HSC Physics Notes Motors and Generators

9.3 - 1. Motors use the effect of forces on current-carrying conductors in magnetic fields
1. discuss the effect on the magnitude of the force on a current-carrying conductor of variations in
the strength of the magnetic field in which it is located
Force is proportional to the magnetic field strength (B). i.e. ! "
the magnitude of the current in the conductor
The force is proportional to the current (I) in the conductor. i.e. ! #
the length of the conductor in the external magnetic field
The force is proportional to the length (l) of the conductor. i.e. ! l
the angle etween the direction of the external magnetic field and the direction of the length of
the conductor
The force is at a ma$imum when conductor is at right angles to the field. The force is e!ual to %ero when
the conductor is &arallel to the field. ! .
F = BIlsinO "an e used to determine force in a magnetic field
#. explain !ualitatively and !uantitatively the force etween long parallel current-carrying conductors
Because we $now that a wire carrying a current will produce a magnetic field% thus it will exert forces
upon other fields or o&ects near or in the field. 'hen two long &arallel current-carrying conducting wires
($nown as a solenoid) are placed side y side with a finite distance etween them% their magnetic fields
will affect each other.
If the current is flowing in the same direction in oth conductors% the fields will attract (ma$ing
a comined% larger field)
If the currents of the conductors are flowing in o&&osite directions% the magnetic fields will
re&el from each other.
The right-hand gri& rule can also e applied to
determine the direction of flow of current and thus
whether the two long parallel current-carrying
conducting magnetic fields exert repelling or
attracting fields with relation to each other.

(etermining the magnitude of force etween two
parallel current-carrying conducting wires is given y
the following e!uation)
F
l
= k
I
1
I
2
d
where*
+ the force acting upon the length of a conductor (N)
l + length of chosen conductor (m)
' + constant (derived through careful analysis , testing) + (.) $ 1)
-*
N +
-(
#
1
and #
(
+ current of either conductor (amps)
d + distance etween conductors (m)
-. define tor!ue as the turning moment of a force using) t = Fd
,or-ue is the turning effect of an o./ect 0hen force is acting u&on it. The
tor!ue of an o&ect is greater when the distance of the force from the pivot
point (where the tor!ue occurs) is further away. Thus% as distance increasing%
so does the tor!ue of an o&ect.
d
If the force applied is perpendicular to the line &oining the point of application of the force and the pivot
point% the following formula can e used)
t = Fd
where*
1 + Tor!ue of an o&ect (Newton metre Nm)
+ Force (N)
d + (istance from the point of application to the pivot point (m)
.. identify that the motor effect is due to the force acting on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic
field
/ current-carrying conductor produces a magnetic field. 'hen the
current-carrying conductor passes through an external magnetic
field% the magnetic field of the conductor interacts 0ith the
e$ternal magnetic field and the conductor e$&eriences a force.
This effect was discovered in 10#1 and is $nown as the motor
effect.
The direction of the force on the current-carrying conductor can e
determined using the right hand &ush rule 1 rememering that
magnetic field lines go from north to south.
2. descrie the forces experienced y a current-carrying loop in a magnetic field and descrie the net
result of the forces
If a current-carrying wire (loop) is present in an external magnetic field% then the current-carrying
conductor will experience forces exerted upon it. /pplying the right hand push rule% one can determine
the direction of force on the loop in the external magnetic field. The force acting on the sides of the coil
that are perpendicular to the magnetic field can e calculated using)
F = nBIlsinO
where*
+ Force (N)
" + 3agnetic field strength
# + "urrent (A)
l + length of current-carrying conductor (m)
n + numer of loops in wire coil 1 armature
This extra force on each side of the conductor
increases the tor-ue of the armature (the
rotational device which motors the motor). This
tor-ue in turn rotates the coil to a point where
the current-carrying conductors are parallel with the magnets and the magnetic field 1 however
momentum &ushes the armature further around to the perpendicular position 0here the s&lit-ring
commutator changes the direction of current so the rotor can continue rotating in the same direction.
The net force is a continual rotation determined by the right hand push rule at a magnitude calculated
by the above formula.
4. descrie the main features of a (" electric motor and the role of each feature
The (" electric motor relies on the motor effect to create a continuous spinning motion in which a
current must e continuously supplied into the motor to $eep the magnetic fields interacting and the
external field exerting forces on the current-carrying conductors. The main features are)
+rmature 1 the ferromagnetic cylinder which rotates on an axle to produce the rotational motion
of the (" electric motor.
Coil 1 is wrapped5coiled around the armature on opposite sides so that the current changes
direction aout the armature. It is responsile for giving the current a medium to flow.
S&lit-ring commutator 1 is used so that the current is $ept perpendicular to the magnetic field
lines. The commutator6s role is to change the direction of the current at the right point to ensure
the armature continues rotation in the same direction.
"rushes 1 are used to $eep the current flowing into the commutator without spar$ing.
Magnets 1 produce the external magnetic field which interacts with the field produced y the
coiled wire aout the armature.
7. identify that the re!uired magnetic fields in (" motors can e produced either y current-carrying coils
or permanent magnets
The magnetic field of a (" motor can e &ro2ided either .y &ermanent magnets or .y electromagnets.
The &ermanent magnets are fi$ed to the ody of the motor. 3lectromagnets can .e created using a soft
iron sha&e that has coils of 0ire around it. The current that flows through the armature coil can e used
in the electromagnet coils.
1. solve prolems using)
F
l
= k
I
1
I
2
d

'hich simply involves practising !uestions where there are t0o long &arallel current-carrying conductors
to determine the force etween them.
#. perform a first-hand investigation to demonstrate the motor effect
4ire 5 3lectronic "alance6
The current-conducting 0ire is &laced on an electronic .alance 0hich &asses .et0een t0o o&&ositely
7&olarised7 magnets i.e. one north and one south. 'hen the wire is alanced on the electronic scales% it is
8eroed. 'hen the current is pushed through the current-carrying wire the .alance 0ill record a &ositi2e
or negati2e 2alue de&ending on the direction of the current 1 however% despite whether the reading
displayed is negative or positive% the fact that there is a change in magnitude sho0s the 0ire is
e$&eriencing a force e$erted u&on it. This force is a result of the interaction of the external magnetic
field etween the two magnets and the produced field from the wire. ,his sho0s the motor effect.
-. solve prolems and analyse information aout the force on current-carrying conductors in magnetic
fields using)
F = BIlsinO / current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field creates a force.
where*
+ Force (N)
" + 9trength of magnetic field (T)
# + "urrent (A)
l + length of current-carrying conductor (m)
+ angle at which the conductor is at to the direction of the magnetic field
The direction of the current can e otained using the right hand push rule.
.. solve prolems and analyse information aout simple motors using)
t = nBIAcos(0)
where*
+ Tor!ue (Nm)
n + numer of coils
" + 9trength of magnetic field (T)
# + "urrent (A)
+ angle etween magnetic field lines and plane of coil
2. identify data sources% gather and process information to !ualitatively descrie the application of the
motor effect in)
the galvanometer
/ galvanometer is used to measure the magnitude
and direction of direct current (8C). It uses the
motor effect to do this.
/ coil consisting of many loo&s is connected in
series and coiled around a soft iron core. 'hen the
current flows through the current-carrying wire% the
coil e$&eriences a force due to the &resence of an
e$ternal magnetic field 1 exemplifying the motor
effect.
The needle attached to the core is rotated until the magnetic force acting on the coil is e-ualled .y a
counter .alancing9 tensioned s&ring. The magnets are cur2ed around the coil% thus shaping the
magnetic field surrounding into a radial shape so the &lane of the coil 0ill al0ays .e &arallel 0ith the
magnetic field. This also results in constant tor!ue as the coil5spring rotate therefore ma$ing the scale of
the galvanometer linear so that the force o current.
the loudspea$er
Loudspeakers are used to transform electrical energy
(impulses) into sound energy. / loudspea$er consists of a
circular magnet that has one &ole on the outside and
the other on the inside. The voice coil sits in etween
the poles (essentially wrapped around the centre core)
which is connected to an amplifier which produces the
amplified sound.
,his 2oice coil is caused to 2i.rate or mo2e in and out
of the magnet due to the motor effect. The force acting
upon the magnetic field produced from the coil &ushes
the am&lified 0a2es out of the s&ea'er cone so that it
can e heard.
The field lines of the &ermanent magnets are al0ays
&er&endicular to the current in the coil.
(. ,he relati2e motion .et0een a conductor and magnetic field is used to generate
an electrical 2oltage
1. outline 3ichael Faraday:s discovery of the generation of an electric current y a moving magnet
3ichael Faraday discovered that 0hen mo2ing a .ar magnet (or any type for that matter) through a coil
of 0ire that an electrical current 0as &roduced. This
is the opposite of the motor effect and is $nown as
induction. ;elative motion etween a magnet and a coil
induce a current% in which the strength of the current
.eing induced can .e changed .y the relati2e s&eed of
the magnet through5around the coil of wire (faster
magnet% larger current).
Faraday noticed that when putting the north end of a
magnet into a coil% the current egan to flow and
direction could e determined. 'hen pulling the magnet
in the opposite direction% the direction of the current
changed concurrently.
#. define magnetic field strength B as magnetic flux density
The strength of a magnetic field9 B9 is also 'no0n as the magnetic flu$ density. In the 9I system% B is
measured in Tesla (T) or 'eer per s!uare metre (' m
<#
).
It is also important to note that the stronger a magnetic field is (stronger magnetic flux)% the closer the
field lines will e when drawing.
3agnetic flux is given the symol) 1
B
-. descrie the concept of magnetic flux in terms of magnetic flux density and surface area
Magnetic flu$ is the name gi2en to the amount of magnetic field &assing through a gi2en area. If the
particular area% A is perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field of strength B (as shown in figure 7.0 on
the opposite page) then the magnetic flux =
B
is the product of B and /. 9o to calculate magnetic flux%
multiply the normal magnetic flux density component y the area through which the magnetic field lines
are passing.
1
B
= BA
.. descrie generated potential difference as the rate of change of magnetic flux through a circuit
The generated potential difference (or voltage) is e!ual in magnitude to the rate at which the magnetic
flux through the circuit is changing with time. The e!uation derived to calculate the total generated
potential difference is as follows)
e =
A1
B
At
The negative sign indicates the direction of the induced emf.
where*
= generated potential difference (V)

"
+ magnetic flux density (T)
t + time (s)
2. account for >en8:s >aw in terms of conservation of energy and relate it to the production of ac$ emf in
motors
:en%;s :a0 states that an induced current is al0ays in a direction such that its magnetic field o&&oses
the changing field that created it.
>en8:s >aw is a result of conservation of energy. 'e $now that energy cannot e created or destroyed and
as a result of this% :en%7s la0 a&&lies to the generation of .ac' emf in motors (and the motor effect). It
applies as following)
If we have a current flowing through a wire in the presence magnetic field in a motor% then this will cause
the coil to spin. ?owever% this relative motion etween the rotating current-carrying coil and the magnetic
field will produce a current (as a result of the motor effect and induction). This current% in the same
direction as the initial current% would grow infinitely larger and eventually overload the system* also
producing energy from no wor$. This would rea$ the law of conservation of energy. Thus% the current
produced as a result of the rotating coil flows in the opposite direction% conserving the system6s energy 1
this is $nown as ac$ emf.
!hen the coil of a motor rotates a back emf is induced in the coil due to its motion in the e"ternal
magnetic field#
Therefore% >en8 identified this issue and devised his law (aove).
4. explain that% in electric motors% ac$ emf opposes the supply emf
(ue to >en86s law and the result of a ac$ emf in a rotating coil within a motor% there must .e energy
conser2ed throughout the system. For this to occur% the .ac' emf that is induced must o&&ose or flo0
in the o&&osite direction of the su&&lied emf that is eing put into the system.
The smaller the ac$ emf is% he greater the current flowing through the coil. 'hen the motion of the coil
is resisted% say y a load% then the coil will e spinning slower and so the ac$ emf (which is induced due
to the relative motion of a coil and a magnetic field) will e less.
Therefore the net voltage in a motor is the supply voltage minus the produced ac$ emf.
Note6 $reliminary formulas may need to be used in %uestions such as V = IR
7. explain the production of eddy currents in terms of >en8:s >aw
@ddy currents are &roduced .et0een the relati2e mo2ement of a metal (not necessarily magnetic) and a
magnetic field. They are small circular paths. (ue to resistance eddy currents &roduce heat and these
currents &roduce a magnetic field that9 due to :en%;s la09
o&&oses the original changing magnetic field.
The right hand push rule can be applied to determine the
direction of the force on the eddying current (which is meant to
resemle the swirl of water after a oat ta$es off).
/n eddy current can e produced or mimic$ed y dropping a
small magnet down a metallic (preferaly non-magnetic) tue.
/s the magnetic ma$es relative movement to the metal% swirling
eddy currents will e produced vertically down the cylinder in
ig rings.
1. perform an investigation to model the generation of an electric current y moving a magnet in a coil or
a coil near a magnet
+ &ermanent magnet 0as mo2ed from left to right through an insulated coil of 0ire to generate a
current in the coil. The coil was attached to a multimeter on each end to measure the current flowing
through.
/s the magnet approached from the left% the multimeter measured a
small current 0hich in turn &roduced a magnetic field 0hich
o&&osed the magnetic field &roduced .y the &ermanent magnet 1
ma$ing it harder to push through.
!hen the bar was placed in the middle the induced current
travelled in the same direction (toward to the magnet) as efore ut
the current 0as far stronger due to the larger magnetic flu$ in the
centre.
Apon removing the magnet out the right side of the magnet% the current lo0ered again to approximately
the same amperes as efore putting the magnet in. The current was still in the same direction. If I were to
reverse the poles of the magnet (i.e. turn it around) then the induced current would travel in the opposite
direction as efore* this is to ensure the magnetic field &roduced .y the induced current o&&oses the
&ermanent magnets field 1 due to >en6s >aw.
Note6 The right hand grip rule was applied to verify that the two magnetic fields opposed each other 1
however this could e physically felt y their repulsion.
#. plan% choose e!uipment or resources for% and perform a first-hand investigation to predict and verify
the effect on a generated electric current when) same e$&eriment as a.o2e
the distance etween the coil and magnet is varied
+s the distance is increased the strength of the magnetic field decreases thus less current is induced.
This was verified y numerous repeated tests at many lengths of -cm further away each time. 8 ! +
the strength of the magnet is varied
+s the strength of the magnet increased9 the induced current 0as greater (and thus the induced
magnetic field was greater too). This was tested with varying strength in magnets so the flux was different
for each test. " ! +
the relative motion etween the coil and the magnet is varied
,he faster the relati2e mo2ement .et0een the coil and magnet9 the greater the induced current.
< ! +
-. gather% analyse and present information to explain how induction is used in coo$tops in electric ranges
Induction coo$tops use the fact that a conductor in the &resence of a changing magnetic field 0ill ha2e
induced eddy currents created 0hich create a magnetic field to
o&&ose the first magnetic field.
Induction coo$tops have a coil .eneath the surface 0hich +C
&o0er is su&&lied to ((" power would not wor$ as the magnetic
field is re!uired to vary so a varying current is needed) which in
turn &roduces a 2arying magnetic field. The changing magnetic
field eneath the coo$top induces eddy currents in the metallic
&an 1 and also agitating the actual atoms within the pan5pot. 8ue
to the resistance (a property or an eddy current)% heat is gi2en off
into the metallic &an=&ot to coo$ the food.
The rapidly changing magnetic field(s) directly heat up the metallic
o&ect on top so no heat is lost% compared to the older gas or
heated coil style of coo$tops.
.. gather secondary information to identify how eddy currents have een utilised in electromagnetic
ra$ing
3lectromagnetic .ra'ing systems utilise eddy currents to interact 0ith electromagnets as to create a
stopping force for moving vehicles.
The electromagnetic ra$es consist of electromagnets positioned on either side of a
rotating disc. The electromagnets 0ill .e creating a magnetic field as a result of the
current flo0ing through them* and as a result of >en6s >aw% the spinning disc (non-
magnetic) will interact with this magnetic field% &roducing eddy currents. These eddy
currents produced as a result of the relative motion etween the disc and
electromagnetic fields 0ill &roduce their o0n magnetic field 0hich o&&oses the
electromagnetic field 0hich is the .ra'ing force.
&lectromagnets are chosen rather than permanent magnets because the electromagnets can be
switched off when not needing to ra$e (so there is no magnetic field while the disc spins). The strength
of the magnetic field from the electromagnets can be increased y increasing the current in them%
resulting in hard or soft ra$ing.
3. Generators are used to &ro2ide large scale &o0er &roduction
1. descrie the main components of a generator
The (" generator functions exactly the same as a
motor ut simply in reverse. Instead of creating
tor!ue due to the current flowing through the
motor* in a generator a current is generated from
the s&inning of the central armature the
tor-ue.
The stationary parts of a generator are called the
stator% while the mo2ing parts are $nown as the
rotor. Bou can determine the magnitude and
direction of tor!ue using)
t = nBIAcos(0)
#. compare the structure and function of a generator to an electric motor
Because the operation of a motor and generator are simply in reverse% then the generator and the motor
can in fact e the device% however% &o0er station generators are different. / power station generator
&roduces +C current. It has the magnetic field rotating inside a stationary coil.
To determine the direction of the current in a generator% the right hand push rule can e modified. 'here
fingers are the direction of magnetic field% thum is the direction of turning motion and palm is the
direction of the current in the wire.
/" ouput
;ear Ciew) Front Ciew)
>otor% which is
rotated. 9pilt ring
commutator and
rushes are added to
allow (" supply for
solenoid.
Stator% generating
coil (current is
induced due to
changing.
Solenoid% creates
magnetic field from ("
current.
-. descrie the differences etween /" and (" generators
+C and 8C generators o&erate in the same 0ay% ut generate different $inds of electricity. Sli& rings are
used in the +C generators% while a simple split-ring commutator is used in the (" generator. /"
Denerators are preferred ecause)
9lip rings won6t wear down or rea$ as easily as split ring commutators
Mains &o0er is +C* therefore there is no need for a (" to /" converter when /" generators are in
use
Both the /" and (" generators are used to
transform mechanical 'inetic energy into
electrical energy. The energy output from
either of these generators can e represented
graphically)
The /" generator6s voltage output represents
a sine wave curve (right) while the ("
generator will e the same% however% not
produce negative values.
The /" generator alternates its current output
in intervals% whereas the (" generator is a
constant flow in the one direction.
.. discuss the energy losses that occur as energy is fed through transmission lines from the generator to
the consumer
Eower stations and generators are most often located large distances a0ay from the centre of .usy
cities where most people reside. This long distance presents &ro.lems in transferring electricity to those
in the large "B( areas which are so far away. 'e $now (and see) that the large power cales overhead or
eneath the ground in some cities are used to transport electricity to households are usinesses* however%
the length and si%e of these 0ires resists the flo0 of electricity.
The resistance of the wires used to transport electricity to the consumer is the most costly and inefficient
part of the process. The resistance (;) of the metallic conducting wire is proportional to it6s resistivity and
length% also inversely proportional to it6s area. Thus)
R =
pl
A
where*
> + overall resistance of the wires
& + resistivity of the wires (depending on type of wire)
l + length (m)
+ + area
Fow% y the $nowledge that V = IR we can determine the power loss. P = VI % thus y
multiplying oth sides of the first formula y I% we determine that P
loss
= I
2
R
The significant resistance which the long metallic wires pose can .e minimised .y forcing the
electricity through at a higher 2oltage (emf)
The implementation of transformers across the country has enaled household and infrastructure
powered y electricity to succeed ecause they allo0 the transfer of electricity o2er long
distances 0ith minimal resistance. Transformers and sustations are used to ste&-u& and ste&-
do0n the /" electricity so that the resistance along the transfer is negated with a voltage oost.
2. assess the effects of the development of /" generators on society and the environment
Society:
The production /" generators have allowed the transfer of +C electricity to domestic homes
0hich are used to &o0er lights9 coo'ing utensils9 refrigerators etc. 'ithout /" electricity%
modern man would not survive in terms of food gathering and coo$ing.
3any usinesses re!uire electricity to power many machines to operate their company. 'ithout
the introduction of /" generators there could not have een simple electronics in homes.
?as laid the foundations for infrastructure to .e .uilt and continued 1 technology now relies on
+C <oltage
Generation
electricity which is provided through the transport of /" electricity
Environment:
The traditional +C generators (which occupy most of /ustralia6s current generators) are &o0ered
.y fossil fuels in order to produce the tor!ue on an armature. The urning of these fossil fuels
contriutes to the greenhouse effect% depleting the o8one layer. Thus the production of the /"
generator has had a huge negative impact on the environment in this light.
+C generators also gi2e means to alternate9 sustaina.le% green and renewale forms of
generation. Hydro-&o0er and 0ind=tur.ine powered /" generators are now populating numerous
coastlines% replacing traditional fossil fuel /" generators.
This in effect helps sustain the environment while providing essential /" electricity to people.
(This in effect also produces &os to uild these renewale stations 1 society).
1. plan% choose e!uipment or resources for% and perform a first-hand investigation to demonstrate the
production of an alternating current
The set up of an /" generator was re!uired to demonstrate the production of an alternating current. This
was done in the same way a (" generator is created% however% with the use of slip rings rather than the
split-ring commutator.
@!uipment re!uired) refer to orange dot &oints 1.? and 3.3 in which the rotor of the generator was
rotated continually had a high tor!ue through -4GH in which the direction of current would change every
full rotation.
The alternating current was measured using a multimeter and then continued on through a series to test if
the current was in fact 6real6 and was strong enough to power a resistor (a gloe).
#. gather secondary information to discuss advantages5disadvantages of /" and (" generators and relate
these to their use
+d2antages 8isad2antages
+C
<oltage can .e ste&&ed u& or do0n so
that the voltage can e transported
long distances using transformers
Sli& >ings are used for ease and do not
rea$ easily
"an e transferred at e$tremely high
2oltages so that energy is not lost
"ac' emf o&&oses the su&&lied emf.
This is a prolem ecause it reduces
the overall transported energy
3mits electromagnetic radiation (@3;)
so wire shielding is re!uired for safety
re-uency must e monitored at @)H%
The electrons in /" electricity tend to
travel toward the edge of conductor
ma$ing it less efficient) s'in effect
8C
No shielding from 3M> is re!uired
The magnetic field is sta.le (using
permanent magnets) so there is no
.ac' emf
3any appliances use (" power
Cannot .e transformed y stepping up
or down due to the direction of current
S&lit-ring commutator is needed which
often .rea's and can spar$ resulting in
danger and damage
-. analyse secondary information on the competition etween 'estinghouse and @dison to supply
electricity to cities
3dison (" electricity
Denerated his own direct current in generators 'no0n as dynamos using split-ring commutators%
however these proved ineffective and rather dangerous in steam &o0ered stations.
Iilled a numer of animals in the name of science and testing to show how /" electricity was far
more dangerous than (" 1 however% we $now all electricity is dangerous.
9aw threat to his (" power when 'estinghouse ought the patents to Tesla6s wor$ and designs in
/" power and so &u.lished a large article in defence of his o0n 8C &o0er 0ith 0arnings and
threats a.out deaths to those from +C &o0er. ((" power is in fact more dangerous).
'estinghouse /" electricity
"ought the patents and wor$s of ,esla for J1%GGG%GGG.
The invention of the electric chair (and what type of electricity to use)
The Niagara alls Po0er Plant pro&ect was estalished to give the winner money if they could
utilise the power of the falls in a generator. 'estinghouse6s /" design won this competition.
The 3lectric Chair 4ar.
+C 0as deemed to .e more efficient .ecause it could .e ste&&ed do0n using transformers 1
from -GG$C down to #.GC mains power.
.. gather and analyse information to identify how transmission lines are)
insulated from supporting structures
Transmission lines have the &ossi.ility to s&ar' in dry and humid air. In
dry air% a wire will spar$ 1cm for every 1G$C and so most high voltage
wires are approximately --G$C% therefore spar$ing --cm (and even more
in humid conditions). ,o &re2ent these s&ar's from reaching other
ca.les and the structures 0hich su&&ort the ca.les9 insulators are
used to se&arate them.
These insulators are often numerous discs (which increase the lea$age
distance) in a straight line% ceramic ma$e ecause of its great insulating
nature% and extend aout 1G-1GGcm in length to prevent the wires from
interacting with the structure.

protected from lightning stri$es
'hen lightning stri$es from the ottom of the storm cloud% it will do so at the highest point on the earth
which can often e the towers carrying high voltage power lines. These power lines are fitted with one
earth cable 0hich carries no current.
The continuous earth line can e used to carry a current in times when other lines fail% however the earth
line can .e used to carry e$tremely high 2oltage lightning stri'es into the 3arth.
A. ,ransformers allo0 generated 2oltage to .e increased or decreased .efore it is
used
1. descrie the purpose of transformers in electrical circuits
,ransformers are used in electrical domestic circuits and appliances to change the 2oltage in a&&liances
so that they can function or perform their tas$. Coltage and current are directly related (V = IR) so that
when voltage is increased% current must decrease. ?owever% power ($ ' (
)
*) stays the same.
#. compare step-up and step-down transformers
+C current is re-uired for a transformer to o&erate .ecause it re-uires an alternating magnetic field.
9tep-up transformers increase the voltage of the system% and 9tep-down transformers will decrease the
emf. Transformers operate on the fact that alternating magnetic fields produce a changing current.
insulator
Primary Coil Secondary Coil
,ransformers 0hich ste& do0n 0ill ha2e the &rimary coil at a higher 2oltage than the second% and to
do this (since they are proportionally related y V = IR) then the second coil 0ill ha2e a lo0er 2oltage%
however higher current. 9tep-up transformers have the power coming into the first coil at a high current%
and is then lowered to increase the voltage (emf).
-. identify the relationship etween the ratio of the numer of turns in the primary and secondary coils
and the ratio of primary to secondary voltage
V
p
V
s
=
n
p
n
s
If n
s
is greater than n
&
% the output voltage% <
s
% will e greater than the input voltage% V
&
. 9uch a
transformer is $nown as a step-up transformer. If n
s
is less than n
&
% the output voltage% V
s
% will e less
than the input voltage% V
&
. 9uch a transformer is $nown as a step-down transformer.
The numer of turns in the coil are also important. If there are more turns on the &rimary coil% ut less
on the secondary% then the transformer 0ill .e a ste&-do0n transformer as it increases current and
decreases voltage.
Fote) ecause the voltage enters the &rimary coil% this is the in&ut 2oltage. The voltage exists the
secondary coil and is therefore the output voltage. In an ideal situation where the input and output
voltages are e!ual% therefore the input and output currents of oth must e!ual.
.. explain why voltage transformations are related to conservation of energy
Transformers are related to the conservation of energy ecause they 6transform7 energy from one state to
another. The Law of +onservation of &nergy states that no energy can be created nor destroyed there
must be a trade,off or transforming of energy.
The &o0er 0hich is in/ected into the &rimary coil can not e$ceed the &o0er 0hich is e/aculated from
the secondary coil. This is related y the property) P = IV. The voltage and current can e% however%
altered and this is what function transformers and transformations of energy within them act on.
Kne would notice that not all the magnetic flux of the system is transferred to the secondary coil due to
the production of eddy currents and production of heat as a result% which is then given off as thermal
energy.
2. explain the role of transformers in electricity su-stations
,ransformers must .e used to allo0 electricity to .e efficiently transferred to consumers in a fast9
economic manner. 'e $now that voltage in transmission lines will decrease ased on the area% length and
resistivity of the wire so it is sent at extremely high voltages to reduce this loss.
?owever% the 2oltages are so high that they cannot &ossi.ly .e sent to domestic homes for
a&&liance or lighting o&eration 1 this would cause fires and short fuses. To decrease the power
and voltage of the electricity sent to homes% transformers are used to ste&-do0n the 2oltage.
9ustations are positioned across each state so that there are regular intervals that the voltage
can e stepped up (for long distances as a result of loss) or stepped down to e transferred into
homes.
4. discuss why some electrical appliances in the home that are connected to the mains domestic power
supply use a transformer
The mains &o0er in a home is a sta.le (A)< alternating current which is far than sufficient to &o0er
numerous household appliances at once. 3ost electrical appliances do not need to utilise the full #.GC of
power however% most only needing 1#-#.C% for this to occur a transformer needs to .e used to ste& do0n
the 2oltage of from the mains .o$ other0ise the a&&liance 0ould short out 0ith too high (maximum)
current flowing through the electrical circuit.
?owever% some e$tremely large a&&liances 0hich drain large le2els of &o0er such as large TCs and
other high demand appliances re!uire more than (A)<. For this reason% such a&&liances contain a
transformer to ste& u& the 2oltage% however% lowing the current in the circuit. If these appliances were
not ale to get the re!uired voltage aove #.GC% they simply wouldn6t have the power to turn on or
function.
7. discuss the impact of the development of transformers on society
Transformers have allo0ed different 2oltage a&&liances to e$ist and operate perfectly in homes
at lower voltages. Transformers have allowed #.GC mains power to e lowered (or increased) and
thus allowing toasters to operate% computers etc.
The introduction of transformers have made homes safer 0hen utilising electricity at lo0er
2oltages.
The invention and implementation of transformers have resulted in the need for only one ty&e of
electricity B+CC and same mains voltage to homes.
Transformers with the aility to step-up voltage allow electricity to e trans&orted long distances
as they can e stepped up into high $C (this is needed since electricity loses voltage across
transmission lines).
/s a direct result of transformers possessing the aility to transfer electricity at higher voltages%
and therefore minimising energy loss9 consumers can sa2e on money and costs compared if the
electricity were transported at lower voltages.
1. perform an investigation to model the structure of a transformer to demonstrate how secondary voltage
is produced
/ secondary voltage is induced in transformers due to >en86s >aw. 'hen a current flows through the first
(primary) coil% a magnetic field will e produced which covers the secondary coil entirely. /ccordingly%
with >en86s >aw% this secondary coil will also produce a current through it6s coils.
The voltage5current can e altered y changing the ratio of coils on each of the coils. ;efer to model.
Through experimentation% I found that the ratio of coils from primary to secondary coil was directly
proportional to the ratio of voltage on each coil. I noticed% however% that this proportional correlation was
affected ecause of the transfer of energy in the viration of the transformer and also in the release of
heat (minimised through the insulation of coil and lamination to prevent high eddy currents).
#. solve prolems and analyse information aout transformers using)
V
p
V
s
=
n
p
n
s
This formula demonstrates the direct proportion etween the voltage in the solenoid to the respective
numer of coils on that conductor. This formula can e further extended to)
V
p
V
s
=
n
p
n
s
=
I
S
I
P
-. gather% analyse and use availale evidence to discuss how difficulties of heating caused y eddy
currents in transformers may e overcome
(ue to the high current that is input into the primary coil% a large and strong magnetic field is created
which envelops the secondary solenoid. The interaction etween the magnetic field and the metallic
structure and ferrous% soft-iron core causes large eddy currents to develop 1 and as a result% heat is
produced and amplified in the same way that induction coo$tops wor$. The heat is minimised in the
following ways)
Lamination- By lamination the iron core of the transformer% we insulate the transformer and will
not conduct very much heat so that more energy can e transferred to the secondary coil. By
using insulating lamination techni!ues% we can o&timise the efficiency of the transformer y
preventing large eddy currents from forming and instead% much smaller heat producing eddy
currents are formed% reducing the amount of energy lost in the form of heat.
.errites- 3ay e used instead of an iron core. Ferrites are an im&ure mi$ture of iron ores and
other sustances which are .ad conductors of heat and electricity. By minimising the amount of
metallic core% we optimise the efficiency of the transformer as there is less area for eddy
currents to form.
+oolant- Kviously does not minimise the amount of eddy currents &roduced and therefore does
not increase the efficiency of the system. "oolants are used to prevent transformers from
overheating when eddy currents cannot e reduced y aforementioned techni!ues.
.. gather and analyse secondary information to discuss the need for transformers in the transfer of
electrical energy from a power station to its point of use
i) +C electricity is generated in &o0er stations% most commonly y the com.ustion of fossil fuels
in order to rotate a turine which powers a generator to create electricity.
ii) @lectricity is stored until it reaches sufficient power and is ste&&ed u& using a transformer to
2oltages a&&ro$imately 33)'< across high power transmission lines as an /" power source.
iii) Eower does not need to e stepped up and down along the way to it6s domestic or industrial use
ecause of the efficiency to trans&ort +C electricity o2er long distances.
iv) / transformer% located in the most suitale (and close) vicinity which is ste&s do0n the
electricity to a&&ro$imately 11)))< 0hich is then s&lit and distri.uted to a small 7&o0er .o$7
which contains a step down transformer.
v) The voltage is then ste&&ed do0n to (A)< mains &o0er using the step-down transformer located
near or at the house.
@. Motors are used in industries and the home usually to con2ert electrical energy
into more useful forms of energy
1. descrie the main features of an /" electric motor
There are two types of /" electric motors)
A+ /ynchronous 0otor-
Cylindrical rotor and same stator parts as (" motor
Sli& rings
3lectromagnets to provide a rapidly changing magnetic field that induce the alternating current
A+ (nduction 0otor-
S-uirrel Cage) in which long .ars of co&&er are attached on rings at either end that allow a
current to pass from one end to the other
Kperates using +C &o0ered electromagnets which create a rotating and changing magnetic field
in the stator which is outside the rotor. The paired magnets change &olarity 0ith the +C &hase%
resulting in a tor!ue.
The changing magnetic field 0ill induce a current in the long ars that 0ill also &roduce a
magnetic field to o&&ose the one that created it. This opposition ecause of the induced current
creates the force% tor-ue% which spins the rotor
1. perform an investigation to demonstrate the principle of an /" induction motor
/ sheet of aluminium foil was placed on to& of a &ool of 0ater. This allows the aluminium foil to move
and spin. 'hen a magnet aove the foil is spun the aluminium sheet also spins. This is due to Len!s Law"
where the aluminium foil will induce eddy currents to create its own magnetic field which o##oses
the original changing magnetic field. The interaction of these two magnetic fields causes the aluminium
foil to s&in.
#. gather% process and analyse information to identify some of the energy transfers and transformations
involving the conversion of electrical energy into more useful forms in the home and industry
9ince energy cannot cannot e destroyed or created% it is therefore only ever converted from one type to
the next and utilised in the house and industry for many pracitcal applications. Asing electrical energy%
the household television is a prime example of the conversion of electrical energy into light energy (the
picture we see)% sound energy (the music and sound we hear)* and the same can e applied to hair dryers
which convert electrical energy to $inetic energy to rotate a motor which converts this $inetic energy into
heat energy through heat plates.
'inetic energy or heat energy or sound energy or gra2itational &otential energy or chemical energy
The industry is also ale to access this fundamental property of the conversion of energy from one state to
the next. In industry% lifts (elevators) and escalators use the conversion of electrical energy to create oth
a $inetic energy to move people from one place to another ut in the same process then gain and convert
into a gravitational potential energy y going up and down. "ar atteries are an example of the conversion
of electrical energy into chemical energy for storage when they are recharged.