Physics - Motors and Generators

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. F = B
the magnitude of the current in the conductor
The force is proportional to the current (I) in the conductor. i.e. F = I
the length of the conductor in the external magnetic field
The force is proportional to the length (l) of the conductor. i.e. F = l
the angle between the direction of the external magnetic field and the
direction of the length of the conductor
The force is at a maximum when conductor is at right angles to the field. The
force is equal to zero when the conductor is parallel to the field. F = .
F = BIlsin Can be used to determine force in a magnetic field
2. explain qualitatively and quantitatively the force between long parallel currentcarrying conductors
Because we know that a wire carrying a current will produce a magnetic field, thus it
will exert forces upon other fields or objects near or in the field. When two long
parallel current-carrying conducting wires (known as a solenoid) are placed side
by side with a finite distance between them, their magnetic fields will affect each
other.
If the current is flowing in the same direction in both conductors,
the fields will attract (making a combined, larger field)

If the currents of the conductors are flowing in opposite

directions, the magnetic fields will repel from each other.

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The right-hand grip rule can also be 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.
Determining the magnitude of force between two
parallel current-carrying conducting wires is given
by the following equation:

where;
F = the force acting upon the length of a conductor (N)
l = length of chosen conductor (m)
k = constant (derived through careful analysis + testing) = 2.0 x 10-7 N A-2
I1 and I2 = current of either conductor (amps)
d = distance between conductors (m)
3. define torque as the turning moment of a force using: = Fd
Torque is the turning effect of an object when force is acting upon it. The
torque of an object is greater when the distance of
the force from the pivot point (where the torque
occurs) is further away. Thus, as distance increasing, so does the torque of an object.

If the force applied is perpendicular to the line joining the point of application of the
force and the pivot point, the following formula can be used:
= Fd
where;
= Torque of an object (Newton metre Nm)
F = Force (N)
d = Distance from the point of application to the pivot point (m)
4. identify that the motor effect is due to the force acting on a current-carrying
conductor in a magnetic field
A current-carrying conductor produces a magnetic field. When the current-carrying
conductor passes through an external magnetic field, the magnetic field of the
conductor interacts with the external magnetic field and the
conductor experiences a force. This effect was discovered in 1821 and is
known as the motor effect.

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The direction of the force on the current-carrying conductor can be determined using the right hand push
rule remembering that magnetic
field lines go from north to south.

5. describe the forces experienced by a current-carrying loop in a magnetic field and

describe 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. Applying 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 be calculated using:

F = nBIlsin
where;
F = Force (N)
B = Magnetic field strength
I = Current (A)
l = length of current-carrying conductor (m)
n = number of loops in wire
coil armature
This extra force on each side of the conductor increases the torque of the
armature (the rotational device which motors the motor). This torque in turn
rotates the coil to a point where the current-carrying conductors are parallel
with the magnets and the magnetic field however momentum pushes the
armature further around to the perpendicular position where the splitring 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.
6. describe the main features of a DC electric motor and the role of each feature
The DC electric motor relies on the motor effect to create a continuous spinning
motion in which a current must be continuously supplied into the motor to keep
the magnetic fields interacting and the external field exerting forces on the currentcarrying conductors. The main features are:

Armature the ferromagnetic cylinder which rotates on an axle

to produce the rotational motion of the DC electric motor.

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Coil is wrapped/coiled around the armature on opposite sides so

that the current changes direction about the armature. It is responsible
for giving the current a medium to flow.
Split-ring commutator is used so that the current is kept
perpendicular to the magnetic field lines. The commutator's role is to
change the direction of the current at the right point to ensure the
armature continues rotation in the same direction.
Brushes are used to keep the current flowing into the
commutator without sparking.
Magnets produce the external magnetic field which interacts
with the field produced by the coiled wire about the armature.

7. identify that the required magnetic fields in DC motors can be produced either by
current-carrying coils or permanent magnets
The magnetic field of a DC motor can be provided either by
permanent magnets or by electromagnets. The permanent
magnets are fixed to the body of the motor. Electromagnets can be
created using a soft iron shape that has coils of wire around it.
The current that flows through the armature coil can be used in the electromagnet
coils.
1. solve problems using:

Which simply involves practising questions where there are two long parallel
current-carrying conductors to determine the force between them.
2. perform a first-hand investigation to demonstrate the motor effect
Wire + Electronic Balance:
The current-conducting wire is placed on an electronic balance
which passes between two oppositely 'polarised' magnets i.e. one
north and one south. When the wire is balanced on the electronic scales, it is zeroed.
When the current is pushed through the current-carrying wire the balance will
record a positive
or negative value depending on the direction of the current
however, despite whether the reading displayed is negative or positive, the fact that
there is a change in magnitude shows the wire is experiencing a
force exerted upon it. This force is a result of the interaction of the external
magnetic field between the two magnets and the produced field from the wire. This
shows the motor effect.
3. solve problems and analyse information about the force on current-carrying
conductors in magnetic fields using:
F = BIlsin A current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field creates a force.
where;
F = Force (N)
B = Strength of magnetic field (T)
I = Current (A)
l = length of current-carrying conductor (m)
= angle at which the conductor is at to the direction of the magnetic field

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The direction of the current can be obtained using the right hand push rule.
4. solve problems and analyse information about simple motors using:
= nBIAcos ()
5. identify data sources, gather and process information to qualitatively describe the
application of the motor effect in:
the galvanometer
A galvanometer is used to measure the
magnitude and direction of direct current (DC). It uses the motor effect to
do this.
A coil consisting of many loops is
connected in series and coiled
around a soft iron core. When the current flows through the current-carrying
wire, the coil experiences a
force due to the presence of
an external magnetic field
exemplifying the motor effect.
The needle attached to the core is rotated until the magnetic force
acting on the coil is equalled by a counter balancing, tensioned
spring. The magnets are curved around the coil, thus shaping the magnetic
field surrounding into a radial shape so the plane of the coil will always be
parallel with the magnetic field. This also results in constant torque as the
coil/spring rotate therefore making the scale of the galvanometer linear so that the
force current.
the loudspeaker

Loudspeakers are used to transform electrical energy(impulses) into sound energy. A

loudspeaker consists of a circular magnet that has one pole on the outside and the other on the inside.
The voice coil sits in between the poles (essentially wrapped around the centre core)
which is connected to an amplifier which
produces the amplified sound.
This voice coil is caused to vibrate or move in and out of the
magnet due to the motor effect.
The force acting upon the magnetic field
produced from the coil pushes the amplified waves out of the speaker
cone so that it can be heard.

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The field lines of the permanent

magnets are always perpendicular to the current in the coil.

2. The relative motion between a conductor and magnetic field

is used to generate
an electrical voltage
1. outline Michael Faradays discovery of the generation of an electric current by a
moving magnet
Michael Faraday discovered that
when moving a bar magnet (or
any type for that matter) through a
coil of wire that an electrical
current was produced. This is
the opposite of the motor effect and is
known as induction. Relative motion between a magnet and a coil induce
a current, in which the strength of
the current being induced can
be changed by the relative
speed of the magnet
through/around the coil of wire (faster
magnet, larger current).
Faraday noticed that when putting the north end of a magnet into a coil, the current
began to flow and direction could be determined. When pulling the magnet in the
opposite direction, the direction of the current changed concurrently.
2. define magnetic field strength B as magnetic flux density
The strength of a magnetic field, B, is also known as the
magnetic flux density. In the SI system, B is measured in Tesla (T) or Weber
per square metre (Wb m2).
It is also important to note that the stronger a magnetic field is (stronger magnetic
flux), the closer the field lines will be when drawing.
Magnetic flux is given the symbol: B
3. describe the concept of magnetic flux in terms of magnetic flux density and surface
area
Magnetic flux is the name given to the amount of magnetic field
passing through a given area. If the particular area, A, is perpendicular to a
uniform magnetic field of strength B (as shown in figure 7.8 on the opposite page)
then the magnetic flux B is the product of B and A. So to calculate magnetic flux,
multiply the normal magnetic flux density component by the area through which the
magnetic field lines are passing.

B = B

4. describe generated potential difference as the rate of change of magnetic flux

through a circuit

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The generated potential difference (or voltage) is equal in magnitude to the rate at
which the magnetic flux through the circuit is changing with time. The equation
derived to calculate the total generated potential difference is as follows:

The negative sign indicates the direction of the induced emf.

where;
= generated potential difference (V)
B = magnetic flux density (T)
t = time (s)
5. account for Lenzs Law in terms of conservation of energy and relate it to the
production of back emf in motors
Lenzs Law states that an induced current is always in a
direction such that its magnetic field opposes the changing
field that created it.
Lenzs Law is a result of conservation of energy. We know that energy cannot be
created or destroyed and as a result of this, Lenz's law applies to the
generation of back 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. However, this relative motion between 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 work. This would break the law of conservation of energy.
Thus, the current produced as a result of the rotating coil flows in the opposite
direction, conserving the system's energy this is known as back emf.
When the coil of a motor rotates, a back emf is induced in the coil due to its motion in
the external magnetic field.
Therefore, Lenz identified this issue and devised his law (above).
6. explain that, in electric motors, back emf opposes the supply emf
Due to Lenz's law and the result of a back emf in a rotating coil within a motor,
there must be energy conserved throughout the system. For this to
occur, the back emf that is induced must oppose or flow in the
opposite direction of the supplied emf that is being put into the system.
The smaller the back emf is, he greater the current flowing through the coil. When the
motion of the coil is resisted, say by a load, then the coil will be spinning slower and
so the back emf (which is induced due to the relative motion of a coil and a magnetic
field) will be less.
Therefore the net voltage in a motor is the supply voltage minus the produced back
emf.
Note: Preliminary formulas may need to be used in questions, such as V = IR
7. explain the production of eddy currents in terms of Lenzs Law

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Eddy currents are produced between the relative movement of a

metal (not necessarily magnetic) and a magnetic field. They are small circular
paths. Due to resistance eddy currents produce heat and these currents
produce a magnetic field that, due to Lenzs law, opposes 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 resemble the swirl of
water after a boat takes off).
An eddy current can be produced or mimicked
by dropping a small magnet down a metallic
(preferably non- magnetic) tube. As the magnetic makes relative movement to the metal, swirling eddy currents will be produced vertically
down the cylinder in big rings.

1. perform an investigation to model the generation of an electric current by moving a

magnet in a coil or a coil near a magnet
A permanent magnet was moved from left to right through an
insulated coil of wire to generate a current in the coil. The coil was attached to
a multimeter on each end to measure the current flowing through.
As the magnet approached from the
left, the multimeter measured a small current
which in turn produced a
magnetic field which opposed the magnetic field
produced by the permanent magnet making it harder
to push through.
When the bar was placed in the
middle, the induced current travelled in the same direction (toward
to the magnet) as before but the
current was far stronger
due to the larger magnetic
flux in the centre.
Upon removing the magnet out the right side of the magnet, the current
lowered again to approximately the same amperes as before 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 before; this is to ensure the magnetic field produced by
the induced current opposes the permanent magnets field due
to Len's Law.
Note: The right hand grip rule was applied to verify that the two magnetic fields
opposed each other however this could be physically felt by their repulsion.

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2. plan, choose equipment or resources for, and perform a first-hand investigation to

predict and verify the effect on a generated electric current when: same
experiment as above
the distance between the coil and magnet is varied
As the distance is increased the strength of the magnetic field
decreases thus less current is induced. This was verified by numerous
repeated tests at many lengths of 3cm further away each time. D = A
the strength of the magnet is varied
As the strength of the magnet increased, the induced current
was 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. B =
A
the relative motion between the coil and the magnet is varied
The faster the relative movement between the coil and magnet,
the greater the induced current. V = A
3. gather, analyse and present information to explain how induction is used in
cooktops in electric ranges
Induction cooktops use the fact that a conductor in the presence of a
changing magnetic field will have induced eddy currents
created which create a magnetic field to oppose the first
magnetic field.
Induction cooktops have a coil beneath the surface which AC
power is supplied to (DC power
would not work as the magnetic field is
required to vary so a varying current is
needed) which in turn produces a
varying magnetic field. The changing magnetic field beneath the cooktop
induces eddy currents in the
metallic pan and also agitating
the actual atoms within the pan/pot.
Due to the resistance (a property
or an eddy current), heat is given off
into the metallic pan/pot to
cook the food.
The rapidly changing magnetic field(s) directly heat up the metallic object on top so
no heat is lost, compared to the older gas or heated coil style of cooktops.
4. gather secondary information to identify how eddy currents have been utilised in
electromagnetic braking
Electromagnetic braking systems utilise eddy currents to
interact with electromagnets as to create a stopping force for moving
vehicles.

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The electromagnetic brakes consist of electromagnets

positioned on either side of a rotating disc. The electromagnets will be creating a magnetic field
as a result of the current flowing through
them; and as a result of Len's Law, the spinning disc (nonmagnetic) will interact with this magnetic field, producing eddy currents.

These eddy currents produced as a result of the relative motion between the disc and
electromagnetic fields will produce their own magnetic field which
opposes the electromagnetic field which is the braking force.
Electromagnets are chosen rather than permanent magnets, because the
electromagnets can be switched off when not needing to brake (so there is
no magnetic field while the disc spins). The strength of the magnetic field from the
electromagnets can be increased by increasing the current in them, resulting in
hard or soft braking.

3. Generators are used to provide large scale power production

1. describe the main components of a generator
The DC generator functions exactly the same
as a motor but simply in reverse. Instead of creating torque due to the current flowing through
the motor; in a generator a current is
generated from the spinning of the
central armature the torque.

The stationary parts of a generator are called the stator, while the moving
parts are known as the rotor. You can determine the magnitude and direction of
torque using:
= nBIAcos ()
2. 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 be the device, however, power station
generators are different. A power station generator produces AC
current. It has the magnetic field rotating inside a stationary coil.

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Rotor, which is rotated. Spilt ring commutator and brushes are added to
allow DC supply for solenoid.

Stator, generating coil (current is induced due to changing.

To determine the direction of the current in a generator, the right hand push rule can
be modified. Where fingers are the direction of magnetic field, thumb is the direction
of turning motion and palm is the direction of the current in the wire.
3. describe the differences between AC and DC generators
AC and DC generators operate in the same way, but generate different
kinds of electricity. Slip rings are used in the AC generators, while a simple
split-ring commutator is used in the DC generator. AC Generators are preferred
because:

Slip rings won't wear down or break as easily as split ring

commutators

Mains power is AC; therefore there is no need for a DC to AC

converter when AC generators are in use

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Both the AC and DC generators are

used to transform mechanical
kinetic energy into electrical
energy. The energy output from
either of these generators can be represented graphically:
The AC generator's voltage output represents a sine wave curve (right) while
the DC generator will be the same,
however, not produce negative values.
The AC generator alternates its current output in intervals, whereas the DC generator
is a constant flow in the one direction.
4. discuss the energy losses that occur as energy is fed through transmission lines
from the generator to the consumer
Power stations and generators are most often located large distances
away from the centre of busy cities where most people reside. This long
distance presents problems in transferring electricity to those in the large
CBD areas which are so far away. We know (and see) that the large power cables
overhead or beneath the ground in some cities are used to transport electricity to
households are businesses; however, the length and size of these wires
resists the flow 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 (R) of the metallic
conducting wire is proportional to it's resistivity and length, also inversely
proportional to it's area. Thus:

where;
R = overall resistance of the wires
p = resistivity of the wires (depending on type of wire)
l = length (m)
A = area
Now, by the knowledge that V = IR we can determine the power loss. P = VI , thus by
multiplying both sides of the first formula by I, we determine that Ploss = I 2 R

The significant resistance which the long metallic wires pose

can be minimised by forcing the electricity through
at a higher voltage (emf)

The implementation of transformers across the country has

enabled household and infrastructure powered by electricity to
succeed because they allow the transfer of electricity
over long distances with minimal resistance.
Transformers and substations are used to step-up and
stepdown the AC electricity so that the resistance along the
transfer is negated with a voltage boost.

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5. assess the effects of the development of AC generators on society and the

environment
Society:

The production AC generators have allowed the transfer of AC

electricity to domestic homes which are used to
power lights, cooking utensils, refrigerators etc.
Without AC electricity, modern man would not survive in terms of
food gathering and cooking.

Many businesses require electricity to power many machines to

operate their company. Without the introduction of AC generators
there could not have been simple electronics in homes.

Has laid the foundations for infrastructure to be built and

continued technology now relies on AC Voltage
Generation electricity which is provided through the transport of
AC electricity
Environment:

The traditional AC generators (which occupy most of

Australia's current generators) are powered by fossil fuels in
order to produce the torque on an armature. The burning of these
fossil fuels contributes to the greenhouse effect, depleting the
ozone layer. Thus the production of the AC generator has had a huge
negative impact on the environment in this light.

AC generators also give means to alternate,

sustainable, green and renewable forms of generation.
Hydro-power and wind/turbine powered AC generators are
now populating numerous coastlines, replacing traditional fossil fuel
AC generators.
This in effect helps sustain the environment while providing essential
AC electricity to people. (This in effect also produces jobs to build
these renewable stations society).
1. plan, choose equipment or resources for, and perform a first-hand investigation to
demonstrate the production of an alternating current
The set up of an AC generator was required to demonstrate the production of an
alternating current. This was done in the same way a DC generator is created,
however, with the use of slip rings rather than the split-ring commutator.
Equipment required: refer to orange dot points 1.6 and 3.3 in which the
rotor of the generator was rotated continually had a high torque through 360o 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 'real' and was strong enough to power
a resistor (a globe).
2. gather secondary information to discuss advantages/disadvantages of AC and DC
generators and relate these to their use

A
C

Advantages

Disadvantages

Voltage can be stepped up

or down so that the voltage can be
transported long distances using
transformers

Back emf opposes the supplied emf. This is a problem because

it reduces the overall transported energy

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 Slip Rings are used for ease

and do not break easily
Can be transferred at extremely high voltages so that
energy is not lost

Emits electromagnetic radiation (EMR) so wire shielding is required for safety

Frequency must be monitored at
50Hz
The electrons in AC electricity tend to
travel toward the edge of conductor
making it less efficient: skin effect

D
C

No shielding from EMR is

required
The magnetic field is stable
(using permanent magnets) so there
is no back emf

Cannot be transformed by
stepping up or down due to the direction of current
Split-ring commutator is
needed which often breaks and can
spark resulting in danger and damage

Many appliances use DC power

3. analyse secondary information on the competition between Westinghouse and
Edison to supply electricity to cities
Edison DC electricity

Generated his own direct current in generators known as

dynamos using split-ring commutators, however these proved
ineffective and rather dangerous in steam powered
stations.
Killed a number of animals in the name of science and testing to
show how AC electricity was far more dangerous than DC
however, we know all electricity is dangerous.
Saw threat to his DC power when Westinghouse bought the patents to
Tesla's work and designs in AC power and so published a large
article in defence of his own DC power with
warnings and threats about deaths to those from
AC power. (DC power is in fact more dangerous).

Westinghouse AC electricity

Bought the patents and works of Tesla for $1,000,000.

The invention of the electric chair (and what type of electricity
to use)
The Niagara Falls Power Plant project was established to
give the winner money if they could utilise the power of the falls in a
generator. Westinghouse's AC design won this competition.
The Electric Chair War.
AC was deemed to be more efficient because it
could be stepped down using transformers from 300kV
down to 240V mains power.

4. gather and analyse information to identify how transmission lines are:

insulated from supporting structures

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Transmission lines have the possibility

to spark in dry and humid air. In dry air, a
wire will spark 1cm for every 10kV and so
most high voltage wires are approximately
330kV, therefore sparking 33cm (and even
more in humid conditions). To prevent
these sparks from reaching other
cables and the structures which
support the cables, insulators are
used to separate them.
These insulators are often numerous discs (which increase the leakage distance) in a
straight line, ceramic make because of its great insulating nature, and extend about
10-100cm in length to prevent the wires from interacting with the structure.
protected from lightning strikes
When lightning strikes from the bottom of the storm cloud, it will do so at the highest
point on the earth which can often be the towers carrying high voltage power lines.
These power lines are fitted with one earth cable which carries no
current.
The continuous earth line can be used to carry a current in times when other lines fail,
however the earth line can be used to carry extremely high
voltage lightning strikes into the Earth.

4. Transformers allow generated voltage to be increased or

decreased before it is used
1. describe the purpose of transformers in electrical circuits
Transformers are used in electrical domestic circuits and appliances to
change the voltage in appliances so that they can function or
perform their task. Voltage and current are directly related (V = IR) so that when
voltage is increased, current must decrease. However, power (P = I2R) stays the
same.
2. compare step-up and step-down transformers

AC current is required for a transformer to operate because it

requires an alternating magnetic field. Step-up transformers increase the
voltage of the system, and Step-down transformers will decrease the emf.

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Transformers operate on the fact that alternating magnetic fields produce a changing
current.
Transformers which step down will have the primary coil at a
higher voltage than the second, and to do this (since they are
proportionally related by V = IR) then the second coil will have a lower
voltage, however higher current. Step-up transformers have the power coming into
the first coil at a high current, and is then lowered to increase the voltage (emf).
3. identify the relationship between the ratio of the number of turns in the primary
and secondary coils and the ratio of primary to secondary voltage

If ns is greater than np, the output voltage, Vs, will be greater than the input voltage,
Vp. Such a transformer is known as a step-up transformer. If ns is less than np, the
output voltage, Vs, will be less than the input voltage, Vp. Such a transformer is
known as a step-down transformer.
The number of turns in the coil are also important. If there are more turns on
the primary coil, but less on the secondary, then the transformer will
be a step-down transformer as it increases current and decreases voltage.
Note: because the voltage enters the primary coil, this is the input voltage.
The voltage exists the secondary coil and is therefore the output voltage. In an ideal
situation where the input and output voltages are equal, therefore the input and output
currents of both must equal.
4. explain why voltage transformations are related to conservation of energy
Transformers are related to the conservation of energy because they 'transform'
energy from one state to another. The Law of Conservation of Energy
states that no energy can be created nor destroyed there must be a trade-off or
transforming of energy.
The power which is injected into the primary coil can not
exceed the power which is ejaculated from the secondary coil.
This is related by the property: P = IV. The voltage and current can be, however,
altered and this is what function transformers and transformations of energy within
them act on.
One 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.
5. explain the role of transformers in electricity sub-stations
Transformers must be used to allow electricity to be efficiently
transferred to consumers in a fast, economic manner. We know that
voltage in transmission lines will decrease based on the area, length and resistivity of
the wire so it is sent at extremely high voltages to reduce this loss.

However, the voltages are so high that they cannot

possibly be sent to domestic homes for appliance or
lighting operation this would cause fires and short fuses. To
decrease the power and voltage of the electricity sent to homes,
transformers are used to step-down the voltage.

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Substations are positioned across each state so that there are regular
intervals that the voltage can be stepped up (for long distances as a
result of loss) or stepped down to be transferred into homes.

6. discuss why some electrical appliances in the home that are connected to the mains
domestic power supply use a transformer
The mains power in a home is a stable 240V alternating current which is
far than sufficient to power numerous household appliances at
once. Most electrical appliances do not need to utilise the full 240V of power
however, most only needing 12-24V, for this to occur a transformer needs to
be used to step down the voltage of from the mains box
otherwise the appliance would short out with too high
(maximum) current flowing through the electrical circuit.
However, some extremely large appliances which drain large
levels of power such as large TVs and other high demand appliances require
more than 240V. For this reason, such appliances contain a
transformer to step up the voltage, however, lowing the current in the
circuit. If these appliances were not able to get the required voltage above 240V, they
simply wouldn't have the power to turn on or
function.
7. discuss the impact of the development of transformers on society

Transformers have allowed different voltage appliances

to exist and operate perfectly in homes at lower voltages.
Transformers have allowed 240V mains power to be lowered (or
increased) and thus allowing toasters to operate, computers etc.

The introduction of transformers have made homes safer when

utilising electricity at lower voltages.

The invention and implementation of transformers have resulted in

the need for only one type of electricity (AC) and same
mains voltage to homes.

Transformers with the ability to step-up voltage allow electricity to

be transported long distances as they can be stepped up into
high kV (this is needed since electricity loses voltage across
transmission lines).

As a direct result of transformers possessing the ability to transfer

electricity at higher voltages, and therefore minimising energy
loss, consumers can save 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
A secondary voltage is induced in transformers due to Lenz's Law. When a current
flows through the first (primary) coil, a magnetic field will be produced which covers
the secondary coil entirely. Accordingly, with Lenz's Law, this secondary coil will
also produce a current through it's coils.
The voltage/current can be altered by changing the ratio of coils on each of the coils.
Refer 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 because of the transfer of energy in the
vibration of the transformer and also in the release of heat (minimised through the
insulation of coil and lamination to prevent high eddy currents).

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2. solve problems and analyse information about transformers using:

This formula demonstrates the direct proportion between the voltage in the solenoid
to the respective number of coils on that conductor. This formula can be further
extended to:

3. gather, analyse and use available evidence to discuss how difficulties of heating
caused by eddy currents in transformers may be overcome
Due 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 between the
magnetic field and the metallic structure and ferrous, soft-iron core causes large eddy
currents to develop and as a result, heat is produced and amplified in the same way
that induction cooktops work. 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 be transferred to the secondary coil. By using
insulating lamination techniques, we can optimise the
efficiency of the transformer by 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.
Ferrites: May be used instead of an iron core. Ferrites are an
impure mixture of iron ores and other substances which are
bad 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.
Coolant: Obviously does not minimise the amount of
eddy currents produced and therefore does not increase the
efficiency of the system. Coolants are used to prevent transformers
from overheating when eddy currents cannot be reduced by
aforementioned techniques.

4. 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

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i)

ii)

iii)

iv)

v)

AC electricity is generated in power stations, most commonly

by the combustion of fossil fuels in order to rotate a turbine which
powers a generator to create electricity.
Electricity is stored until it reaches sufficient power and is stepped up
using a transformer to voltages approximately 330kV
across high power transmission lines as an AC power source.
Power does not need to be stepped up and down along the way to it's
domestic or industrial use because of the efficiency to transport AC
electricity over long distances.
A transformer, located in the most suitable (and close) vicinity which is
steps down the electricity to approximately 11000V
which is then split and distributed to a small 'power box'
which contains a step down transformer.
The voltage is then stepped down to 240V mains power using the
step-down transformer located near or at the house.

5. Motors are used in industries and the home usually to

convert electrical energy
into more useful forms of energy
1. describe the main features of an AC electric motor
There are two types of AC electric motors:
AC Synchronous Motor:

Cylindrical rotor and same stator parts as DC motor

Slip rings

Electromagnets to provide a rapidly changing magnetic field

that induce the alternating current
AC Induction Motor:

Squirrel Cage: in which long bars of copper are attached

on rings at either end that allow a current to pass from one end to the
other

Operates using AC powered electromagnets which create a

rotating and changing magnetic field in the stator which is outside the
rotor. The paired magnets change polarity with the AC
phase, resulting in a torque.

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The changing magnetic field will induce a current in the

long bars that will also produce a magnetic field to
oppose the one that created it. This opposition because of the
induced current creates the force, torque, which spins the rotor

1. perform an investigation to demonstrate the principle of an AC induction motor

A sheet of aluminium foil was placed on top of a pool of water. This
allows the aluminium foil to move and spin. When a magnet above the foil is spun the
aluminium sheet also spins. This is due to Lenzs Law, where the
aluminium foil will induce eddy currents to create its own
magnetic field which opposes the original changing magnetic
field. The interaction of these two magnetic fields causes the aluminium foil
to spin.
2. 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
Since energy cannot cannot be 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. Using 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 be applied to hair
dryers which convert electrical energy to kinetic energy to rotate a motor which
converts this kinetic energy into heat energy through heat plates.
kinetic energy or heat energy or sound energy or gravitational
potential energy or chemical energy
The industry is also able 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 both a kinetic energy to move people from
one place to another but in the same process then gain and convert into a gravitational
potential energy by going up and down. Car batteries are an example of the
conversion of electrical energy into chemical energy for storage when they are
recharged.

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