This page from the Institute of Physics, aimed at algebra-based physics course level and above, features a straightforward tutorial on the force on a moving charge; an impressive demo called "Catapult Magnetic Field", and tips for leading class discussions on factors affecting electromagnetic force. Direction of force in a magnetic field can be a tough concept for even the brightest students. The Catapult Magnetic Field lab requires copper wire, "Magnadur" magnets (available for ~$15 for a set of 4), soft modeling plasticine, support blocks, and heavy cardboard, and iron filings. When electricity is applied to the system, the Magnadur magnets produce a uniform, parallel magnetic field. The current-carrying copper wire produces a circular magnetic field around itself. When the two fields are combined, the pattern produced by the iron filings indicates a complex field pattern. The wire will be "catapulted" from the stronger-to-weaker field.
This page is part of a larger collection from IOPSpark that presents findings from academic literature about the conceptions (and misconceptions) young people have regarding processes in the physical world. See Related Materials for a link to the full collection.
Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions (HS-PS2)
Students who demonstrate understanding can: (9-12)
Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that an electric current can produce a magnetic field and that a changing magnetic field can produce an electric current. (HS-PS2-5)
Disciplinary Core Ideas (K-12)
Types of Interactions (PS2.B)
Forces that act at a distance (electric, magnetic, and gravitational) can be explained by fields that extend through space and can be mapped by their effect on a test object (a charged object, or a ball, respectively). (6-8)
Forces at a distance are explained by fields (gravitational, electric, and magnetic) permeating space that can transfer energy through space. Magnets or electric currents cause magnetic fields; electric charges or changing magnetic fields cause electric fields. (9-12)
Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions (HS-PS2)
Students who demonstrate understanding can: (9-12)
Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that an electric current can produce a magnetic field and that a changing magnetic field can produce an electric current. (HS-PS2-5)
Disciplinary Core Ideas (K-12)
Types of Interactions (PS2.B)
Forces that act at a distance (electric, magnetic, and gravitational) can be explained by fields that extend through space and can be mapped by their effect on a test object (a charged object, or a ball, respectively). (6-8)
Forces at a distance are explained by fields (gravitational, electric, and magnetic) permeating space that can transfer energy through space. Magnets or electric currents cause magnetic fields; electric charges or changing magnetic fields cause electric fields. (9-12)
<a href="https://www.compadre.org/precollege/items/detail.cfm?ID=15996">IOPSpark. IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism. London: IOPSpark, January 11, 2021.</a>
IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism (IOPSpark, London, 2021), <https://spark.iop.org/many-students-have-difficulty-predicting-direction-force-electromagnetism>.
IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism. (2021, January 11). Retrieved October 6, 2026, from IOPSpark: https://spark.iop.org/many-students-have-difficulty-predicting-direction-force-electromagnetism
IOPSpark. IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism. London: IOPSpark, January 11, 2021. https://spark.iop.org/many-students-have-difficulty-predicting-direction-force-electromagnetism (accessed 6 October 2026).
IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism. London: IOPSpark, 2021. 11 Jan. 2021. 6 Oct. 2026 <https://spark.iop.org/many-students-have-difficulty-predicting-direction-force-electromagnetism>.
@misc{
Title = {IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism},
Publisher = {IOPSpark},
Volume = {2026},
Number = {6 October 2026},
Month = {January 11, 2021},
Year = {2021}
}
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%0 Electronic Source %D January 11, 2021 %T IOPSpark: Many students have difficulty predicting the direction of the force in electromagnetism %I IOPSpark %V 2026 %N 6 October 2026 %8 January 11, 2021 %9 text/html %U https://spark.iop.org/many-students-have-difficulty-predicting-direction-force-electromagnetism
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