OCR Physics Magnetism Revision Notes

• 1Magnets have north and south poles; like poles repel and unlike poles attract.
• 2Magnetic fields are represented by field lines, which indicate the direction and strength of the magnetic force.
• 3The Earth itself acts like a giant magnet, with a magnetic field that affects compass readings.
• 4Electromagnetism combines electricity and magnetism, allowing electric currents to create magnetic fields.
• 5Applications of magnetism include electric motors, generators, and magnetic storage devices.

Magnetism is a force that can pull or push certain materials, like iron, depending on their magnetic poles. Every magnet has a north and a south pole, and they attract each other when opposite poles are near. When electricity flows through a wire, it can create a magnetic field around it. This principle is used in many everyday devices like motors and speakers.