Physics GCSE
solenoid
What solenoid means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of solenoid
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain solenoid in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A long coil of wire, and shaping a wire into one increases the strength of the magnetic field created by a current through the wire.
A coil of wire carrying an electric current, producing a magnetic field similar to a bar magnet.
Topics that use solenoid
- Electromagnetism (AQA GCSE)
- Scalar and vector quantities (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- adding fields of turns
- adding scalars
- armature and contacts
- arrow conventions
- circular field around a wire
- consistent scale
- direction on a diagram
- distance from the wire
Using solenoid in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Physics GCSE termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge