# A student wraps a length of wire into a solenoid and connects it to a battery. Explain how the student could increase the strength of the magnetic field produced by the solenoid, giving two different methods.

> Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0) — 12.1 Magnetism and the motor effect · Explain · 4 marks

> A solenoid is a wire wrapped into the shape of a coil. It produces a strong and relatively uniform magnetic field along its centre.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Increase the current through the solenoid
2. Because a greater current produces a stronger magnetic field
3. Increase the number of turns (coils) of wire / add more coils
4. Because each additional turn contributes its own magnetic field, so the fields combine to produce a stronger overall field / adding an iron core allows field lines to pass through more easily than air, increasing field strength

## Key terms

- [solenoid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/solenoid)
- [magnetic field](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/magnetic-field)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Physics (1PH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-wraps-a-length-of-b5e0a2a2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.