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IGCSE · Cambridge (CIE) · 0652

Compare factors affecting induced voltage magnitude

Compare speed, field strength and coil turns while keeping geometry and measurement conditions controlled.

Electromagnetic induction · Cambridge IGCSE Physical Science 0652 · P4.6.1

Cross-referenced from the related Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 or Physics 0625 teaching to the 0652 syllabus. Exact 0652 Core/Supplement objective coverage and this final-series course’s examiner fit still need specialist review. Written practice is self-checked and does not predict a Cambridge grade or demonstrate supervised laboratory competence.

Before you begin

  • Distinguish voltage from current.
  • Compare signed readings by absolute magnitude.

Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.

Quick readiness check

Which reading has the greater magnitude: +0.10 V or −0.25 V?

What you will learn

  • Compare speed, field strength and coil turns while keeping geometry and measurement conditions controlled.
  • Compare magnitude through controlled changes in speed, field and linked turns, with sign and loading kept separate.
Original controlled-factor comparison names faster change, stronger field and more linked turns as ways to increase induced e.m.f. magnitude. Geometry and receiver conditions matter. A current comparison can be confounded by changed resistance.Compare one factor at a timeFaster linked-field changeGreater induced e.m.f. magnitudeStronger field · more linked turnsUnder matched conditionsCurrent also depends onreceiver resistanceUse absolute reading for magnitude
Original controlled-factor comparison names faster change, stronger field and more linked turns as ways to increase induced e.m.f. magnitude. Geometry and receiver conditions matter. A current comparison can be confounded by changed resistance.

Change the linked field more rapidly

For comparable geometry and motion intervals, moving a magnet or conducting section more quickly changes the linking more rapidly and increases induced e.m.f. magnitude. A stronger field can likewise increase the magnitude for the same movement and arrangement. Stop movement in an otherwise fixed setup and the sustained response disappears.

A coil with more linked turns can give a larger total induced e.m.f. under the same change per turn. This is a statement about the voltage contributions adding, not a guarantee that the measured current rises in the same ratio: more turns can also change resistance and other circuit properties.

Compare one factor and use evidence correctly

Keep the same magnet pole, alignment, movement range and receiver geometry when testing speed. Hold movement and coil setup fixed when testing field strength. For turn comparisons, retain the same change per turn and use suitable voltage measurement or account for detector-circuit changes.

A supplied table of readings can support a qualitative trend, but three measurements do not establish a universal numerical proportionality. Direction reversal changes sign; magnitude comparisons use absolute reading size. No new formula relating field strength and speed is required for this Core objective.

Sources for this lesson

Pause and explain

More turns produce a larger induced e.m.f. Does detector current necessarily rise in the same ratio?

Put the idea to work

Worked example

Supplied comparable voltage peaks are +0.10 V at slow motion and −0.25 V at faster reversed motion. Compare magnitudes.

Show the worked solution
  1. Ignore sign only for the magnitude comparison.
  2. Magnitudes are 0.10 V and 0.25 V.
  3. The faster trial has the larger peak, while direction also changed.

Answer Faster trial magnitude 0.25 V exceeds 0.10 V; sign records direction separately.

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From guided practice to a new situation

Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.

1 · Guided

State three controlled ways to increase induced e.m.f. magnitude in a magnet–coil arrangement.

Give me a hint

Compare the rate of change and linked coil contributions.

Compare my reasoning
  1. Move the magnet more quickly with path fixed.
  2. Use a stronger field with motion fixed.
  3. Use more linked turns with the same change per turn.

Faster movement, stronger field and more linked turns, under matched conditions.

Look for these in your work

  • Name all three factors.
  • State comparison controls.
2 · Independent

Comparable peak readings are −0.12 V, +0.30 V and −0.08 V. Order their magnitudes largest to smallest.

Give me a hint

Use absolute values rather than signed numerical order.

Compare my reasoning
  1. Magnitudes are 0.12, 0.30 and 0.08 V.
  2. The largest is 0.30 V.
  3. Then 0.12 V and 0.08 V.

0.30 V > 0.12 V > 0.08 V.

Look for these in your work

  • Use magnitudes.
  • Retain voltage units.
3 · Transfer

Two coils have different turns and resistances. Their detector currents differ. Explain why this alone is insufficient to isolate a turns–e.m.f. relationship.

Give me a hint

Current depends on both driving voltage and circuit resistance.

Compare my reasoning
  1. Turn count changes the voltage contributions.
  2. Different receiver resistance also changes current.
  3. Measure comparable voltage or account for the resistance difference.

The current comparison is confounded by resistance; it does not isolate induced e.m.f. alone.

Look for these in your work

  • Name both influences.
  • Propose a controlled voltage comparison.

Common mistakes

  • Current depends on receiver resistance.
  • Magnitude uses absolute value.
  • A small data set is not a universal law.
Recall without your notes

What can you explain now?

What changes can increase coil induced e.m.f. magnitude under otherwise matched conditions?

Compare with the explanation

Faster change, stronger field or more linked turns

Each can increase the induced voltage under the stated controlled comparison.

After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.

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Make it stick

Compare magnitude through controlled changes in speed, field and linked turns, with sign and loading kept separate.

If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.

Keep learning Physical Science

Course scope and assessment

This page maps the 2025–2026 Cambridge IGCSE Physical Science 0652 syllabus: 38 Chemistry sections and 46 Physics sections. Every section links to original 0620/0625 teaching or one of five new 0652 lessons, with guided, independent and transfer practice and explained answers. Cambridge limits entry to Administrative Zone 3 and identifies November 2026 as the final exam series. The section crosswalk is complete as a first coverage map; a numbered-objective and Core/Supplement audit, independent subject-teacher review and cumulative assessment are still needed. Written practice does not award a Cambridge grade. Online activities cannot demonstrate supervised laboratory competence or complete Paper 5/6.

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