Electrodynamics Introduction: Electrodynamics - Final Exams Revision
Electrodynamics Introduction: Electrodynamics - Final Exams Revision
Electrodynamics Introduction: Electrodynamics - Final Exams Revision
Electrodynamics Introduction
You put in electricity, and the motor gives you a spinning motion.
This "spinning motion" is then used for drills, washing machines, hairdryers, etc.
3. Motors and Generators both involve a coil that rotates in a magnetic field.
4. The hand rules described here all use conventional current, i.e. flow of positive charge
from positive to negative.
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The right-hand wire rule (for conventional currents) is used to determine the direction of this
magnetic field.
Hold the wire "naturally" in your right hand, with the current flowing upwards.
By coiling the wire to form a solenoid (long, cylindrical coil of wire consisting of a number of
turns of insulated wire wound close together), the magnetic field is increased.
Inside the solenoid, the magnetic field is uniform.
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The strength of the magnetic field is increased hundreds of times if a piece of soft iron is
placed inside the solenoid.
Since a current carrying conductor becomes a bar magnet, when placed next to a real bar
magnet, it can also cause repulsion.
However the direction in which the conductor will feel the repelling force is at right angles to
the magnetic field of the bar magnet.
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1. Two magnets are used for an improved force. The section of wire between the magnets are
called LOOPS.
The RED LOOP begins with the RED SPLIT RING COMMUTATOR. So the RED SPLIT RING
and the RED LOOP must be regarded as one single unit.
3. The section of external RED WIRE from the battery ends in RED BRUSHES.
The external RED WIRE and the BRUSHES must be regarded as one single unit.
4. The BRUSHES brush against the SPLIT RING COMMUTATOR, and this allows
for electrical contact as the ring spins around the brushes.
5. The RED BRUSH must be seen as a "GUN" that fires "bullets" in that direction. As shown,
the “bullet” is fired forward into the RED LOOP. When the GREEN LOOP’S SPLIT RING gets
in front of the RED BRUSH, “bullets” are fired forward into the GREEN LOOP as well.
6. So it DOES NOT MATTER which loop is against the RED BRUSH. The RED BRUSH will
always fire forward into it. And whichever loop is there, it will move upwards.
7. So the RED BRUSH “fires into” the RED LOOP, and then into the GREEN LOOP and again
into the RED LOOP, and again into the GREEN LOOP as the loops rotate. This goes on and
on.
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IMPORTANT
2. The brushes remain fixed. They maintain connection to the external circuit, preventing
tangling of the conductors..
3. The current flows in one direction up to the brushes. The BRUSHES brush against the rings,
allowing for electrical contact without being rigidly fixed to the ring.
4. The SPLIT RING COMMUTATOR continuously changes the current direction in each half of
the loop.
5. This ensures that whichever loop is next to the north pole, it will always have current in the
same direction. Charge is “fired into the loop” by the brush it touches.
6. This allows the loop by the north pole to always have the force in the same direction.
8. Hence the SPLIT RING COMMUTATOR is the device that allow for CONTINUOUS
ROTATION in one direction.
10. Motors are used in various devices. By simply switching on a circuit, physical movement is
created.
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Generators
Background - Electromagnetic Induction
2. The current exists in the wire only as long as there is relative motion between the
wire and the magnet.
3. What happens is that the flux lines linking the conductor with the magnet, changes.
This changing flux is what induces the current in the wire.
5. Faradays Law
Faradays Law states that “the emf produced is directly proportional to the rate of
change of flux”.
In simpler terms, faster movement of the wires creates more current in the wire.
6. Maximum emf is induced when the wire is at right angles to the magnetic field of
the magnet.
7. The direction of the current that is induced can be determined by using Flemings
Right Hand Dynamo Rule.
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4. The RED LOOP is always connected to the RED BRUSH as the loops are rotated round
and round. This GREEN LOOP is always connected to the GREEN BRUSH. This is possible
due to the SLIP RINGS. The SLIP RINGS ensure that a particular loop is ALWAYS
connected to the same BRUSH.
5. Consider the RED LOOP. According to Flemmings Right Hand Dynamo Rule, as you move
the RED LOOP upwards, a current is induced forwards, which reaches the RED SLIP RING
and enters the RED BRUSH. This current then moves as shown in the external purple wire.
6. But when the RED LOOP reaches the South Magnet Pole, in would be moving downwards.
But the magnetic field direction is still the same. So the RED LOOP is actually now moving
downwards in the same magnetic field as before. So current will be induced in the other
direction.
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7. When the rotation takes the RED LOOP back to the original position, the original current
direction will be induced.
8. So, as the RED LOOP is rotated in one direction (which really means UP and DOWN in the
same field), CURRENTS IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS are induced. This is called
ALTERNATING CURRENT.
9. As the loops rotate through the magnetic field, they make different angles with the field. This
results in different magnitudes of current being induced.
10. As shown, the current would be maximum. As the loops ascend to reach the top, the
current would decrease to zero. Then as the loops continue to rotate (descend), current would
be induced in the opposite direction, increasing to a maximum as the loop reaches the South
magnet. As it passes the South magnet, the current would then decrease in magnitude.
11. Then the loops starts to ascend from below the magnets. Current is now induced in the
original direction, reaching maximum when the loop reaches the North magnet again.
12. This goes on and on! Round (Up) and round (Down).
13. Although the speed of rotation is constant, the magnitude of induced current is not
constant. The current increases and decreases as the angle the conductor makes with the
magnetic field changes.
14. The two aspects of the induced current, change in direction and change in magnitude can
be represented in a graph (sine graph).
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IMPORTANT POINTS
3. What would happen if the Slip Ring in an A.C. Generator is replaced with a Split Ring?
Direct Current would be induced.
With Slip Rings the induced current is always sent to the SAME SLIP, but since loops pass
opposite magnets, the current direction is changed.
With either ring, the induced current is changing direction as the passes the opposite poles of
the magnets.
The current in the loops would still be alternating, but the Split Rings would be alternately
connecting each loop to the other brush.
Hence the CURRENT in the EXTERNAL CIRCUIT would be in ONE DIRECTION.
Summary
Replacing the Slip Rings of an a.c. generator with a Split Ring Commutator would mean:
• that the current in the external circuit would now flow in one direction
• that the A.C. Generator would now function as a D.C. Generator.
However, since the loops are still passing through various angles with the magnetic field, the
magnitude of the induced current would still be constantly changing from minimum to
maximum to minimum.
4.If you are going to use alternating current to power a d.c. motor, what change should
you make in the motor?
Remove the Split Ring and replace with two Slip Rings, one for each loop.
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There would be no need for split rings to change the current direction since the current would
already be changing its direction since it is alternating current.
The slip rings would be needed to ensure that the wires do not get tangled after one rotation.
The typical sine curve would no longer be formed. Instead the following DC graph would result,
showing current flowing in ONE direction (one quadrant), but with changing magnitudes.
The top quadrant represents current in one direction and the bottom quadrant represents
current in the other direction.
The Imax represents the highest value the current would reach (the blue line).
Since the current magnitude is always changing, it is necessary to identify an average current,
or a dc equivalent.
This avearge value is called the average current or Irms (the green line). This is called root
mean square, which is really a complicated way of saying "average".
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Equation
20 = 1,41(Irms)
Irms = 14,18A
The Vmax represents the highest value the voltage would reach (the blue line).
Since the voltage magnitude is always changing, it is necessary to identify an average voltage,
or a dc equivalent.
This avearge value is called the average voltage or Irms (the green line). This is called root
mean square, which is really a complicated way of saying "average".
Equation
300 = 1,41(Vrms)
Irms = 212,77V
NGWENYA PT 11
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EXAMPLES
QUESTION 1
1.1 The component in a DC electric motor that ensures continuous rotation in one direction by
reversing the direction of the current every half-cycle
A Shaft
B Slip ring
C Dynamo
D Split ring (2)
1.2 The cross () in the diagram below represents a conductor carrying conventional current
INTO THE PAGE in the uniform field between the two bar magnets.
A
S N
B ⊗ D
S N
C
In which direction will the conductor move?
A A
B B
C C
D D (2)
1.3 Which ONE of the following phrases correctly explains how a generator works? lt works ...
A by converting electrical energy to mechanical energy.
B by using the motor effect.
C according to Lenz's law.
D using electromagnetic induction. (2)
1.4 Which ONE of the following changes to the design of an AC generator will increase its
maximum emf?
A Change the polarity of the magnets
B Use larger slip rings
C Use larger brushes
D Increase the number of turns on the coil (2)
1.5 The speed of rotation of the coils in an AC generator is increased. Which ONE of the
following combinations of frequency and output voltage for the generator will occur as a
result of the change?
FREQUENCY OUTPUT VOLTAGE
A Increases Increases
B No change Increases
C Decreases Decreases
D Increases No change (2)
[10]
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QUESTION 2
2.1.2 Give the NAME of the law upon which the operation of the generator is based. (1)
2.2 An AC supply is connected to a light bulb. The light bulb lights up with the same brightness
as it does when connected to a 15 V battery.
2.2.1 Write down the rms value of the potential difference of the AC supply. (1)
2.2.2 If the resistance of the light bulb is 45 Ω, calculate the maximum current delivered to
the light bulb. (4)
[9]
QUESTION 3
Pivot
Magnet
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3.1 Write down the function of the component labelled Q in the above sketch. (1)
Two changes are made to the structure of the device shown in the above sketch to obtain the
following output potential difference.
3.2 Write down the two changes that were made. (2)
When a 60 W light bulb is connected to the new device, a peak current of 0,54 A flows through the
light bulb.
3.3 Calculate the potential difference of a DC supply that will produce the same brightness of
the light bulb. (5)
[8]
QUESTION 4
In a generator the coil is rotated anti-clockwise in a uniform magnetic field. The diagram below
shows the position at the instant the coil lies parallel to the magnetic field.
4.1 Determine the direction of the current in segment GM when the coil is in the position shown
above. Only write down G to M OR M to G. (1)
The output potential difference of the generator shown in the above diagram is 311,13 V at 50 Hz.
4.2 An electrical device connected to the generator shown above, consumes 9,45 x 106 J of
energy in two hours. Calculate the….
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4.2.2 Maximum current through the electrical device when connected to the generator
shown above. (3)
4.3 Starting from the position shown in the diagram, sketch a graph of the output current versus
time when the coil completes TWO full cycles.
QUESTION 5
5.1 The output potential difference of an AC generator is 100 V at 20 Hz. A simplified diagram
of the generator is shown below. The direction of the current in the coil is from a to b.
5.1.2 Starting from the position shown in the diagram, sketch a graph of the output
potential difference versus time when the coil completes TWO full cycles.
On the graph, clearly indicate the maximum potential difference (100 V) and the
time taken to complete the two cycles. (3)
5.1.3 State ONE way in which this AC generator can be used to produce a lower output
potential difference. (1)
Calculate the maximum current output for the device when it is connected to a 220 V
alternating current source. (5)
[10]
NGWENYA PT 15
16 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1
QUESTION 6
AC generators at coal-fired power stations supply most of the electrical energy needed in our
country.
A certain AC generator (alternator) produces a peak current (Imax) of 6,43A when connected to an
electrical heater of resistance 48,4Ω.
6.2 Calculate the rms current (Irms) produced by the generator. (3)
6.3 Calculate the peak voltage (Vmax) output of the generator. (5)
6.4 Draw a sketch graph of potential difference versus time for this AC generator.
Clearly label the axes and indicate Vmax on the potential difference axis. (2)
6.5 To meet energy demands in the country, the government plans building nuclear power
stations.
State ONE environmental advantage of the generation of electricity in nuclear power
stations over coal-fired power stations. (1)
[13]
QUESTION 7
The average power of a lamp is 15W. The lamp can be used with either an AC supply or a DC
supply. The graph below shows the AC potential difference.
7.1 Calculate the potential difference of a DC supply that will produce the same brightness of the
lamp. (3)
7.2 Calculate the peak current through the lamp when connected to a 12 V AC supply. (4)
7.3 Draw a sketch graph of current through the lamp against time when connected to the AC
supply. Indicate the value of the peak current on the graph. (3)
[10]
___________________________________65 marks___________________________________
NGWENYA PT 16
17 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1
SOLUTIONS TO EXAMPLES
Difference (V)
Potential
Vrms = IrmsR 0
15 = Irms (45)
0,1
t (s)
Irms =0,3333 A
–100
𝐼𝐼𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 =
√2 5.1.3 Decrease the frequency/ speed of rotation
𝐼𝐼𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
0,3333 = 5.2 𝑃𝑃𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑉𝑉𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
√2
𝐼𝐼𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 0,47 𝐴𝐴 1 500 = 𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 (220)
𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = 6,82 𝐴𝐴
QUESTION 3
𝐼𝐼𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
3.1 ensure continuous rotation of the coil 𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 =
√2
3.2 remove the source of potential difference 𝐼𝐼𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
6,82 =
replace the split ring commutator with slip √2
rings 𝐼𝐼𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 9,64 𝐴𝐴
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QUESTIONS 7
7.1
7.2
7.3
NGWENYA PT 18
19 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1
EXAM TUTORIAL 9
QUESTION 1
A clockwise.
B anticlockwise.
C clockwise, reaches the vertical position and then reverses its direction.
D anticlockwise, reaches the vertical position and then reverses its direction. (2)
1.2 Some learners decided to build a small electrical generator in the laboratory. They then
used this generator to investigate how the magnitude of the induced emf would change as
the magnetic field strength changed.
Which ONE of the following is CORRECT regarding the variables for the investigation?
(2)
1.3 The speed of rotation of the coils in an AC generator is increased. Which ONE of the
following combinations of frequency and output voltage for the generator will occur as a
result of the change?
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1.4 A DC current passes through a rectangular wire loop OPQR placed between two pole
pieces of a magnet, as shown below.
Which TWO segments of the loop will experience an electromagnetic force when the loop is
in the position above?
A OP and PQ
B QR and RO
C OP and QR
D RO and OP (2)
1.5 The coils of an AC generator make one complete rotation. The resulting graph for the
output emf is shown below.
The position B on the graph is obtained when the plane of the coil is at an angle of … to the
magnetic field.
A 0º
B 60º
C 90º
D 120º (2)
[10]
NGWENYA PT 20
21 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1
QUESTION 2
2.1.1 In which direction (a to b, OR b to a) is the current flowing through the coil if the coil
rotates anticlockwise as indicated in the diagram? (1)
2.1.2 Name the rule you used to answer QUESTION 2.1.1. (1)
2.1.3 Which component in the diagram must be replaced in order for the device to operate
as an AC generator? (1)
2.2.1 State the energy conversion that takes place when the AC generator is in
operation. (2)
2.2.2 Calculate the root mean square value of the current passing through the resistor. (5)
[10]
NGWENYA PT 21
22 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1
QUESTION 3
The coil of the generator rotates clockwise between the pole pieces of two magnets. At a
particular instant, the current in the segment PQ has the direction shown above.
3.2 An electrical device is connected to a generator which produces an rms potential difference
of 220 V. The maximum current passing through the device is 8 A.
Calculate the:
NGWENYA PT 22
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QUESTION 4
4.1 A generator is shown below. Assume that the coil is in a vertical position.
4.1.1 Is the generator above AC or DC? Give a reason for the answer. (2)
4.1.2 Sketch an induced emf versus time graph for ONE complete rotation of the coil.
(The coil starts turning from the vertical position.) (2)
The toaster is rated at 800 W, while the kettle is rated at 2 000 W. Both are working under
optimal conditions.
Calculate the:
NGWENYA PT 23
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QUESTION 5
5.1 A teacher demonstrates how current can be obtained using a bar magnet, a coil and a
galvanometer. The teacher moves the bar magnet up and down, as shown by the arrow in
the diagram below.
Galvanometer
Coil
5.1.1 Briefly describe how the magnet must be moved in order to obtain a LARGE
deflection on the galvanometer. (2)
The two devices, A and B, below operate on the principle described in QUESTION 5.1.1
above.
Output
Output
5.2 A 220 V, AC voltage is supplied from a wall socket to an electric kettle of resistance 40,33
Ω. Wall sockets provide rms voltages and currents.
Calculate the:
NGWENYA PT 24
25 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1
QUESTION 6
6.2 State the energy conversion which takes place in a DC motor. (1)
6.3 Give a reason why section BC in the above diagram does NOT experience a magnetic
force whilst the coil is in the position as shown. (2)
6.4 In which direction will the coil rotate, CLOCKWISE or ANTI-CLOCKWISE? (1)
6.5 Write down ONE way in which the turning effect (torque) can be increased. (1)
6.6 The graph below shows how the alternating voltage, produced by the AC generator, varies
with time.
6.6.2 The generator’s average power output is 2,7 kW. Calculate the maximum current
that the generator produces. (5)
[14]
___________________________________65 marks___________________________________
NGWENYA PT 25
26 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1
QUESTION 1 4.1.2
1.1 A
QUESTION 2
2.1.1 a to b Time (s)
4.2.1 𝑉𝑉𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝑉𝑉𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 =
2.1.2 Fleming's left hand rule √2
Paverage = VrmsIrms
2.1.3 Split rings /commutator 340
800 = (𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 )
√2
2.2.1 Mechanical energy to electrical energy. 𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = 3,33 𝐴𝐴
2.2.2 𝑉𝑉𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 √2 = 𝑉𝑉𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 4.2.2 Paverage = VrmsIrms
𝑉𝑉𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 √2 = (430) 340
2 000 = (𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 )
𝑉𝑉𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = 304,06 𝑉𝑉 √2
𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = 8,32 𝐴𝐴
𝑉𝑉𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = 𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑅𝑅
304,06 = 𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 (400) ITOT = 3,33 + 8.32 = 11, 65 A
𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = 0,76 𝐴𝐴
QUESTION 5
5.1.1 Move the bar magnet very quickly up and
QUESTION 3 down inside the coil
3.1.1 North pole
5.1.2 Electromagnetic induction/
3.1.2 Q to P
5.1.3 Commutator
3.2.1 𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 √2 = 𝐼𝐼𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 √2 = (8) 5.2.1
𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = 5,66 𝐴𝐴
𝑉𝑉𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = 𝐼𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑅𝑅
220 = (5,66)𝑅𝑅
𝑅𝑅 = 38,87 𝛺𝛺
𝑊𝑊
𝑃𝑃 =
𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥
𝑊𝑊
1 245,2 =
2 × 60 × 60
𝑊𝑊 = 8 965 440 𝐽𝐽
QUESTION 4
4.1.1 DC generator
Uses split ring/ commutator
NGWENYA PT 26
27 Examinations Revision 2017 PHYSICAL SCIENCES/P1
QUESTION 6
6.4 ANTI-CLOCKWISE
6.6.1
6.6.2
NGWENYA PT 27