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CAIE IGCSE Physics 4.5.5.2 Operation of an electric motor

Practise explaining how a d.c. motor keeps rotating, using coil force directions, brushes and the split-ring commutator.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Physics 0625

Exam points

  • explain how the split-ring commutator reverses coil current every half-turn
  • link brushes to maintaining contact while the coil rotates continuously
  • use forces on left and right coil sides to decide the direction of rotation

4.5.5.2—Operation of an electric motor question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Fig. 9.1 shows a simple direct current (d.c.) electric motor. The coil rotates about the axis when there is a current in the coil. The coil is connected to the rest of the circuit by the brushes.

Fig. 9.1

Fig. 9.1

State any difference each of the following changes makes to the rotation of the coil in Fig. 9.1:

changing the polarity of the power supply to that shown in Fig. 9.2

Fig. 9.2

Fig. 9.2

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