CH#15…ELECTROMAGNETISM

Q.1 What is electromagnetism? Explain the magnetic field of a straight current

carrying wire.

(Ans) Electromagnetism
The magnetism produced because of flow of electric current is called
electromagnetism.
Explanation
Oersted in 1820 stated that “whenever current is passed through a conducting
wire beside electric field a magnetic field is also produced around the wire”.
Magnetic field of a straight current carrying wire:
Take a long straight wire, pass it vertically through a cardboard. Both ends of the
wire are connected to the terminals of the battery. Sprinkle some iron fillings over the
cardboard. When current is passed through the wire, the iron fillings are attracted
towards the wire. This shows that magnetic field is produced around the wire. The
direction of the field can be found by using a compass needle or by right hand rule.

Right hand rule

Grapes the conductor in right hand such that the thumb is in the direction of
current, then the curled fingers show the direction of magnetic field. Magnetic field is
clockwise, if current is downward and anticlockwise, if current is upward.
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Q.2 State and explain magnetic field of a circular current carrying wire?

(Ans) After Oersted another scientist Ampere state that “when current is passed
through a loop of a wire, then the loop behaves like a magnet. A magnetic field is
produced around the loop. It means that when current is passed through a circular
wire, the wire becomes a magnet. One face of the wire becomes North Pole and the
other one is South Pole.
The magnetic lines of force are straight and parallel at the centre, shows that the field is
uniform at the centre. While at the ends, the lines of force are circular, and the field is
non-uniform. The strength of the field depends upon the amount of current and
number of turns of the loop.
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Q.3 State and explain magnetic field of a solenoid?
(Ans) Solenoid
It is a conducting wire with insulation over it wounded closely in cylindrical
form. When current is passed through a solenoid, then magnetic field is produced
around it. A solenoid consists of a few turns. Thus, the magnetic field of a solenoid is
the sum of magnetic field produced in each turn.

Some common characteristics of the magnetic field of a solenoid are.

1. The end through which the magnetic lines emerge out is called North Pole and
after circulation through which it enters is known as South Pole of the
solenoid.
2. The polarity of the magnetic field of a solenoid can be found by using a
compass needle.
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Q.4 State and explain magnetic force on a current carrying wire?
(Ans) When a current-carrying wire is placed in a magnetic field, the magnetic field
due to the current in the wire and the external magnetic field in which it is placed,
interact with one another. The result of this interaction is a resultant magnetic force on
the conductor.
Let's perform a simple experiment to explain the direction and magnitude of the
force on a current- carrying wire in a magnetic field.

A current-carrying wire is placed inside the poles of a magnet. When current passes
through the wire, a force is experienced by the wire. It is observed that the direction of
the force is perpendicular to both the direction of the magnetic field and the direction
of the current in the wire.
Direction
The direction of the force on the wire can be determined by the Fleming's Left Hand
Rule which is stated as;
The thumb, index finger and middle finger are set at right angles to one another like x, y
and z-directions of coordinate axes. Set the index finger in the direction of magnetic
field, middle finger in the direction of current, the thumb will point in the direction of
force.
Magnitude calculation
It has been found after several experiments that if F is the force on the wire, then.
1. Current through conductor
F is directly proportional to the amount of current flowing in the wire.
F ∝ I…………. (i)
2. Length of conductor
F is directly proportional to the length L of the wire in the magnetic field.
F ∝ L…………. (ii)
3. Strength of magnetic field
F is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field B.
F ∝ B………….. (iii)
Combining (i), (ii) and (iii) we get,
F ∝ ILB
F = KILB
Where ‘K’ is constant of proportionality. In SI units, the constant of its value is 1.
Hence,
F = IBL
If the wire is placed in the field B at some angle θ with it, then the force is given be

In vector form,

Here L is a vector whose magnitude is equal to the length of wire and direction is that
of the current. Similarly, n is unit vector in the direction of force and perpendicular to
both L and B.
This also indicates that the magnetic force will be maximum when the current carrying
conductor is placed perpendicular to the magnetic field, i-e, θ = 90°.

Similarly, the force will be zero (minimum) when the current carrying wire is placed
parallel to B, i-e, θ = 0°.

Explanation of B
Magnetic induction B is a vector quantity, therefore, having both direction and
magnitude.
Direction of B
The direction of B at any point of the magnetic field is the direction in which the force
acting on a straight current carrying wire, placed at that point is, zero.
Magnitude of B
When the angle between L and B is θ = 90° force F on the wire is maximum.

So it is the maximum force acting on a conductor having a length of 1 m, when one

ampere current is flowing through a conductor.
Unit of B
The SI unit of magnetic field B is tesla, denoted by T. From the above equation it is clear
that 1 T = 1 N A-1 m-1.
Tesla is defined as the magnetic field at any point is said to be 1 tesla if it exerts a
force of 1N on one meter length of the conductor placed there at right angle to
the field when a current 1 A passes through the conductor.
An older name for Tesla is Weber per meter squared, that is, 1 Wb.m-2 = 1T.
Another commonly used unit in CGS is gauss (G). 1 G = 10-4 T.
(The magnetic field of earth is 1/2 G = 1/2 x 10-4 T).
Fleming Left hand rule.
This rule state that “stretch the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of the left
hand mutually at right angle to each other. If the forefinger points in the direction of
magnetic field, the middle finger in the direction of current, then thumb would indicate
the direction of the force.”

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Q.5 State and explain torque produced in a current carrying loop?
(Ans) Torque is produced in a current carrying loop (coil), when placed inside a
magnetic field. It is due to the interaction between the magnetic lines of force of
permanent magnet and electromagnet. Consider a rectangular coil ABCD is placed
inside the poles of a permanent magnet, such that it can rotate freely. When the current
is allowed to pass through the coil, a magnetic field is produced in it.

As in sides AD and BC current is parallel to the field, thus no magnetic force acts on
these sides. Whereas in sides AB and CD current is perpendicular to the field, so
magnetic force will acts upon these sides horizontally in opposite direction and the coil
starts rotating. The magnitude of this rotation can be stated as.
τ = Fm x d
Fm = BIL
 τ = BIL x d
τ = BIA
τ = BIA
If the coil consists of “N” number of turns. Then
τ = NBIA
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Q.6 Sketch and describe a D.C motor.
Answer:
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Q.7 State and explain electromagnetic induction?
(Ans) Electromagnetic Induction
The phenomenon in which an induced emf produced in a close loop by changing
the magnetic flux through the loop is called electromagnetic induction.
Explanation
Michael Faraday in 1830 proved that when the magnetic flux through a close
loop is changed, then an induced current is produced in the loop.
Magnetic flux
The number of magnetic lines passing through a certain area of the loop is called
magnetic flux.
Faraday Law of Electromagnetic Induction
Statement
It states that the magnitude of emf induced in the coil is equal to the rate of
change of flux that linkages with the coil. The flux linkage of the coil is the
product of number of turns in the coil and flux associated with the coil.
Mathematically,
ԑ = -N
Where,
ԑ = electromagnetic force
ΔΦ = change in magnetic flux
Δt = change in time
N = number of turns of the coil
Explanation: -
In 1831, Michael Faraday, an English physicist gave one of the most basic laws of
electromagnetism called Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. This law explains
the working principle of most of the electrical motors, generators, electrical
transformers and inductors. This law shows the relationship between electric
circuit and magnetic field. Faraday performs an experiment with a magnet and coil.
During this experiment, he found how emf is induced in the coil when flux linked with
it changes.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDUCED EMF AND FLUX

In this experiment, Faraday takes a magnet and a coil and connects a
galvanometer across the coil. At starting, the magnet is at rest, so there is no deflection
in the galvanometer i.e., needle of galvanometer is at the center or zero position. When
the magnet is moved towards the coil, the needle of galvanometer deflects in one
direction. When the magnet is held stationary at that position, the needle of the
galvanometer returns to zero position. Now when the magnet is moved away from the
coil, there is some deflection in the needle but in opposite direction and again when the
magnet becomes stationary, at that point with respect to coil, the needle of the
galvanometer returns to the zero position. Similarly, if magnet is held stationary and
the coil is moved away and towards the magnet, the galvanometer shows deflection in
similar manner. It is also seen that, the faster the change in the magnetic field, the
greater will be the induced emf or voltage in the coil.
Conclusion:
From this experiment, Faraday concluded that whenever there is relative motion
between conductor and a magnetic field, the flux linkage with a coil change and this
change in flux induces a voltage across a coil.
Method to change magnetic field:
1. By moving a magnet towards or away from the coil
2. By moving the coil into or out of the magnetic field.
3. By changing the area of a coil placed in the magnetic field
4. By rotating the coil relative to the magnet.
Lenz’s Law
According to Faraday’s Law
ԑ = -N
In this equation Lenz explained the negative sign. He explained that –ve sign
shows that direction of emf is always in opposite direction to the change in flux.
This law states that “emf induced in a coil is such that it always opposes the
change which induces it.”
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Q.8 Write a note on A-C Generator.
(Ans) A-C Generator
It is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Principle
It works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Construction
It consists of a rectangular coil placed inside the poles of a permanent magnet.
The coil relates to the slip rings that are rotated with the coil. The carbon brushes are
situated near the slip rings that are in contact with the external circuit.

Working
When the coil rotates between the poles of the magnet, the magnetic flux linked
with the coil changes. The changing magnetic flux causes an induced emf in the coil and
current is produced in the coil. This induced current changes its direction after every
half-cycle i.e when the coil is rotated through 180°. In this way, an alternating current
is produced in the circuit.

Derivation for current

As we know
ԑ = vBLSinϴ
emf induced in both sides of the coil is

ԑ = 2 vBLSinϴ

But in circular motion v = rω and ϴ = 2π ft

So,
ԑ = 2 rωBLSin(2π f t)

As Total area of the coil, A = 2 r L

ԑ = AωBSin(2π f t)
If there are ‘N’ number of turns of the coil, then.

ԑ = NAωBSin(2π f t) …………… (i)

For maximum emf (2π f t) = 900

So,
ԑ0 = NAωBSin(900) Sin(900) = 1
ԑ0 = NAωB
So eq. (i) can be written as
ԑ = ԑ0 Sin(2π f t)
According to Ohm’s law ԑ = IR
IR = I0 R Sin(2π f t)

I = I0 Sin(2π f t)

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Q.9 State and explain mutual induction?
Ans. It is the phenomenon in which a change of current in one coil causes an induced
emf in another coil placed near to the first coil. The coil in which current is changed is
called primary coil and the coil in which emf is induced is called secondary coil.
Explanation:
Consider two coils placed near each other as shown in figure. When current is
passed through the primary coil, magnetic flux is produced. This magnetic flux is also
linked with the secondary coil. If the current is changed by varying the resistance in the
primary circuit, the magnetic flux also changes. As this changing flux is linked with the
secondary coil, it induces an emf in it. This phenomenon of inducing emf in a coil by
changing current in another coil is known as mutual inductance.
Mathematical Expression
Emf induced by mutual induction phenomenon is directly proportional to
the change of electric current in the primary coil.

(emf)s α – ΔIp/Δt

(emf)s = -M ΔIp/Δt (Where M = mutual inductance of two coils.)

HENRY
The SI unit of mutual induction is Henry. The mutual inductance of two coils is one
Henry if a current at the rate of one ampere per second in the primary causes an
induced emf of one volt in the secondary.
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Q.10 Write a note on transformer.
(Ans) Transformer
It is a device used to step up or step down the A.C voltage. It works on the
principle of electromagnetic induction.
Construction
A transformer consists of two coils wounded over the iron core. One is primary
coil while the other is secondary coil. The number of turns of the primary coil is
denoted by “ NP” while that of the secondary coil is “ NS”. The input A.C voltage of the
primary coil is “ VP” and of the secondary coil is “ VS”.
Mathematically, basic equation of the transformer can be stated as;

=
Types of Transformers
There are two types of transformers:
(i) Step-Up Transformer:
A transformer is said to be step up if the number of turns of the secondary
coil is greater than the number of turns of the primary coil. Mathematically
NS αNP
(ii) Step-Down Transformer:
A transformer is said to be step down if the number of turns of the primary
coil is greater than the number of turns of the secondary coil.
Mathematically
NP α N S

Power Loss in Transformer

There are two ways through which power is lost in transformer:
(i) Hysteresis Loss (ii) Eddy Currents
(i) Hysteresis Loss:
The magnetization of iron core is called hysteresis. During the
magnetization of iron core power is dissipated.
(ii) Eddy Currents
The perpendicular currents induced in the iron core are called eddy
currents. Theses currents are another source of power loss in transformer.
How to avoid the power loss
These power losses can be avoided by insulating the iron core.

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Q.11. Describe how high voltage transmission is done in grid stations?
Ans. High Voltage Transmission
Electric power is usually generated at places which are far from the places
where it is consumed. The power is transmitted over long distances at high voltage to
minimize the loss of energy in the form of heat during transmission.
As heat dissipated in the transmission cable of resistance ‘R’ is I2Rt. Hence by
reducing the current ‘I’ through the cable, power is lost in the form of heat dissipated
can be reduced. So, the alternating voltage is stepped up at the generating station. It is
then transmitted to the main sub-station. This voltage is stepped down and is
transmitted to the switching transformer station or the city sub-station. At the city sub-
station, it is further stepped down to 220V and supplied to the consumers. A schematic
diagram of high voltage transmission is shown in fig. Transformers work only with AC.
This is one reason why mains power is supplied as alternating current.

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Q.12. Explain construction and working of relay?
Ans. Relay
Relays are switches that open and close circuits electromechanically or
electronically. Relays control one electrical circuit by opening and closing contacts in
another circuit.
Construction
Basic parts and functions of electromechanical relays include:
Frame: Heavy-duty frame that contains and supports the parts of the relay.

Coil: Wire is wound around a metal core. The coil of wire causes an electromagnetic
field.
Armature: A relays moving part. The armature opens and closes the contacts. An
attached spring returns the armature to its original position.
Contacts: The conducting part of the switch that makes (closes) or breaks (opens) a
circuit.

Working: -
Relays involve two circuits: the energizing circuit and the contact circuit. The
coil is on the energizing side; and the relays contacts are on the contact side. When a
relays coil is energized, current flow through the coil creates a magnetic field. Whether
in a DC unit where the polarity is fixed, or in an AC unit where the polarity changes 120
times per second, the basic function remains the same, the magnetic coil attracts a
ferrous plate, which is part of the armature. One end of the armature is attached to the
metal frame, which is formed so that the armature can pivot, while the other end opens
and closes the contacts. Contacts come in a number of different configurations,
depending on the number of Breaks, poles and throws that make up the relay. For
instance, relays might be described as Single-Pole, Single-Throw (SPST), or Double-
Pole, Single-Throw (DPST). These terms will give an instant indication of the design
and function of different types of relays.

Break -This is the number of separate places or contacts that a switch uses to open or
close a single electrical circuit. All contacts are either single break or double break. A
single break (SB) contact breaks an electrical circuit in one place, while a double break
(DB) contact breaks it in two places. Single break contacts are normally used when
switching lower power devices such as indicating lights. Double break contacts are
used when switching high-power devices such as solenoids.

Pole -This is the number of completely isolated circuits that relays can pass through a
switch. A single-pole contact (SP) can carry current through only one circuit at a time. A
double-pole contact (DP) can carry current through two isolated circuits
simultaneously. The maximum number of poles is 12, depending upon a relays design.

Throw -This is the number of closed contact positions per pole that are available on a
switch. A switch with a single throw contact can control only one circuit, while a
double-throw contact can control two.
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 SHORT QUESTIONS
1. In what ways are electric and magnetic field similar? In what ways are they
different?
A. Similarities
1. Electric and magnetic field are represented by lines of force.
2. Electric and magnetic field deflect charge particles.
Differences
1. Source of electric field is static charges while the source of magnetic
field is moving charges.
2. Electric field can change the magnitude and direction of a charge body.
Magnetic field can only change the direction of a charge body.

2. A wire carrying a current is placed in a magnetic field B. (a) Under what

circumstances, if any, will the force on the wire be zero? (b) Under what
circumstances, if any, will the force on the wire be maximum?
A. Force on a current carrying wire inside a magnetic field is given by;
Fm = BILSinƟ
(a) If the angle between the current and magnetic field B is zero, then force will be
zero. Mathematically
Fm = BILSinƟ
Fm = BILSin0
Sin0 = 0
Fm = 0
(b) If the angle between the current and magnetic field B is 90O, then force will be
maximum. Mathematically
Fm = BILSinƟ
Fm = BILSin90
Sin90 =1
Fm = BIL

3. What would happen if the primary winding of transformer is connected to a

battery?
A. A transformer works on the principle of electromagnetic induction. When we vary
an alternating current, the transformer starts working. In case of direct current, a
transformer cannot work, as battery provides direct current. Therefore, if we
connect primary winding of transformer to a battery, nothing will happen.
4. What are the similarities between motor and generator? What are their
differences?
Ans.
Similarities
 Motor and generator are both electrical devices.
 A D.C generator can be used as D.C motor.
Differences
 Motor converts electrical energy to mechanical energy, while a generator
converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
 A motor works on the principle of torque acts on a current carrying wire
inside a magnetic field, while a generator works on Faraday law of
electromagnetic induction.