iGCSE 6C and 6D

S I made a silly slip

K I just did not know the

Motors Generators and science

Transformers R I misread the question

E My writing was not clear/

Practice Exam Questions detailed

A I did not apply the

Improvement knowledge
Qu. Mark Max point
M I applied the maths
SKREAM
incorrectly
1 12
2 5
3 9
4 3
5 6
6 3
7 8
8 12
9 14
10 8
11 8

Overall Comment
Questions…

Q1.
The left-hand rule can be used to identify the direction of the force acting on a current-
carrying conductor in a magnetic field.

(a) Use words from the box to label Figure 1.

current field force potential difference

(3)

(b) Figure 2 shows an electric motor.

(i) Draw an arrow on Figure 2 to show the direction of the force acting on the
wire AB.
(1)

(ii) Suggest two changes that would increase the force acting on the wire AB.

1. ____________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________
(2)

(iii) Suggest two changes that would reverse the direction of the force acting on
the wire AB.

1. ____________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________
 (2)

(c) A student used an electric

motor to lift a mass. This
is shown in Figure 3.

The student varied the

electrical input power to
the motor. For each
different electrical input
power, he recorded the
time taken to lift the mass
and calculated the output
power of the motor.

The results are shown in the table.

Work done
Electrical Time taken to Output
lifting the
Test input power lift the mass power
mass
in watts in seconds in watts
in joules

A 20 24 2.4 10

B 40 24 1.2 20

C 60 24 0.8 30

D 80 24 0.2 120

The result for Test D is anomalous.

(i) Calculate the efficiency of the motor in Test D.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Efficiency = ____________________
(2)

(ii) Comment on your answer to part (c)(i).

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(iii) Suggest a reason for this anomalous result.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 12 marks)
Q2.
When a conductor carrying an electric current is placed in a magnetic field a force may act
on it.

(a) State two ways in which this force can be increased.

1. _________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________
(2)

(b) State two ways in which this force can be made to act in the opposite direction.

1. _________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________
(2)

(c) In what circumstance will no force act on a conductor carrying an electric current
and in a magnetic field?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(1)
(Total 5 marks)
 Q3.
The diagram shows apparatus used to
demonstrate the motor effect. X is a short
length of bare copper wire resting on two
other wires.

(a) (i) Describe what happens to wire

X when the current is switched
on.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(ii) What difference do you notice if the following changes are made?

A The magnetic field is reversed.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

B The current is increased.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________(3)

(b) The diagram shows a coil placed between the poles of a

magnet. The arrows on the sides of the coil itself show
the direction of the conventional current.

The arrows labelled F show the direction of the forces

acting on the sides of the coil. Describe the motion of
the coil until it comes to rest.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
 (c) Most electric motors use electromagnets instead of permanent magnets. State three
of the features of an electromagnet which control the strength of the magnetic field
obtained.

1. _________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

Q4.
(a) A laboratory technician sets up a demonstration.

A flexible wire is suspended between the ends of a horseshoe magnet. The flexible
wire hangs from a cotton thread. When the switch is closed, the wire kicks forward.

Identify the effect which is being demonstrated.

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(b) A teacher makes some changes to the set-up of the demonstration.

What effect, if any, will each of the following changes have?

(i) more powerful horseshoe magnet is used.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(ii) The connections to the power supply are reversed.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1)
 (Total 3 marks)

Q5.
Many electrical appliances use the circular motion produced by their electric motor.

(a) Put ticks ( ) in the boxes next to all the appliances in the list which have an electric
motor.

electric drill

electric fan

electric food mixer

electric iron

electric kettle

electric screwdriver

(2)

(b) One simple design of an electric motor is shown in the diagram. It has a coil which
spins between the ends of a magnet.

(i) Give two ways of reversing the direction of the forces on the coil in the electric
motor.

1. ____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________
 ______________________________________________________________
(2)

(ii) Give two ways of increasing the forces on the coil in the electric motor.

1. ____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

Q6.
The diagram shows apparatus used to demonstrate the electric motor effect. When he
switch is closed the wire moves.

(i) Draw an arrow on the diagram to show the direction the wire moves.
(1)

(ii) Explain why the wire moves.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(2)
(Total 3 marks)
Q7.
A teacher demonstrates a small transformer.

(a) (i) What is the core made of?

Draw a ring around the correct word in the box.

aluminium copper iron

(1)

(ii) The potential difference (p.d.) across the secondary coil is less than the p.d.
across the primary coil.

What sort of transformer is it?

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(b) Where is a step-up transformer used as part of the National Grid?

___________________________________________________________________
(1)

(c) The teacher writes a note about the transformer but leaves five spaces.

Use the correct words from the box to complete the spaces.

coil core current ends field wire

A transformer works because an alternating __________________________ in the

primary ___________________________________ produces a changing magnetic

________________________ in the _________________________ and then in the

secondary coil.

This induces an alternating potential difference across the ___________________

of the secondary coil.

(5)
(Total 8 marks)
 Q8.
The National Grid uses
transformers to change potential
difference (pd).

Figure 1 shows a transformer.

Figure 1

(a) Identify the parts of the

transformer labelled in
Figure 1.

A ____________________
__________

B ______________________________

C ______________________________
(2)

(b) There is an alternating input pd of 230 V.

Determine the output pd.

Use the Physics Equations Sheet.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________Output pd = __________ V
(3)

(c) The input pd causes an alternating current.

Explain why there is an alternating current in the output when the transformer is
connected to a circuit.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
(3)
Figure 2 shows a large cable supported by
two wooden poles. The cable is connected to
an electricity supply.

Figure 2

(d) There is a force on the cable due to the

Earth’s magnetic field when the current
is in the direction A to B.

What is the direction of this force?

Tick (✓) one box.

Down

Left

Right

Up

(Total 12 marks)

Q9.
Figure 1 shows a portable power supply.

(a) The portable power supply has an

alternator connected to a transformer.

The transformer can be adjusted to

have different numbers of turns on
the secondary coil.

Suggest why.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________(2)
(b) A lamp is connected to the power supply.

The lamp requires an input potential difference of 5.0 V.

The alternator generates a potential difference of 1.5 V.

The primary coil of the transformer has 150 turns.

Calculate the number of turns needed on the secondary coil.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Number of turns on the secondary coil = _______________

(3)

Figure 2 shows the inside parts of the alternator.

Figure 2

(c) The handle of the alternator is

turned, causing the coil to rotate.

Explain why an alternating current is

induced in the coil.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________(5)
(d) Suggest the purpose of the slip rings.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________(1)

(e) The alternator from the portable power supply is disconnected from the transformer and
lamp.

Explain why the handle of the alternator becomes much easier to turn.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________(3)
(Total 14 marks)

Q10.
A student used a simple transformer to investigate how the number of turns on the
secondary coil affects the potential difference (p.d.) across the secondary coil.

The student kept the p.d. across the primary coil fixed at 2V.

Figure 1 shows the results collected by the student.

Figure 1
(a) Figure 1 contains one anomalous result.

Suggest one possible reason why this anomalous result occurred.

___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________(1)

(b) The transformer changes from being a step-down to a step-up transformer.

How can you tell from Figure 1 that this happens?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________(1)

A spot-welder is a device that uses a transformer to produce a large current to join sheets of
metal together.

Figure 2 shows a transformer demonstrating how a large current can heat and join two nails
together.

Figure 2
(c) How does the amount of infrared radiation emitted by the nails change when the power
supply is switched on?

___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________(1)

(d) Calculate the current from the power supply needed to provide a power output of 336 W.

Use the data in Figure 2. The transformer is 100% efficient.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Current = _____________________ A
(5)
(Total 8 marks)

Q11.
The diagram shows an a.c. generator.

The coil rotates about the axis shown and cuts through the magnetic field produced by the
magnets.
 (a) (i) A potential difference is induced between X and Y.

Use the correct answer from the box to complete the sentence.

electric generator motor transformer

This effect is called the ___________________________ effect.

(1)

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

______________________________________________________________
(1)

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

______________________________________________________________
(1)

(b) Graph 1 shows the output

from the a.c. generator.

Graph 1

(i) One of the axes on Graph

1 has been labelled
‘Potential difference’.

What should the other axis be labelled?

______________________________________________________________(1)

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

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

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

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

1. _________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________ (2)
(Total 8 marks)
 Mark schemes

Q1.
(a) field
correct order only
1

current
1

force
accept motion
accept thrust
1

(b) (i) arrow pointing vertically downwards

1

(ii) increase current / p.d.

accept voltage for p.d.
1

increase strength of magnetic field

accept move poles closer together
1

(iii) reverse (poles of) magnets

1

reverse battery / current

1

(c) (i) 1.5 or 150%

efficiency = 120 / 80 (× 100)
gains 1 mark
an answer of 1.5 % or 150
gains 1 mark
2

(ii) efficiency greater than 100%

or
output is greater than input
or
output should be 40 (W)
1

(iii) recorded time much shorter than actual time

accept timer started too late
accept timer stopped too soon
1
[12]

Q2.
(a) increase the current (1)
credit increase the p.d./voltage
1
 credit reduce the resistance
credit have thicker wiring
credit add extra / more cells
1

increase the magnetic field (strength) (1)

credit ‘have stronger magnet(s)
do not credit ‘bigger magnets’ either order
1

(b) either reverse polarity

or connect the battery the other way round

1

either reverse direction of the magnetic field

or put the magnet the other way round / reverse the magnet
do not give any credit to a response in which both are done at the
same time
either order
1

(c) either

conductor parallel to the magnetic field

or lines of magnetic force and path of electricity do not cross

1
[5]

Q3.
(a) (i) it moves or experiences a force horizontally to the right
for 1 mark
1

(ii) A – moves in opposite direction or force reversed e.c.f.

B – faster movement or larger force
(not move further)
for 1 mark each
2

(b) turns clockwise

oscillates/reverses
comes to rest facing field/at 90o to field/vertically
for 1 mark each
3

(c) number of turns or linear number density of turns current core

for 1 mark each
3
[9]

2
Q4.
(a) motor (effect)
1

(b) (i) wire kicks further (forward)

accept moves for kicks
accept moves more
accept ‘force (on the wire) increased’
1

(ii) wire kicks back(wards) / into (the space in) the (horseshoe) magnet
accept moves for kicks
accept ‘direction of force reversed’
1
[3]

Q5.
(a) electric drill, electric fan, electric food mixer and electric screwdriver
all four ticked and no others (2)
either all four of these ticked and only one other (1)
or any three of these ticked and none/one/two of the others (1)
2

(b) (i) reverse (the direction of the) current (1)

or reverse the connections (to the battery)

reverse (the direction of the) magnetic field (1)

or reverse the (magnetic) poles /ends
do not credit ‘swap the magnets (around)’
2

(ii) any two from:

• increase the strength of the magnet(s)/(magnetic) field

do not credit ‘use a bigger magnet’

• increase the current

allow ‘increase the voltage/p.d.’
allow add cells/batteries
allow increase the (electrical) energy
allow increase the power supply
allow ‘decrease the resistance’
allow ‘increase charge’
allow ‘ increase the electricity’
do not credit ‘use a bigger battery’

• reduce the gap (between coil/armature

and poles/magnets)
allow increase the (number of) coils

• increase the turns (on the coil/armature)

do not credit ‘use a bigger coil’
2
3
 [6]

4
Q6.
(i) away from magnet
arrow should be perpendicular to field lines and current as judged
by eye
1

(ii) current in wire creates magnetic field around wire

1

two fields interact or combine giving a resultant force (on the wire)
1
[3]

Q7.
(a) (i) iron
1

(ii) step-down (transformer)

1

(b) any one from:

• after the power station

• after the generator

• before the power lines

• before the pylons

1

(c) each correct (1)

in its correct place

current

coil

field

core

ends
5
[8]

5
Q8.
(a) A = primary coil

and

B = secondary coil
1

C = iron core
1

(b)
1

Vs = 1380 (V)
1

(c) (the alternating current causes) a changing magnetic field around

the primary coil
1

creates magnetic field that changes direction in the core

allow creates a changing magnetic field
1

this induces an alternating potential difference across the

secondary coil (causing and alternating current)
1

(d) down
1
[12]

Q9.
(a) to vary the (output) potential difference
allow different devices require different potential differences
1

so that you don’t need a different generator for each type of device
allow so that it is compatible with different devices
do not allow answers in terms of power
1

(b)

Ns =
6
 1

Ns = 500
1

(c) the coil moves through the magnetic field

or

the coil cuts magnetic field lines

1

a potential difference is induced (across the coil)

1

there is a complete circuit, so a current is induced (in the coil)

1

every half turn the potential difference reverses direction

1

so (every half turn) the current changes direction

1

(d) provides a continuous / moveable contact / connection (between the coil and the
transformer / contacts / brushes)

or

stops the wires from twisting together

1

(e) (after disconnection) there is no induced current

1

so no magnetic field (produced around / by the coil)

1

to oppose the movement of the coil

1
[14]

Q10.
(a) any one from:
• too few turns / coils on the secondary
allow number of turns / coils on the primary was
increased

• p.d. across the primary was reduced

ignore human error
1

(b) the p.d. (across the secondary) goes above 2V

allow p.d. across secondary is higher than p.d. across
primary after 20 turns
1

(c) it increases (until the nails reach a constant temperature)

1

7
 (d)
1

Vp = 280 (V)
1

280 × Ip = 336
allow their calculated
Vp × Ip = 336
1

Ip = 1.2 (A)
allow an answer that is consistent with their calculated
value of Vp
1

or

336 = Is × 1.75 (1)

Is = 192 (A) (1)

allow

Ip = 1.2 (A) (1)

allow an answer that is consistent with their calculated
value of Is
an answer of 1.2 (A) scores 5 marks
[8]

Q11.
(a) (i) generator
1

(ii) alternating current

1

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

1

(b) (i) time

1

8
 (ii) peaks and troughs in opposite directions
1

amplitude remains constant

dependent on first marking point
1

(c) any two from:

• increase speed of coil

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