Resources by Institute of Physics

Episode 408: Field Strength and Potential Energy

This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, introduces field strength and potential energy for electric fields. Comparisons with gravitational fields are also made.

The activities include:
* discussion of field strength
* worked examples on field strength
* discussion about...

Episode 409: Uniform Electric Fields

This learning episode, produced by the Institute of Physics, discuss the physics of the uniform electric field, such as that between two parallel charged plates. The definitions of field strength and potential lead to different results than those for the non-uniform field.

The activities in this learning...

Episode 410: Preparation for Electromagnetism Topic *suitable for home teaching*

This topic, from the Institute of Physics, develops a formal description of magnetic fields before moving on to electromagnetic forces and induction. The learning episodes follow a fairly standard approach that is similar to the order in which the topics appear in most exam specifications. The three main electrical...

Episode 411: Describing Magnetic Fields

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode uses demonstrations, experiments and questions to help students learn about electromagnetic fields. These consider their strength and direction.

The activities include:
• demonstrating the field around a permanent magnet
• field...

Episode 412: Force on a Conductor in a Magnetic Field

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students look at how a magnetic field can be quantified by measuring the force on a conductor. It illustrates how Flemming's left hand rule can be used to find the direction of the force. The activities include: 

• investigating the relationship...

Episode 413: The Force on a Moving Charge

This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, help students extend the idea of a magnetic force on a current to consider moving charges.

A range of activities are suggested and these include:
• demonstrating the deviation of an electron beam
• investigating the relationship between...

Episode 414: Electromagnetic Induction

In these activities, from the Institute of Physics, students investigate electromagnetic induction. The learning episode develops a picture of induction as the cutting of lines of flux by a conductor, which leads to an induced electromotive force (emf) or current. The activities in this learning episode include:...

Episode 415: Electric Motors

Some common electromagnetic machines include motors, generators and transformers. In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, all three are described. Students discuss torque, back electromotive force (emf) and power. The activities include looking at:

• a model motor
• motor torque...

Episode 416: Generators and Transformers

Produced by the Institute of Physics, these discussions and demonstrations show that in a generator, motion of a conductor in a magnetic field induces an electromotive force (emf). In a transformer, it is the changing field that induces an emf in a fixed conductor.

The activities in this learning episode...

Episode 500: Preparation for Quantum Physics Topic

This topic, from the Institute of Physics, help to relate how quantum physics is relevant to everyday life, such as its application in modern electronics. The topic contains two learning episodes. Each is a self-contained unit of learning that takes typically one or two lessons.

The learning episodes in this...