IGCSE · Physics 0625 · Electricity & magnetism

Magnetic effect of current & motors: IGCSE Physics questions with answers

Free Magnetic effect of current & motors questions for IGCSE Physics (0625), part of Electricity & magnetism. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

Generate a full Magnetic Effect of Current & Motors worksheet →All Electricity & magnetism questions

Magnetic effect of current & motors practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

A simple d.c. motor is rotating clockwise.
Which changes, made one at a time, would make the motor rotate anticlockwise?
1    reversing the current in the coil
2    reversing the poles of the magnet
3    reversing both the current and the poles of the magnet

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 1 and 2 only
  3. C 1 only
  4. D 2 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

What is the purpose of the split-ring commutator in a d.c. motor?

  1. A to increase the current
  2. B to produce a.c.
  3. C to make the coil spin faster
  4. D to reverse the current in the coil every half turn
Show answer

Answer: D

Question 3Structured · 3 marksA* challenge

A beam of electrons passes through a magnetic field.

(a)

Explain why the beam is deflected.

[2]
(b)

State how the deflection changes if the field is made stronger.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)moving charges in field experience force
the electrons are moving charges B1
a magnetic field exerts a force on moving charges B1
2
(b)greater deflection
the deflection increases B1
1
Question 4Structured · 4 marks

A loudspeaker uses the motor effect.

(a)

Explain how a loudspeaker produces sound.

[3]
(b)

State how a higher-pitched sound is produced.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)a.c. in coil in magnetic field; force changes direction; cone vibrates
an alternating current passes through a coil in a magnetic field B1
the force on the coil changes direction rapidly B1
the coil and cone vibrate, producing sound waves B1
3
(b)higher frequency a.c.
increase the frequency of the alternating current B1
1
Question 5Structured · 5 marks

A wire carrying a current is placed between the poles of a magnet. The wire moves.

(a)

Explain why the wire moves.

[2]
(b)

State two ways to reverse the direction of the force.

[2]
(c)

State the rule used to find the direction of the force.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)interaction of magnetic fields
the current produces a magnetic field around the wire B1
this interacts with the magnet’s field, producing a force B1
2
(b)reverse current; reverse field
reverse the current B1
reverse the magnetic field (swap the poles) B1
2
(c)Fleming’s left-hand rule
Fleming’s left-hand rule B1
1
Question 6Structured · 9 marks

This question is about the motor effect.

(a)

A wire carrying a current is placed between the poles of a magnet. State three ways of increasing the force on the wire.

[3]
(b)

State the rule used to predict the direction of the force, and what each finger represents.

[2]
(c)

State two ways of reversing the direction of the force.

[2]
(d)

Explain the purpose of the split-ring commutator in a d.c. motor.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)increase current; stronger magnet; longer wire in field
increase the current B1
use a stronger magnet B1
increase the length of wire in the field B1
3
(b)Fleming’s left-hand rule; thumb motion, first finger field, second finger current
Fleming’s left-hand rule B1
thumb = force (motion), first finger = field, second finger = current B1
2
(c)reverse the current; reverse the magnetic field
reverse the current B1
reverse the magnetic field (swap the poles) B1
2
(d)reverses current every half turn so coil keeps turning same way
reverses the direction of the current in the coil every half turn B1
so the turning force always acts in the same direction B1
2

More Electricity & magnetism questions

Want a mentor, not just a paper?

Riyaz Shaikh has mentored IGCSE, IB and A Level students for 15+ years, one-on-one, online and in Mumbai. The hardest questions on this site are the ones he uses to find a student's weak points.

Meet Riyaz →

Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in