometer reading. (Reading should be zero)
2. Move the bar magnet into the coil. Note the galvanometer reading. (Reading should deflect)
3. Hold the bar magnet stationary inside the coil. Note the galvanometer reading. (Reading should be zero)
4. Move the bar magnet out of the coil. Note the galvanometer reading. (Reading should deflect in opposite direction to step 2)

Observation: A deflection on the galvanometer indicates an induced current. The current only flows when the magnetic field experienced by the coil is changing.

Key Concept Flip

State two ways in which the magnitude of the induced current in a coil could be increased during an experiment demonstrating electromagnetic induction using a bar magnet.

Answer Flip

1. Increase the speed at which the magnet is moved relative to the coil.
2. Use a stronger magnet.

Key Concept Flip

State three factors that affect the magnitude of the induced electromotive force (e.m.f.) in a coil when it is moved relative to a magnetic field.

Answer Flip

1. The speed of the movement of the coil relative to the magnetic field. A faster movement produces a larger induced e.m.f.
2. The strength of the magnetic field. A stronger magnetic field produces a larger induced e.m.f.
3. The number of turns in the coil. More turns produce a larger induced e.m.f. Each turn experiences the change in magnetic flux, so more turns give a larger overall effect.

Key Concept Flip

A coil is moved through a magnetic field. Explain how increasing the number of turns of wire in the coil affects the induced e.m.f.

Answer Flip

Increasing the number of turns in the coil increases the induced e.m.f. Each turn of the coil experiences a small e.m.f. due to electromagnetic induction. By adding more turns, these small e.m.f. values add up in series, resulting in a larger overall induced e.m.f. Therefore, the induced e.m.f. is directly proportional to the number of turns.

Key Concept Flip

Explain why the direction of the induced electromotive force (e.m.f.) in a coil always opposes the change in magnetic flux that is causing it.

Answer Flip

The direction of the induced e.m.f. opposes the change in magnetic flux to conserve energy. If the induced e.m.f. aided the change, the change would increase, inducing an even larger e.m.f., leading to a perpetual motion scenario and violation of the law of conservation of energy. This opposition is described by Lenz's Law.

Key Concept Flip

A bar magnet is moved towards a coil connected to a galvanometer. State what happens to the galvanometer reading as the magnet approaches the coil and explain why this occurs.

Answer Flip

The galvanometer needle will deflect. As the magnet approaches the coil, the magnetic flux through the coil changes. This induces an e.m.f. in the coil, causing a current to flow. The direction of the induced current creates a magnetic field that opposes the motion of the magnet (Lenz's Law).

Key Concept Flip

A straight wire is moved downwards through a uniform magnetic field which points into the page. State the direction of the induced current in the wire, and explain how you determined this direction.

Answer Flip

The induced current is to the left. This is determined by Fleming's Right-Hand Rule: First finger points in the direction of the magnetic field (into the page), the thumb points in the direction of the motion (downwards). The second finger then indicates the direction of the induced current (to the left).

Key Concept Flip

A straight wire is placed perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field. The wire is connected to a sensitive ammeter. When the wire is moved to the right, a current is induced in the wire. State the direction of the force acting on the wire due to the magnetic field. Explain your reasoning.

Answer Flip

The force on the wire is upwards. According to Lenz's Law, the induced current will create a magnetic field that opposes the change causing it. Since the wire is moving to the right (creating a current), the magnetic force will act against the motion to the right. Using Fleming's Left-Hand Rule (current to the right, magnetic field into the page), the force opposes the motion and is upwards.

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4.4 Electrical safety 4.5.2 The a.c. generator

More topics in Unit 4 — Electricity and magnetism

Electromagnetic induction sits alongside these Physics decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.

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