Physics · KS3 and GCSE · Interactive lesson
Magnets, magnetic fields and electromagnets
Explore attraction and repulsion, follow magnetic-field direction and change an electromagnet. Make a prediction, then compare it with the model.
Choose your view
Explore an interactive example, then try the questions at your own pace.
KS3 / GCSE · start with the idea
By the end of this lesson: Use the facing poles to predict attraction or repulsion.
The interactive diagram and controls are in Stage 2, “Explore one example”. Read the idea here, then try it next.
- Unlike poles (N and S) attract. Like poles (N and N, or S and S) repel.
- The north-seeking end of a compass points along the magnetic field where the compass is placed.
- Electric current in a coil makes a magnetic field. Switching the current off removes this current-produced field.
Useful starting points
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What do the words mean?
- Attract / repel
- Attract means pull towards each other. Repel means push apart.
- Magnetic field
- A region where a magnet, magnetic material or current-carrying wire can experience a magnetic force.
- Compass
- A small magnet that turns to line up with the magnetic field where it is placed.
- Electromagnet
- A magnet made using electric current, often in a coil wrapped around a soft iron core.
- Core
- The material inside the coil. A soft iron core makes the electromagnet stronger.
Change the example
This is the lesson example. Your practice question uses its own numbers.
Something to try
Switch the poles facing each other. Which arrangement attracts? Which repels?
Notice what changes
How particle motion works +
Starts paused. Press Play, then add energy to see the warmer particles move faster.
Particles keep the same size. Liquid particles move around; solid particles vibrate around fixed positions. This is a simplified model, with the change in motion exaggerated to make it easier to see.
About the playback +
About this model
Top: orange arrows show which way the magnets push or pull each other, not force strength. Unlike poles attract; like poles repel. Bottom: a separate example shows field direction outside one bar magnet, from N towards S. Its purple arrow shows which way a compass’s north-seeking end would point. It does not show the field between the top pair.
More about this diagram
Still picture. Play particle motion in Stage 2.
North facing south: attraction.
Still picture of the example from Stage 2. Use the back arrow to change it.
Work through it
Starting example: read the steps below
- The facing poles are north and south.
- Unlike poles attract: they pull together.
- A compass turns to line up with the magnetic field where it is placed.
- Outside an isolated magnet, the field points from north to south.
Try on your own
Your turn. No rush.
Question 1
Two north poles face each other. What happens?
About these questions
Questions appear in a mixed order. Work at your own pace and stop whenever you like.
These questions use their own numbers, separate from the lesson example. You can stop whenever you like. Answers last for this visit to the page.
A good place to pause
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Which poles attract? How can you make the same electromagnet stronger?
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Notes for parents and tutors
These lessons cover selected KS3 and GCSE ideas for England; they are not a complete course. The level notes explain where GCSE methods or optional extensions begin. Maurice can help you choose material for your course and exam board.
The content draws on the DfE Maths curriculum, DfE Science curriculum and AQA GCSE Physics specification. Level labels are guidance, not exam-board endorsements. For AQA Radioactivity, calculating net decline as a ratio is Higher-tier work. Net means the overall change; ask Maurice whether this extension is relevant to your course. Explanations and practice were reviewed during development on 21 October 2026; Maurice should check their fit before assigning work.
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