Physics Module Form 5

Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

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CHAPTER 5: ELECTRONICS

5. 1: ELECTRON
5.1.1: Thermionic Emission

1. What is Thermionic Emission?

………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. (a) Label the figure of a vacuum tube:

Figure 9.1

(b) The figure shows ………… emitted are accelerated ………….. the anode by the high
…………………… between the cathode and anode.
(c) A beam of electrons moving at high speed in a vacuum is known as a ………………..
3. Factors that influence the rate of thermionic emission
Factor Effect on the rate of thermionic emission
Temperature of the cathode When the temperature of the cathode increases, the rate
of thermionic emission increases.
Surface area of the cathode A larger surface area of the cathode increases the rate of
thermionic emission.
Potential difference The rate of thermionic emission is unchanged, when the
between the anode and potential difference increases, but the emitted electrons
cathode. accelerate faster towards the anode.
Types of metal

Specific Heat capacity

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

5.1.2 Properties of Cathode Rays

Main part Component Function

Tungsten Filamen
(Heating Element)

Cathode
Electron
gun
Anode

Fluorescent
screen

2. List the characteristics of the cathode rays.

……………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………….

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

Energy Change in A Cathode Ray

Figure 9.2

By using the principle of conservation of energy,

1 2 v = velocity of electron
mv  eV , V = Potential difference between Anode and
2 Cathode
2eV e = Charge on 1 electron = 1.6 x 10 -19 C
Maximum velocity of electron, v 
m m = mass of 1 electron = 9 x 10 -31 kg

1. In a cathode ray tube, an electron with kinetic energy of 1.32 × 10-14 J is accelerated.
Calculate the potential difference, V between the cathode and the accelerating anode.
[ e = 1.6 x 10 -19 C]
Solution:

2. In a vacuum tube, a cathode ray is produced and accelerated through a potential

difference of 2.5kV. Calculate…
(a) The initial electric potential energy of the cathode ray.
(b) The maximum velocity of the electron.
[ e = 1.6 x 10 -19 C; m= 9 x 10 -31 kg]

3. If the potential difference between the cathode and the anode in a CRO is 3.5 kV,
calculate the maximum speed of the electron which hit the screen of CRO.
[ e = 1.6 x 10 -19 C; m= 9 x 10 -31 kg]
Solution:

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

Formative Practice 5.1

1. (a) What are thermionic emission and cathode rays?
(b) State the characteristics of cathode rays.

2. (a) State the function of the components of a cathode ray tube below:
(i) heating filament (iii) anode
(ii) cathode (iv) fluorescent screen
(b) Why must a cathode ray tube be in a state of vacuum?

3. When an electron beam moves from the cathode to the anode in a vacuum tube, state:
(a) the type of motion of the electron beam
(b) the transformation of energy
(c) the relationship between the voltage of E.H.T. power supply and the velocity of the electron

4. When an E.H.T. with power of 800 V is connected across the cathode and the anode, what
is the velocity of the electron? What is the effect on the velocity of the electron if the voltage
is increased by four times?
[Charge of an electron, e = 1.6 × 10–19 C, mass of an electron, m = 9.11 × 10–31 kg]

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

5.2 SEMICONDUCTOR DIODES

1. What is the function of semiconductor diode?

………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Label the p-n junction below and draw a symbol of the diode.

Figure 9.3

Positive hole Negative electron Symbol

Figure 9.13

Forward Biased Circuit Reversed Biased Circuit

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

3. What the meaning of rectification?

………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. The figure shows a half-wave rectifier circuit that is connected to CRO.

(i) Sketch waveform of the voltages observed on the CRO screen when the time-
base is on.

Figure 9.16
(ii) Sketch waveform of the voltages observed on the CRO screen when a
capacitor is connected in parallel across a resistor, R.

Figure 9.17
5. The figure shows a full-wave rectifier circuit that is connected to CRO.
(i) Draw arrows to show the current flow in the first half cycle and
to show the current flow in second half cycle in the diagram.
(ii) Sketch the waveform of the voltages observed on the CRO screen when the
time-base is on.

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

a
. To CRO

Figure 9.18

(iii) Sketch waveform of the voltages observed on the CRO screen when a
capacitor is connected in parallel across a resistor, R.

a
To CRO

Figure 9.19
6. Explain what is the function of the capacitor?

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

5.3 TRANSISTOR
5. 3.1 Terminals of a Transistor.
1. What is a transistor?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
.
2. Draw and label the symbol of n-p-n transistor and p-n-p transistor.
Collector, C Collector, C

Base, B Base, B

Emitter, E Emitter, E
n-p-n transistor p-n-p transistor

3. State the function for each terminal in a transistor.

(a) The emitter, E :
……………………………………………………………………………….
(b) The base, B :
………………… ……………………………………………………………
(c) The collector, C:
………………………………………………………………………………...
Transistor circuit

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

•When the switch is open, bulb L1 …………………….light up as the circuit is ……………….

and the base current, IB is ……………………..
• Bulb L2 ………………light up although the collector circuit is ……………….because the
transistor is ………………… and the collector current, Ic is …………………….
• When the switch is closed, bulb L1 is …………….because RB has a ………………. and the
base current, IB is……………….. Bulb L2 lights up …………….because the collector current,
Ic is …………………..with the base current, IB.
• A small base current can produce a ………………….base voltage, VBE to ……………..the
collector circuit.
• The base current, IB can control the flow of the collector current, Ic. This enables the
transistor to act as a …………………
• The resistance at the base circuit, RB is ………………to limit the base current, IB so that the
transistor will not become too …………………….
5.2.3 Transistor as an Automatic Switch.
1. Complete the statement below.

RX
IC
Battery voltage IB

Base voltage RY
IE

Figure 9.23

The switching action is produced by using a potential divider. In a working circuit

shown in figure, a resistor, Ry and a …………………………. are being used to form a
potential divider. If the variable resistor is set to zero, the base voltage is ………. and
the transistor switches ………. However, if the resistance of the variable resistor is
increased, the base voltage will……………. When the base voltage reached a certain
minimum value, the base current, IB switches on the transistor. A large collector current,
IC flows to light up the bulb.

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

2. What type of transistor is used in an automatic switch circuit?

………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. (a) Light Controlled Switch

(i) Complete the statement below.

10 k R
IC
1k
6V
IE
LDR

Figure 9.24
Figure shows a transistor-based circuit that functions as a light controlled switch.
The ……………………….. (LDR) has a very high resistance in the …….… and a low
resistor in ………………... R is a fixed ……………. The LDR and R form a potential
divider in the circuit.
In bright light, the LDR has a very ………. resistance compared to R. Therefore, the base
voltage of the transistor is too …….. to switch on the transistor.
In darkness, the resistance of the LDR is very ……… and the voltage across the LDR is
……… enough to switch on the transistor and thus lights up the bulb. This circuit can be
used to automatically switch …… the bulb at night.

(ii) Complete the table below.

Condition RLDR VLDR R VR Transistor (ON or OFF)
Daylight
Darkness
Remember Ic >>>>Ib
(iii) How can the circuit in figure be modified to switch on the light at daytime?
…………………………………………………………………………………………..

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

(b) A Heat-Controlled Switch

(i) Complete the statement below.

Thermistor Diode Relay

RB

Alarm
R

Figure 9.25
Figure shows a transistor-based circuit that function as a heat controlled switch.
A ……………..is a special type of resistor. Its resistance becomes very ……… when it is
cold. When the thermistor is heated, its resistance ………… rapidly. At room
temperature, the thermistor has a ………. resistance compared to R. Therefore, the base
voltage of the transistor is too low to switch on the transistor.
When the thermistor is heated, its ……………. drops considerablely compared to R.
Therefore, the ……………., VB is high enough to switch ……. the transistor. When the
transistor is switch on, the relay switch is activated and the relay is switched ………. The
circuit can also be used in a fire alarm system.

(ii) What is the function of a diode is used in the heat-controlled circuit?

…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
(iii) Complete the table below.
Temperature RThermistor VThermistor R VR Transistor (ON or OFF)
High
Low
Remember Ic >>>>Ib

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

9.2.4 Transistor as a Current Amplfier

1. Complete the statement below. mA

R2 IC

R1
A

R IB
IE

Figure 9.26
A transistor functions as a current amplifier by allowing a small current to control a
larger current. The magnitude of the …………………., IC is primarily determined by the
………………….., IB. A ……….. change in the base current, IB will cause a ……..
change in the collector current, IC. The current amplification can be calculated as follows:

I C
Current Amplification 
I B

2. Name the type of the transistor used.

………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. What will happened to the readings of the miliammeter, mA and microammeter, A when
the resistance of R is reduced?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
4. A transistor is said to have two states, the ‘ON’ state and ‘OFF’ state.
(a) Explain the meaning of the ‘ON’ state of a transistor.
………………………………………………………………………………………
(b) Explain the meaning of the ‘OFF’ state of a transistor.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
(c) What is the function of the rheostat, R?
………………………………………………………………………………………
(d) What is the function of the resistor, S?
………………………………………………………………………………………

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

Summative Practice

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

Reinforcement Chapter 5
Part A: Objective questions Which of the following statements is not
true?
1. Which of the following is not a property
A. The potential at plate P is positive.
of cathode rays?
B. The deflection would be greater if the
A. It is positively charged.
potential difference is greater.
B. It travels in a straight line.
C. The deflection would be greater if the
C. It can be deflected by magnetic field.
electrons are moving faster.
D. It can be deflected by electric field.
D. The electron beam will return to straight
line if a suitable magnetic field is
2. Cathode rays consists of
applied between the plates.
A. Fluorescent particles
B. Light rays from a screen
4. The figure 9.34 shows the trace
C. Beams of fast moving particles
displayed on a CRO with the Y-gain
D. Light rays from hot filament
control is turned to 3.75 V/div.
What is the maximum value of the
3. A beam of electrons is being deflected
potential difference being measured?
due to a potential difference between
plates P and Q.
P
Figure 9.33
Figure 9.34
Q

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

A. 2.5 V 8. The figure 9.37 shows a circuit

B. 5.5 V consisting of two diodes and a bulb.
C. 7.5 V When the switch is on, the bulb does not
D. 12.5 V light up.
E. 15.0 V What needs to be done to light up the
bulb?
5. In p-type semiconductor
A. The number of holes are equal to the
number of electrons. Figure 9.37
B. The number of the holes are more than
the number of electrons.
C. The number of the holes are less than the A. Replace the diode with a new one.
number of electrons. B. Reverse the connection of the diode.
C. Increase the number of bulbs.
6. Which of the following is not true about D. Connect a resistor in series with the
diode? bulb.
A. It can be used to rectify alternating
current. 9.
B. It can only conduct electricity when it is
connected in forward in forward bias in
a circuit.
C. It is formed by joining an n-type and a p-
type semiconductor.
D. The majority charge carriers in the diode
are electrons.
Figure 9.38
Figure 9.38 shows four identical bulbs,
7. The figure 9.36 shows a rectifier circuit. P, Q, R and S, and four electronic
Which of the following statements is components connected in a circuit.
true? Which of the following bulbs will light
up continuously when the switch is on?
P
A. P and Q only
B. P, Q and R only
Q C. R and S only
D. P, Q and S only
Figure 9.36 10. Which of the following circuits shows
A. A rectifier changes d.c to a.c. the connect directions of the base current
B. Device P allows current to flow in any IB, emitter current, IE and collector
directions. current, IC?
C. Device Q acts as a rectifier.
D. The rectifier circuit would still work if
device P is reversed.

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

Figure 9.39

12. What is the function of the transistor

circuit shown in figure 9.39?
A. As an amplifier
B. As a rectifier
C. As a switch device
D. As a modulator

13. The figure 9.40 shows a transistor being

used as a current amplifier.
IC
IB

Figure 9.40

Which of the following is correct?

A. IB > IC
B. IB = IC
C. IB < IC

14. Figure 9.41 shows a circuit consisting of

a transistor which acts as an automatic
switch. When the potential difference
across the thermistor is 3 V and the
resistance of the thermistor is 1000 ,
11. Which of the following statements about the resistance value of resistor, R is ..
a transistor is not true?
A. A transistor can act as an amplifier
B. A transistor can act as a relay switch.
C. The function of a transistor is the same
as that of two diodes.
D. A transistor is a combination of two
types of semiconductors.
Figure 9.41

A. 3 k
B. 4 k
C. 5 k

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

D. 6 k Which of the following is not correct

E. 7 k about the circuit?
A. T is an npn transistor
15. The figure 9. 42 shows a transistor B. The capasitor prevents d.c current but
circuit being used to amplify sound. allows a.c current to pass through it.
C. Speaker amplifies the sound.
M-microphone D. R1 and R2 act as potential divider.
C- Capacitor
S- speaker

Figure 9.42

Part B: Structured Questions.

1. Figure 9. 47 shows a full wave bridge rectifier. The a.c supply has a frequency of 50 Hz.

Figure 9.47

(a) When the polarity of the a.c supply voltage is positive at A, state the two diodes which
are forward biased.
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
(b) When the polarity of the a.c supply voltage is negative at A, state the two diodes which
are forward biased.

……………………………………………………………………………………………
(c) Using the axes in figure 9.48, sketch the voltage-time graph across the resistor, R.
Voltage/V

Time/ms
Figure 9.48

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

(d) On the figure 9.49, sketch the voltage-time graph across the resistor if a capacitor is
connected across the resistor if a capacitor is connected across the resistor R parallel with
the resistor.

Voltage/V

Figure 9.49 Time/ms

(e) Explain how the capacitor causes the voltage across the resistor to vary with time in the
way that you have drawn.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. The door of the lift is fitted with a light transmitter and a detector which is a light
dependent resistor, LDR. If the light dependent resistor detects light, the relay switch is
activated and the lift door will close. Figure 9.51 shows an electronic circuit for the control
system of the lift door.
Figure 9.51

240 V

Motor
R

(i) State the relationship between the resistance and the intensity of light received
by the light dependent resistor, LDR.
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

(ii) Complete the circuit in figure 9.51 by drawing the resistor and the light
dependent resistor using the symbols given below.

Resistor Light dependent resistor

(iii) Explain how the circuit functions.

…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
Part C: Essay Questions
1.
(a) The diode, bulb and battery in circuit X and circuit Y of figures 9.52 and 9.53 are
identical.

Figure 9.52 Figure 9.53

(i) What is meant by a direct current and an alternating current? [2 marks]

(ii) Using Figures 9.52 and figure 9.53, compare the connection of the diodes and the
conditions of the bulbs. Relating the connection of the diodes and the conditions of
the bulbs, deduce the function of a diode. [5 marks]
(iii) State the use of a diode. [1 mark]

(b) A semiconductor diode is made by joining a p-type semiconductor with a n-type

semiconductor. Describe and explain the production and the characteristics of a p-type
semiconductor and a n-type semiconductor. [4 marks]

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 Physics Module Form 5
Student’s Module Chapter 5: Electronics

2. Figure 9.55 shows four circuits W, X, Y and Z, each has an ideal transformer and the circuit
are used for the purpose of rectification.

Circuit W
Circuit Y

Circuit X Circuit Z

(i) What is meant by rectification? [1mark]

(ii) Explain the working principle of a transformer. [3 marks]
(iii) You are asked to make a 12 V battery charger. Study the circuits W, X, Y and Z in
figures 9.55 and consider the following aspects:
Type of transformer
The number of turns in the primary coil and in the secondary coil.
Type of rectification
Characteristics of output current
Explain the suitability of the above aspects and hence, determine the most suitable
circuit to make the battery charge. [6 marks]

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