Physics Module Form 5 Chapter 3 - Electromagnet GCKL 2011

3.1 THE MAGNETIC EFFECT OF A CURRENT-CARRYING CONDUCTOR

What is an An electromagnet is a magnet made by winding a coil of insulated wire round

electromagnet a soft iron core, so that a magnetic field is produced when a current is passed
? through the coil.

What is a A magnetic field is the region around a magnet where a magnetic force is
magnetic experienced.
field?
A magnetic field pattern can be represented by field lines that show the
shape of the field.

Magnetic field lines which are close together represent a strong field.

The field direction is defined as the direction indicated by a compass

placed in the magnetic field

What is the The Right-Hand Grip Rule

Right Hand Grip the wire using the right hand, with your thumb pointing in the
Grip Rule? direction of the current. Your other fingers now point round the wire in
the direction of the magnetic field.
When the direction of the current is reversed, the magnetic field direction
also is reversed.

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Physics Module Form 5 Chapter 3 - Electromagnet GCKL 2011

Draw
magnetic field
and determine
its direction

Right Hand
Grip Rule for
Thumbs points in direction
of current
solenoid

Fingers points in direction of

magnetic field

Factors that The factor that affect the strength of an electromagnet

affect the
strength of an a) The number of turns in the coil
electromagnet b) The size of current in the coil
c) The materials used for the core of the coil

Experiment Electromagnetic field strength with Electromagnetic field strength with the
size of current number of turns of the coil

Hypothesis When the current increases the When the number of turns increases
strength of the electromagnet also the strength of the electromagnet also
increases increases

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Physics Module Form 5 Chapter 3 - Electromagnet GCKL 2011

Manipulated Current, I The number of turns of the coil

variable
Responding The number of paper clips The number of paper clips
variable

Fixed The number of turns of the coil The current following through the coil
variable

Apparatus Soft iron rod, ammeter, paper clips, power supply, rheostat, copper wires,
switch
Setup

Procedure 1.Wound an insulated copper wire 1. Make a coil of 30 turns using

round an iron nail 20 times to form insulated copper wire on an iron rod. 2.
a solenoid. Connect the two ends of the copper
2. Switch on the power supply and wire to a 2V dc power supply as sown.
adjust the rheostat until the ammeter 3. Switch on the power supply and
shows 1.0A. adjust the rheostat until ammeter
3. Lower the iron rod into the shows 1.0 A.
container full of paper clips. 4. Lower the iron rod into the container
4. Count the number of paper clips full of paper clips.
attracted by the iron rod. 5. Record the number of paperclips
5. Repeat the experiment with attracted to the lower end of the iron
different values of current i.e. 1.5A, rod.
2.0A, 2.5A, and 3.0A 6.Repeat the experiment with 30, 40,
50 and 60 turns of copper wire round
the iron nail.
Tabulate Current, I/A Number of Number of turns Number of paper
result paper clip clip
1.0 20

1.5 30

2.0 40

2.5 50

3.0 60

Analysis Plot the graph between the number Plot the graph between the number of
of paper clips and the current flow. paper clips and the number of turns of
the coil
Conclusion The strength of the electromagnet The strength of the electromagnet
increases as the current flowing increases as the number of turns of the
through the solenoid increases. solenoid increases.

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Physics Module Form 5 Chapter 3 - Electromagnet GCKL 2011

Application Electric Bell

of
electromagnet

When the switch is pressed, a current flows in the coils making it an

electromagnet.
The electromagnet then attracts the soft-iron armature causing the hammer
to strike the gong.
The movement of the armature breaks the contact and causes
the electromagnet to lose it magnetism.
The light spring pulls the armature back, remaking the contact
and completing the circuit again.
The cycle is repeated so long as the bell push is pressed and
continuous ringing occurs.

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 Physics Module Form 5 Chapter 3 - Electromagnet GCKL 2011

Check Yourself 1
1. 1. Diagram 1 shows an electromagnet.

Diagram 1

Which of the following change will decrease the magnetic effect of the iron rod?

A Reduce the number of turns in the coil

B Increase the current

C Use a thicker wire to form the coil

D Use a coil with a bigger cross-sectional area

2. Diagram 2 shows a copper wire coiled round a U-shaped iron.

Diagram 2

Which of the following describes the magnetic pole of X, Y and Z correctly?

X Y Z

A North South South

B North South North

C South North South

D South North South

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 Physics Module Form 5 Chapter 3 - Electromagnet GCKL 2011

3. The figure shows a rectangular coil of wire WXYZ connected with a dry cell and a switch S is placed on the
surface a horizontal table.

Two compasses P and Q are laid on the wire WX and XY respectively.

What will happen to the pointer of compass P and Q when the switch ,S is closed?

Compass P Compass Q

A deflects to the east deflects to the east

B deflects to the west deflects to the west

C deflects to the west does not deflect

D does not deflect deflects to the east

4. The diagram shows the pattern revealed by the iron fillings when an experiment to study the pattern of the
magnetic field due to a current in a conductor is carried out.

What is the shape of the conductor used?

A a straight wire
B a solenoid
C a coil

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 Physics Module Form 5 Chapter 3 - Electromagnet GCKL 2011

THE FORCE ON A CURRENT-CARRYING CONDUCTOR

3.2

What happens to a A current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic fields as shown in the diagram below it
current-carrying will experience a force.
conductor in a
magnetic field?

Direction of
Force (motion)

Direction of
Field

Direction of
Current flow

The direction of the magnetic force can be determined using the Fleming’s left-hand rule

Draw the pattern 2. Draw the combination of the two magnetic fields (called “catapult field”) below and
of the combined show the direction of force, F acting on the conductor.
magnetic field due
to a current-
carrying conductor
in a magnetic field.

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 Physics Module Form 5 Chapter 3 - Electromagnet GCKL 2011

Current flowing into the paper

Describe how a The permanent magnets produce a uniform, parallel magnetic field.
current-carrying
conductor in a The current-carrying vertical wire produces a circular magnetic field around itself.
magnetic field
experiences a force The two fields interact to produce a resultant magnetic field known as a catapult field.

The wire carrying a current thus experiences a resultant force acting downwards as shown
above.

Explain the factors The factors that affect the magnitude of the force on a current-carrying conductor in a
that affect the magnetic field are:
magnitude of the
force on a current- 1. the magnitude of the current in the conductor
carrying conductor The greater the current the greater the force on the conductor.
in a magnetic field. 2. the strength of the magnetic field
The greater the magnetic field strength the greater the force on the conductor.

The current can be increased by

1. increasing the emf of the power supply

2. reducing the resistance of the wire by using a thicker or shorter wire

The magnetic field strength can be increased by using

1. a more powerful magnet

2. two pairs of magnets with like poles together.
3. Placing the magnets closer to each other.

describe how a
current-carrying
coil in a magnetic
field experiences a
turning force.

Based on the diagram above, draw the pattern of the resultant magnetic field or catapult
fields for a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field.

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 Physics Module Form 5 Chapter 3 - Electromagnet GCKL 2011

Using arrows show the directions of the resultant force, F.

Moving coil
ammeter

The moving coil ammeter works on the principle of the turning effect of a current
carrying coil in a magnetic field. The turning force is directly proportional to the current
flow in the ammeter. This is achieved by the radial magnetic field which provide a
uniform magnetic field.

Describe how a Label the parts of a DC motor.

direct current
motor works Coil

Carbon
brush

Permanent
Magnet

Commutator

When the power supply is switched on, a pair of forces with equal magnitude but opposite
directions act on the sides of the coils, AB and CD. An upward force acts (1) force acts on

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 Physics Module Form 5 Chapter 3 - Electromagnet GCKL 2011

the arm CD whereas a downward (3) force acts on the arms AB according to Fleming’s
Left Hand rule. This result in a turning force acting on the coil.

The Commutator reverses the direction of current in the coil every half rotation so that
the coil continues to turn in same direction.

State factors that The speed of rotation of the coil also can increased by:
affect the speed
of rotation of an i. Increasing the current
electric motor ii. Using a stronger magnet
iii. Increasing the number of turns of the coil

Comparison with Label the parts of a AC motor.

AC Motor
Permanent Coil
Magnet

Slip
rings

Carbon
brush
DC Motor AC Motor

Power Supply DC AC

Rotating ring in contact commutator Slip rings

with carbon brushes

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 Physics Module Form 5 Chapter 3 - Electromagnet GCKL 2011

Check Yourself 2

1. The diagram shows a brass rod is placed in the magnetic field of a permanent magnet.

In which direction does the brass rod moves when the switch is closed.

2.

When the switch is closed in circuit below, the wire R deflects.

What is the direction of the deflection of wire?

A W to Y B Y to W
C X to Z D Z to X

3. The figure shows a wire coil is placed in a magnetic field.

What happen to the wire coil when current flows in the direction as shown in the figure?

A at rest
B vibrates
C rotates in a clockwise direction
D rotates in an anti-clockwise direction

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4. The diagram shows an arrangement of apparatus to study the pattern of magnetic fields which are formed when
current flows through conductors.

Which magnetic field is formed on the cardboard?

5. The diagram shows an electric motor which is connected to a battery.

(a) What is principle is use in the working of a motor?

The turning effect on a current carrying coil in a magnetic field.

(b) Name the part labelled X.

Commutator

(c) What is the function of X.

It reverses the direction of the current in the coil so that the coil continues to turn in one direction.

(d) Based on the diagram state, at what direction does the motor rotates when the current flows?

Anti-clockwise direction

(e) What modification is required to enable to be a

(i) a.c. motor
Change the commutator to a pair of slip rings.
(ii) a.c. dynamo
connect a handle to the coil so that it can be turned.
Replace battery with a lamp
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 Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

6. Figure(a) shows the structural design of a moving coil ammeter.

Figure(a)

(a) On Figure(b) draw the pattern of the magnetic fields formed before the current flows through the coil.

Figure(b)

(b) When the current flows through the coil ,the pointer is deflected.

(i) What type of current is used?

Direct current

(ii) Explain how the pointer deflects.

Current flow in the coil result in a pair of turning force causing the pointer to deflect.

(iii) Why is the coil stops to deflect?

The turning forces on the coil are balanced by the opposing force of the hairspring. ………………

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 Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

E L E C T R O M A G N E T I C I N D U C T I O N
3.3

Describe 1. When a conductor is moved so that it cuts the magnetic field lines of force, an induced
electromagnetic electromotive force is produced.
induction 2. It requires a relative motion between the magnet and the coil to produce an induced
current.
3. This means that induced current is produced when the conductor moves and cut the
magnetic field or the conductor is stationary and the magnetic field moves to cut the
conductor.
No current is produced when both the magnetic field and conductor move together
because there is no cutting of the magnetic field.
4. The production of electric current by a changing magnetic field is called electromagnetic
induction
Notice the cutting of
the magnetic field

Deflection of the
pointer shows that
there is current flow

Action Observation Inference

The wire is moved Galvanometer pointer Induced current in one

upwards deflects to the left direction

The wire is moved Galvanometer pointer Induced current in

downwards deflects to the right opposite direction

The wire is move No deflection to the No induced current

horizontally galvnaometer pointer

Magnet is moved upwards Galvanometer pointer Induced current in

while wire is stationary deflects to the right opposite direction

Magnet and wire move No deflection to the No induced current

together galvanometer pointer

Fleming’s Right Fleming’s Right-hand rule can be use to determine the direction of the induction current produced.
Hand Rule
Fill up the blanks below.

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 Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

Indicate the
direction of the
induced current
in a straight
wire,

Direction
of current

Indicate the direction of the induced current in the wire.

Faraday’s Law Faraday’s Law states that the magnitude of the induced e.m.f. is directly proportional to the rate of
of cutting of the magnetic field lines or the rate of change of magnetic flux by a conductor.
Electromagnetic
induction

Explain factors The magnitude of the induced e.m.f in a wire can be increased by
that affect the
magnitude of the i. Increasing the speed of the relative motion
induced current. ii. Increasing the strength of the magnetic field

The magnitude of the induced e.m.f in a coil/solenoid can be increased by

i. increasing the speed of the relative motion

ii. increasing the strength of the magnetic field
iii. increasing the number of turns of the coil

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 Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

Manipulated Speed of magnet Number of turns of the Number of magnets

variable falling(height of magnet/h) solenoid/N used/n

Responding Induced current Induced current Induced current

variable

Constant Number of turns, number of Speed of magnet (fixed Number of turns, Speed
variable magnet height), Number of of magnet (fixed
magnet height)

Result h/cm I/mA N/turns I/mA n/magnets I/mA

10.0 10 1

15.0 20 2

20.0 30 3

25.0 40 4

30.0 50 5

Graphs

Precautions 1. The eyes must be perpendicular to the meter rule when measuring h so as
to avoid parallel error
2. Repeat the experiment twice and calculate the mean values so as to
reduce random errors.

Lenz’s Law Lenz’s Law states that the direction of the induced current always opposes the change producing
it.

Lenz’s law is an example of the principle of conservation of energy.

When the magnet or solenoid is moved against the opposing force work is done.

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 Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

Therefore, mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy.

Indicate the
direction of the
induced current
in a solenoid,

In the diagrams above, fill up the blank spaces and draw the direction of the induced current in the
coils.

Describe The d.c. and a.c. generators use the principle of

applications of electromagnetic induction.
electromagnetic
induction. The d.c. generator generates current which
flows in one direction only. Magnet
The structure of a simple d.c. generator is
similar to dc motor without the battery
connected.
Carbon brush
In reality, a d.c. generator is just a simple d.c.
motor working in reverse.
Commutator
Label the parts of the d.c. generator and show
the direction of the induced current.

The commutator reverses the connections of the coil with the external circuit after every half
rotation, so that the current in the outside circuit always flows in the same direction.

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 Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

Describe In the graph below draw the shape of output current from the dc generator above
applications of
electromagnetic
induction.

When the coil is at its horizontal position i.e. at 90 o and 270o the current flow is maximum because
the rate of cutting the magnetic field lines is maximum.

When the coil is at vertical position i.e. 0o, 180o and 360o the current flow is zero because there is
no cutting of the magnetic field lines.

Label the parts of the a.c. generator.

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 Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

Complete the graph of the output from the a.c. generator shown above.

The magnitude of the output voltage increases when

i. the number of turns of the coil is increased
ii. the strength of the permanent magnet is increased
iii. the speed of rotation is increased

compare direct Complete the table of comparison below.

current and
alternating AC Current DC Current
current
Graphs

Current, I/A Current, I/A

Time, t/s

Time, t/s

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 Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

Direction

To and fro (changes) One direction only

An alternating current can flow through both a A direct current can flow through a resistor but cannot fl
resistor and a capacitor. through a capacitor.

Examples of sources and symbols

1. ac generator 1. d.c. generator

2. bicycle dynamo 2. dry cell/accumulator
3. solar cell
4. Electrolytic cell
5. Fuel cell

Check Yourself 3

1. The diagram shows a rigid wire XY can be moved about in the space between the magnets.

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 Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

Which of the following movements would produce the greatest reading on the galvanometer?

A Downwards, quickly

B Downwards, slowly

C Sideways, quickly

D Sideways, quickly

2. An e.m.f is induced in a conductor when the conductor

A is stationary in the magnetic field

B moves parallel to the magnetic field lines

C moves perpendicularly to the magnetic field lines

3. The diagram shows a sensitive centre-zero galvanometer is connected to a solenoid.

What happens to pointer of the galvanometer when the magnet is moved up and down into the solenoid?

A Unaffected

B Deflects to the left

C Deflects to the right

D Deflects to the left and then to the right

4. The figure shows a bar magnet hung from a spring. The magnet is vibrated in a solenoid in downwards and
upwards directions.

Which of the following graph current, I against time, to show how the induced current flows through the
solenoid?

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Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

5. The diagram shows two coils of wire on wooden core. Coil P is connected to a battery in series with a
switch. Coil Q is connected to a sensitive centre-zero meter. When the switch is closed, there is a short-lived
deflection on the ammeter.

(a) On the diagram draw the magnetic field line pattern around P when circuit is switch on.

(b) What name is given to the effect which gives rise to a current in coil Q when the switch is closed?

Electromagnetic induction

(c) Explain why the direction of the short-lived current in the coil Q circuit is from right to the left
through the coil?

From Lenz law the direction of the induced current always opposes the change i.e. the expanding field from P.

(d) State and explain what will happen as the switch is opened again.

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 Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

Galvanometer pointer deflects in the opposite direction.

When the switch is opened the collapsing magnetic field induces current in coil Q but the direction of current
flow is such that it opposes the change producing it according to Lenz Law.

6.
a) Inference : The magnitude of the induced current depends on the
b) Hypothesis: The greater the velocity of magnet in the dynamo the greater the induced current
c) (i) Aim: To determine the relatioship between the velocity of magnet and the induced current
(ii) Manipulated variable: Velocity of magnet
Responding variable: magnitude of induced current
Fixed variable: Number of turns of the coil
(iii) Apparatus: connection wires, bar magnet , solenoid, ruler, galvanometer
(iv) Arrangement of apparatus

(v) Procedure
a) Make a solenoid of 50 turns and connect the apparatus as shown above.
b) Drop the magnet at a height, h of 10 cm measured using a metre rule from the solenoid
c) Record the current flow, I using the galvanometer.
d) Repeat the experiment using 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm and 30 cm.
(vi) Tabulation

h/cm I/mA
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0

vii) Graph: Plot a graph of current flow, I against the height, h

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 Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

T R A N S F O R M E R
3.4
Describe the
structure of a
transformer

A transformer consists of two coils of wire wound round separately on a laminated soft-iron core.

The coil connected to the input voltage is called the primary coil. The coil connected to the output
voltage is called the secondary coil.

The purpose of the common iron core is to provide a magnetic field linkage in the secondary coil.

Describe the 1. When an alternating current flows in the primary coil, it becomes an electromagnet with a
operating constantly changing magnetic field.
principle of a
2. The changing magnetic field will cut the secondary coil resulting in an induced emf in the
simple
transformer. secondary coil.
3. From Faraday’s principle of electromagnetic induction the magnitude of the voltage induced
in the secondary coil depends on the rate of cutting
4. The induced emf in the secondary coil has the same frequency as the voltage in the primary
coil.
5. The output voltage is depends on the ratio of number of turns of primary and secondary coils.
6. The transformer works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Can The transformer cannot work with direct current power supply such as battery because the
transformer current is constant and in one direction only. Hence the magnetic field is constant and there is
work with
not cutting of the magnetic field lines.
direct current

However, the transformer can work with the direct current from a dc generator because the
current is changing although in one direction only.

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 Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

Compare and
contrast a
step -up
transformer
and a step-
down
transformer. If N is greater than N , then V is greater than
s p s
If Ns is less than Np, then Vs is less than Vp. This
Vp. This is known as the step-up transformer.
is known as step-down transformer.

State that The relationship between the ratio of the voltages and the ratio of the turns in primary and secondary
for coils can be written as
an ideal Secondary voltage Number of turns in secondary coil
transformer. 
Primary Voltage Number of turns in primary coil
Therefore,

Vs N s

Vp N p 

State that If we consider an ideal transformer, there is no loss of energy.

Power input to the Power output from the
for an
primary coil
= secondary coil
ideal
transformer.
Vp I p  Vs I s

I P VS N S
 
I S VP N P
Describe the 1. The efficiency of a transformer is given by
energy losses Output Power VI
in a Efficiency  100%  S S 100%
Input Power VP I P
transformer
2. The efficiency of an ideal transformer is 100% because there is no loss of energy.
and ways to
3. However, the efficiency of a real transformer is less than 100%
improve
4. Energy is lost mainly in the form of heat.
efficiency of
a transformer Complete the table below:
Type of losses Causes of losses Ways to reduce losses

Heat loss in the primary and As the number of turns in the Use a thicker wire so that
secondary coil coils increases, the resistance resistance is reduced.
also increases. When current

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Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

flows in the coil, heat is lost in

the coils.

Heat loss due to eddy current in Changing magnetic field Use laminated iron iron core
the iron core produced by alternating current which consist of a number of
in the coil induces eddy current thin iron sheets insulated and
in the soft iron core. This heats glued together.
up the iron core resulting in
heat loss.

Heat loss due to magnetisation The core is constantly Use soft iron core because iron
and demagnetiztion of the iron magnetised and demagnetised looses almost all its magnetism
core (hysteresis) by the changing magnetic field. when it is demagnetized and
thus require less energy to
This heats up the core. magnetised it again.

Leakage of magnetic flux The magnetic flux produced by Wind the secondary coil on top
the primary current is not of the primary coil.
completely linked to the
secondary coil. Thus not all
energy is transferred to the
secondary coil.

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 Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

Check Yourself 4

1. A transformer works based on the principle of

A catapult field
B electromagnetic induction
C the heating effect of a current
D the electromagnetism of a current

2 For which one of the following is an alternating current essential in its operation?

A A galvanometer
B A transformer
C An electric lamp
D An electromagnet

3 What is the purpose of a step-down transformer?

A It makes the output current lower than the input current

B It makes the output current same as the input current

C It makes the output voltage lower than the input voltage

D It makes the output voltage higher than the input voltage

4 The diagram shows how the input voltage varies with time in a step-up transformer.

Which graph shows how the output voltage varies with time?

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Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

5. The diagram shows an electrical circuit.

Which of the following is not true?

A The bulb lights momentarily at the time when switch S is closed.

B The bulb lights up continuously when switch S is kept closed.
C The bulb lights up when switch S is closed and opened continuously
D The bulb lights up momentarily when switch S is opened
6.

Based on the diagram above, determine the output voltage.

A 6V B 12 V

C 120 V D 240 V

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Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

9. The diagram shows multi-tap transformer.

Which pair of terminals would you connect to produce an output voltage of 8 V?

A JK B JL

C KL D KM

10. The efficiency of a transformer is 90%.

The input voltage of the transformer is 20 V and produced 100 W of the output power .
What is the current in the primary coil?

A A B A

C A D A

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UNDERSTANDING THE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION OF ELECTRICITY

3.5

List sources of Electricity can be generated from different sources of energy. They can be classified as
energy used to renewable and non-renewable energy.
generate
electricity. Renewable source of energy is continually replaced and will not run out.

Non-renewable source of energy cannot be replaced once it has been used.

In the table below list down renewable and non-renewable sources of energy.

Renewable sources Non-renewable sources

Hydroelectric energy Fossil fuel (coal, petroleum, natural gas)

Solar energy Nuclear energy

Geothermal energy

Biomass

Wind energy

Describe the Sources Ways of generating electricity

various ways of
generating Hydroelectric energy Potential energy of water in the dam is converted to kinetic
electricity. energy to turn turbine that is connected to a.c. generator.

Fossil fuels Use in thermal electric power plant to heat water to steam.
This then turn turbine that is connected to a a.c. generator.

Nuclear energy Use of radioactive material in a nuclear power station to

heat water to steam and then turn turbine to generate
electricity.

Wind energy Use of wind power to turn wind turbines to generate

electricity.

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Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

Solar energy Solar cells can be used to generate electrcity

Describe the 1. Electrical energy is transmitted from power station to the consumer using long
transmission of transmission cables.
electricity. Power cables are made of aluminium because
a. It is a good conductor of electricity
b. It has a lower density compare to other metal.
c. It is less expensive.
2. Electrical energy is transmitted at a high voltage and in the form of alternating
current.
3. Step-up transformers which increases the voltage to as high as 110,000 or 132,
000 V are used at the power station.
4. Step-down transformers are used to decrease the voltage before being delivered to
the consumers.

Describe the 1. The resistance of the cables causes it to heat up. Hence, electrical energy is loss in
energy loss in the form of heat.
electricity 2. When a current flows in a cable, the power loss, P through heating is given by
transmission
cables and P  I 2 R where R is the resistance of the cable.
deduce the
advantage of
high voltage
Reducing power loss in the cables How to carry out
transmission.
Reduce resistance of the cable Use thicker cable because resistance is
inversely proportional to the cross-
l
sectional area of the cable i.e. R  
A
where  is the resistivity, l the length and
A the cross-sectional area of the cable.

Reduce current in the cable Increase the voltage of transmission

because current is inversely proportional
to the voltage when power is constant i.e.
P
I .
V

Transformers need to be used to step-up

the voltage and alternating current need to
be used so that the transformer can work.

State the 1. The National Grid Network is a network of transmissions lines which link all the
importance of major power stations in the country with all the major users such as our homes,
the National offices, cities and factories.
Grid Network.
2. Electrical energy generated in power stations where its voltage is increased by
using a step-up transformer to reduce energy loss in the cable before transmission
through the national grid.
3. At a sub-stations, before reaching the various consumers , the high voltage is
reduced by using step-down transformer.

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Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

Advantages of the National Grid Network

Easy to manage Regional control and switching centres enable power to be sent
where and when it is needed.

At peak periods of electricity usage , more generators can be

switched on. During periods of low demand ,some generators
can be turned off.

Less interruptions Regional control and switching centres allow some stations and
lines to be shut down for maintenance work or when there is a
blackout without cutting off supply to the consumers.

Cost of generation of High voltage transmission can reduce the power loss in
electricity reduced transmission cables. The cost of production is reduced.

Reduced effect of air Power stations can be located outside city limits to reduce
and environmental effect of air pollution to populated areas.
pollution

solve problems A power of 1000 kW is transmitted from a small power station to residential area along
involving overhead cables that have a total resistance of 10 Ω. The power is transmitted at the
electricity mains supply voltage of 240V. Calculate the current in the cables and the power loss in
transmission.
the cables.

P = 100000 W, R = 10 Ω , V = 240V

( )

Explain the Reserves of non-renewable sources of energy such as crude oil, coal and natural gases are
importance of limited.
renewable
energy. Alternatives must be found to replace such sources to ensure continuous supply of power
in the future.

Renewable sources of energy do not pollute the environment and are less in danger of
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Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

harming flora and fauna.

For renewable sources of energy to be widely used, many hurdles must be overcomed,
especially those related to the economical production and distribution of power generated
from such sources.

Explain the Energy resource Advantages Disadvantages

effects on the Hydro Renewable energy Not suitable in areas where
environment Water is freely available in natural disasters such as
caused by the large quantities earthquakes may occur
use of various Clean and does not pollute Not suitable in flat and dry
sources to the environment regions
generate Water stored in dams can Building of dams can upset
electricity. be used to irrigate farms the balance of the
Dams can be promoted as ecosystem
recreational centre
Oil and Natural Gas At present it is still Non-renewable energy
available in large quantities Discharges harmful gases
Can be transported to the that can pollute the
location where it is to be environment
used High cost
Solar energy Renewable energy Requires very large space
Freely available to collect sufficient energy
Clean and no pollution Lower efficiency in the
generation of electricity
Intensity of sunlight is
dependent of seasonal
changes, climate and
latitude of the region.
High cost
Coal Plenty of resources Non-renewable energy
available for up to 200 Discharges harmful gases
years that can pollute the
Can be transported to the environment
location where it is to be
used
Nuclear A small amount uranium High cost of building
can release a large quantity Waste in the form of used
of energy fuel rods which are very
Minimum discharge of hot and highly radioactive
carbon dioxide Hot water discharged
Reactor in nuclear power causes thermal pollution to
stations can be used to the environment
produce useful Risk of accidents which
radioisotopes to be used in may lead to the leakage of
industry, medicine and large amounts of
agriculture radioactive substances to
the environment.
Biomass Renewable energy Requires large storage
Reduces problem of space far from human
disposal of organic waste population if the biomass
is animal dung or sewage.
Wind Renewable energy Renewable energy
Clean and does not pollute Clean and does not pollute
environment environment

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Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

Check Yourself 5

1. The changes in energy that occur during the A The electrical power only can be generated
generation of electricity power in a Hydroelectric in form of alternating current
power station is
B All electrical appliances in the house use
A Gravitational potential energy → Heat alternating current.
energy→ Electrical energy
C The voltage of alternating current can be
B Heat energy → Kinetic energy→ Electrical changed.
energy
C Gravitational potential energy → Kinetic
energy→ Electrical energy
6. 20 kW of electrical power is transmitted through a
D Kinetic energy → Gravitational potential → cable with a resistance 0.2 at a voltage 10 kV.
Electrical energy
What is the total power loss in the cable.

2. The energy loss in a transmission cable is directly A 0.5 W B 0.6 W

proportional to the
A radius of the cable C 0.7 W D 0.8 W
B resistance of the cable E 1.0 W
C current flows in the cable
3. In the National Grid system the transmission of
electrical energy is by means of overhead 7. A power station supplies 220 kW to a town
conductors. These conducting wires carry through a cable of resistance 50  . The
transmission voltage is 11 kV.
A Alternating current at high voltage
B Alternating current at high frequency What is the percentages of the power loss in the
cable?
C Direct current at high voltage
D Direct current at low voltage A 0.5% B 1.0%

C 2.0% D 9.0%
4. The power loss in the transmission cable can be
reduced by transmits the power at
…………voltage and through…………… cable. 8. The diagram shows part of a hydroelectric power
station.
A low , thin

B low, thick

C high, thin

D high, thick
(a) State the changes in energy that occur
during the generation of electricity power in
5. Which of the following is the reason why the hydroelectric power station.
alternating current is used to transmits the
Potential energy of stored water to kinetic
electricity power from a station?
energy to drive turbine to electrical energy
from generator.

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Physics Module Form 5 GCKL 2010

(b) Given that 0.5 m3 s-1 of water flows down the

pipe a vertical distance of 50 m.
[ Density of water = 1 000 kgm-3 ]
Determine the power delivered to the water-
turbine, assuming that no energy is lost in the
pipe.

(c) State two advantages of using hydroelectric

power compared the fuel power.

Renewable energy
Water is freely available in large quantities
Clean and does not pollute the environment

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