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Separate Physics · Paper 2 · Foundation + Higher · P7

Electromagnetic devices: bells and actuators

Key ideas1 of 3

A contact that opens itself

An electric bell uses an electromagnet to pull an iron armature with an attached striker. Initially the spring contact is closed. Pressing the bell switch allows current through the coil, magnetising the iron core. The armature moves towards the core and the striker hits the gong. This same armature movement separates the contact points and breaks the coil circuit.

Bell mechanism showing coil, armature, contact, spring and gong.

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Foundation + Higher · P7. Use alongside the shared P7 lessons.

AQA GCSE Physics 8463 · 4.7.2.1. Original notes, questions and diagrams. Models are simplified; teaching data are illustrative.