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IGCSE · Cambridge (CIE) · 0972

Compare factors affecting induced voltage magnitude

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

Electromagnetic induction pathway · 0972 (9–1) · 4.5.1
Exam scope and assessment notes

Core and Extended · Physics 0972, 2026–2028. Use the stated source, operating conditions and meter ranges. Written practice is self-checked. Human subject-teacher review, supervised practical competence and cumulative assessment remain pending. Cambridge states that IGCSE 0972 has the same subject content as IGCSE 0625, with 9–1 grading. This StudyForA pathway maps the 2026–2028 syllabus only. This 9–1 graded qualification is available only in a limited number of administrative zones. Confirm that your centre can enter you for this code and exam series with Cambridge International. Cambridge has published a separate syllabus for 2029. StudyForA has not reconciled that version yet; this page supports exams in 2026, 2027 and 2028 only.

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.

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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Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.

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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 Physics (9-1)

Course scope and assessment

491 sequenced Physics lessons provide 1473 guided, independent and application problems. 58 of 58 syllabus sections have full linked teaching sequences; 0 sections remain pending. Three earlier starter overviews remain available but are not counted as full sequences. The map covers all six subject areas for 2026–2028 and keeps review and assessment limits visible. This is available content, not full programme completion, an exam grade or certified mastery. Written practice is self-checked. Supervised practical experience, cumulative assessment and human subject-teacher review remain pending. Paper method exercises do not demonstrate practical competence or complete either practical-assessment route. This is the separate 9–1 qualification 0972; Cambridge states that its 2026–2028 subject content is otherwise the same as 0625. This 9–1 graded qualification is available only in a limited number of administrative zones. Confirm that your centre can enter you for this code and exam series with Cambridge International. The 2029 syllabus is separately published at https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/764368-2029-syllabus.pdf and is not yet mapped here. This course supports exams in 2026, 2027 and 2028 only.

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