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 current-carrying 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.

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:

I I
F
= k 1 2
l
d

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.
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 split-ring
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 current-carrying conductors. The main features are:
Armature the ferromagnetic cylinder which rotates on an axle to produce the rotational motion
of the DC electric motor.
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:

I I
F
= k 1 2
l
d

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
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
where;
= Torque (Nm)
n = number of coils
B = Strength of magnetic field (T)
I = Current (A)
= angle between magnetic field lines and plane of coil
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.
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:

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 A

4. describe generated potential difference as the rate of change of magnetic flux through a circuit
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:

B
t

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
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.
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.

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.
Solenoid, creates
Front View:
Rear View:
magnetic field from DC
current.

AC ouput

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
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:

AC Voltage
Generation

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:

R =

pl
A

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.
multiplying both sides of the first formula by I, we determine that P loss =

P = VI , thus by
I2R

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.

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

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 360 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
Advantages
AC

DC

Disadvantages

Voltage can be stepped up or down so

that the voltage can be transported
long distances using transformers
Slip Rings are used for ease and do not
break easily
Can be transferred at extremely high
voltages so that energy is not lost

No shielding from EMR is required

The magnetic field is stable (using
permanent magnets) so there is no
back emf
Many appliances use DC power

Back emf opposes the supplied emf.

This is a problem because it reduces
the overall transported energy
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
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

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
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.

insulator

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

Primary Coil

Secondary Coil

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. 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

Vp
n
= p
Vs
ns

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.
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).
2. solve problems and analyse information about transformers using:

Vp
np
=
Vs
ns

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:

Vp
n
I
= p = S
Vs
ns
IP
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

i) AC electricity is generated in power stations, most commonly by the combustion of fossil fuels
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)

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.
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.