Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Physics, Paper 1 · CAPS
Electrodynamics: Generators, Motors and AC – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Physics, Paper 1)
What Electrodynamics covers, how it is examined in Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics), the 4 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 4
- Exam-style questions
- 9
- Marks of practice
- 75
- Study time
- ≈ 3 h 40 min
What it covers
Electrodynamics explains how generators and motors work. You use electromagnetic induction to explain how a coil rotating in a magnetic field produces an emf, compare AC and DC generators by how the coil connects to the outside circuit, and describe how a motor uses a current in a magnetic field to make a coil turn. Alternating current is handled with rms values for voltage and current and the average power delivered.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) – Friday 30 October 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Electricity & magnetism ≈ 55/150 (electrodynamics typically ≈ 10–13 marks, plus MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 9 or 10 of Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well.
Question numbers and mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Electromagnetic induction (Faraday's law)30 min
- Generators (AC and DC)30 min
- Electric motors30 min
- Alternating current: rms values and power30 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples4 sections | 2 h 00 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions9 questions · 75 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 1 h 30 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 3 h 40 min |
Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) is written on Friday 30 October 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 9 exam-style questions on Electrodynamics (75 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 4 sections
- Tutor notes added to sections and questions – for the whole class or just for you
- A topic quiz, mock papers and a study plan that counts down to Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics)
Notes, worked examples, questions and memos open once the tutor approves your account – usually with your first confirmed lesson.
Stuck on Electrodynamics? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Electrodynamics as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Physics P1 topics
- Photoelectric Effect and Spectra
- Newton's Laws and Applications
- Momentum and Impulse
- Vertical Projectile Motion (1D)
All Grade 12 Physical Sciences topics, weighting and study time
Questions about Electrodynamics
How many marks is Electrodynamics worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Electricity & magnetism ≈ 55/150 (electrodynamics typically ≈ 10–13 marks, plus MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 9 or 10 of Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well. The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study Electrodynamics?
About 3 h 40 min: 2 h 00 min for the notes and worked examples in its 4 sections, 1 h 30 min for the 9 exam-style questions (75 marks) at exam pace of 1,2 minutes per mark, and a 10-minute quiz.
When is the Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) exam in 2026?
Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) is written on Friday 30 October 2026 at 09:00 and lasts 3 hours (150 marks), according to the DBE’s 2026 NSC timetable. Confirm the date with your school, because the DBE can amend the timetable.
Can I get online lessons for Electrodynamics?
Yes. Create a free account in the Adventuity portal, request a one-on-one online lesson of 60, 90 or 120 minutes (or a seat in a group class) and choose Electrodynamics as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.