Grade 6 · Science · Unit 9 of 15
Electromagnets & Generators
Magnets, circuits and making electricity
What your child practises
Practises the link between electricity and magnetism: how an electromagnet works, what makes it stronger, the devices that use them and how generators make electric current.
Prince Edward Island Curriculum curriculum outcome: Physical Science: Electricity · how electromagnets work, what changes their strength, and how generators make electricity
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
An electromagnet works only when…
- it is dark
- it is wet
- it is cold
- electric current flows
electric current flows
Hint: No current, no magnet.
Question 2
Which change makes an electromagnet stronger?
- using a plastic core
- adding more coils of wire
- removing the battery
- using fewer coils
adding more coils of wire
Hint: More loops mean more magnetic effect.
Question 3
Electric motors use electromagnets to produce…
- shadows
- rain
- motion
- snow
motion
Hint: They make things spin.
Question 4
What is one advantage of an electromagnet over a permanent magnet?
- it is always smaller
- it cannot pick up iron
- you can switch it on and off
- it never needs a power source
you can switch it on and off
Hint: Controlling it is useful.
Question 5
Which action helps you use less electricity at home?
- leaving all lights on
- leaving the TV on
- opening the fridge for a long time
- turning off lights in empty rooms
turning off lights in empty rooms
Hint: Save what you do not need.
Question 6
A good core for an electromagnet is…
- a wooden stick
- an iron nail
- a plastic straw
- a rubber band
an iron nail
Hint: Iron becomes magnetic near current.