The Generator Effect / Electromagnetic Induction

Q1.The figure below shows a coil and a magnet. An ammeter is connected to the coil.

The ammeter has a centre zero scale, so that values of current going in either direction through the
coil can be measured.

(a)     A teacher moves the magnet slowly towards the coil. Explain why there is a reading on the
ammeter.

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(6)

(b)     The table below shows some other actions taken by the teacher.

Complete the table to show the effect of each action on the ammeter reading.
 
Action taken by teacher What happens to the ammeter reading?

Holds the magnet stationary and moves the coil

 
slowly towards the magnet

Holds the magnet stationary within the

 
coil

Moves the magnet quickly towards the  

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 coil

Reverses the magnet and moves it

 
slowly towards the coil

(4)

(c)     The magnet moves so that there is a steady reading of 0.05 A on the ammeter for 6 seconds.

Calculate the charge that flows through the coil during the 6 seconds. Give the unit.

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Charge = _____________________
(3)

Q2. Figure 1 shows a magnet moving into a coil of wire. This

movement causes a reading on the voltmeter.

 (a)     Use the correct word from the box to complete the sentence.
 
generated induced produced

Moving the magnet into the coil of wire causes a reading on the

voltmeter because a potential difference is

__________________________ across the ends of the wire.

(1)

(b)     A student investigated how the number of turns on the coil of wire affects the maximum
voltmeter reading. The student changed the number of turns on the coil of wire, then moved the
magnet into the coil. The student recorded the maximum voltmeter reading.

To obtain valid data, suggest two variables that the student should control in this investigation.

1. _________________________________________________________________

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2. _________________________________________________________________

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(2)

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(c)     The student’s results are shown in Figure
2.

(i)      One of the results is anomalous.

Suggest a reason for the anomalous result.

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(1)

(ii)     Draw a line of best fit on Figure 2.

(1)

(d)     A data-logger can automatically record and

store data.

It may have been better for the student to have

used a data-logger in his investigation rather
than a voltmeter.

Suggest one reason why.

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(1)

Q3. The diagram shows an a.c. generator.

The coil rotates about the axis shown and cuts through the
magnetic field produced by the magnets.

(a)     (i)      A potential difference is induced between X and

Y.

Complete the sentence. 

This effect is called the ___________________________

effect.
(1)

(ii)     What do the letters a.c. stand for?

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(1)

(iii)    Name an instrument that could be used to measure the potential difference between X and Y.

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(1)

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(b)     Graph 1 shows the output from the a.c.
generator.

 (i)      One of the axes on Graph 1 has been labelled

‘Potential difference’.

What should the other axis be labelled?

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(1)

(ii)     The direction of the magnetic field is reversed.

On Graph 1, draw the output from the a.c. generator if everything else remains the same.
(2)

(c)     The number of turns of wire on the coil is increased. This increases the maximum induced
potential difference.

State two other ways in which the maximum induced potential difference could be increased.

1. _________________________________________________________________

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2. _________________________________________________________________

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(2)

Q4. Scientists have used a satellite system to investigate the idea

of generating electricity in space.

As the system orbited the Earth a 20 km copper wire was reeled

out.

Before the wire snapped a current of 1 amp was induced in the

wire.

(a)     What provides the force needed to keep a satellite in orbit

around the Earth?

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(1)

(b)     Explain how a current is induced in the wire.

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______________________________________________________________________________(3)

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Mark schemes

Q1.
(a)     there is a magnetic field (around the magnet)
1

(this magnetic field) changes / moves

1

and cuts through coil

accept links with coil
1

so a p.d. induced across coil

1

the coil forms a complete circuit

1

so a current (is induced)

1

(b)     ammeter reading does not change

must be in this order
accept ammeter has a small reading / shows a current
1

zero
1

greater than before

accept a large(r) reading
1

same as originally but in the opposite direction

accept a small reading in the opposite direction
1

(c)     0.30
allow 1 mark for correct substitution, ie 0.05 = Q / 6
2

C / coulomb
allow A s
1
[13]

Q2.
(a)     induced
1

(b)     any two from:

•        use the same (strength) magnet
same size magnet is insufficient
•        the speed that the magnet is moved

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 accept movement of the magnet
•        the area of the turns
same type / length of wire is insufficient
•        the magnetic pole being moved towards the coil (of wire).
use the same voltmeter is insufficient
2

(c)     (i)      voltmeter misread

or
number of turns miscounted
result misread is insufficient
human error is insufficient
allow the magnet was moved at a (slightly) different speed
(into the coil) than for the other readings
allow spacing between the turns had changed
1

(ii)     line of best fit passing through all points except (100, 0.034)
line does not need to go back to origin
1

(d)     any one from:

•        can re-check data / readings.
accept can go back to data
•        can take more readings (in a given time)
can store data is insufficient
•        easier to identify maximum value.
automatically records data is insufficient
accept is more accurate
accept eliminates human error
1
[6]

Q3.
(a)     (i)      generator
1

(ii)     alternating current
1

(iii)    voltmeter / CRO / oscilloscope / cathode ray oscilloscope

1

(b)     (i)      time
1

(ii)     peaks and troughs in opposite directions

1

amplitude remains constant

dependent on first marking point
1

(c)     any two from:

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 •        increase speed of coil
•        strengthen magnetic field
•        increase area of coil
do not accept larger
2
[8]

Q4.
(a)     gravity
1

(b)     as the wire moves through the Earth’s magnetic field

1

a potential difference is induced between the ends of the

wire
1

the wire must be part of a complete circuit

1

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