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CAIE IGCSE Physics Force on a Current-Carrying Wire Experiment

Practise describing a current-carrying rod between magnetic poles, observing its movement and predicting how current, field or alternating supply changes it.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Physics 0625

Exam points

  • describe a free wire or metal rod moving when current flows across a magnetic field
  • reverse either current or magnetic field to reverse the force, but reverse both to keep its direction
  • predict repeated back-and-forth motion when alternating current repeatedly reverses the force

4.5.4.1—An experiment to show that a force question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

A wire AB hangs loosely between the N pole and the S pole of a strong magnet.
Fig. 10.1 shows the arrangement.

Fig. 10.1

Fig. 10.1

Question (a)

(a)

The wire is connected to a power supply.

[ 3 ]

Question (i)

(i)

When the power supply is switched on, there is a very large direct current (d.c.) in the wire in the direction from B to A.

Describe what happens to the wire as the power supply is switched on.

[ 2 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

The power supply is adjusted and there is now a large alternating current (a.c.) in the wire.

Describe what happens to the wire.

[ 1 ]
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