N4 & N5 - Electricity Energy - Summary Notes
N4 & N5 - Electricity Energy - Summary Notes
Electric Current N4
Materials can be divided into two main groups as conductors and insulators
Electrical conductors contain electrons which are free to move throughout the structure.
In electrical insulators, the electrons are tightly bound and cannot move.
All circuits need a source of energy and some electrical components which are connected by
wires. The source of energy may be a battery or the mains.
If a battery is connected across a conductor such as a bulb, then the electrons will move in
one direction around the circuit:
An electric current is the flow of electrons around a circuit. The greater the flow of
electrons in a circuit, the greater is the current.
The voltage is the electrical energy supplied by the battery (or mains) to make the electrons
move around the circuit.
Series Circuits
When components are connected in line, we say that they are connected in series.
The cell and the three bulbs are connected in series. In a series circuit, there is only one
path for the current to take from the negative terminal of the battery to the positive
terminal.
Parallel Circuits
When components are connected so that there is more than one path for the current, we
say that they are connected in parallel.
V
If the components form a circuit, the circuit is called a parallel circuit.
Measuring Current
To measure the current through a component, make a gap in the circuit and connect the
ammeter in series with the component.
+ - + -
+ -
In the circuit, the ammeter is in series with the bulb. The reading on the ammeter is the
current through the bulb.
Measuring Voltage
To measure the voltage across a component, use two extra wires to connect the voltmeter
in parallel with the component.
+ -
+ -
V
In the circuit, the voltmeter is added in parallel with the bulb. The reading on
the voltmeter is the voltage across the bulb.
3
Current and voltage in series circuits
The current through every component in a series circuit is identical and is the same as the
current from the battery.
+ -
Each ammeter will have the same reading.
A3 A1
A1 = A 2 = A 3
A2
The sum of the voltages across each component in a series circuit adds up to the supply
voltage.
VS
+ -
The voltmeter readings across the lamps in
this circuit add up to the voltage across the
battery.
VS = V1 + V2
V2 V1
Examples
1. In the circuit shown below, the current readings on A1 is 0.2 A. What is the current
reading on the other ammeter and through each lamp?
6.0 V
In a series circuit, the current is the same at all
points.
4
2. Find the voltage of the battery in the circuit shown below.
VS
V2 V1
1V 2V
The sum of the currents through each component (branch) in a parallel circuit, adds up to
the current which flows from the supply.
A1
The currents through each component
(branch) add up to the current from the
A2 battery.
A1 = A2 + A 3
A3 As = A1 + A2
The voltage across every component (branch) in a parallel circuit is the same as the supply
voltage.
VS
V2
5
Examples
1. In the circuit shown below, the current from the battery flows through two identical
bulbs. What are the current readings on A2 and A3?
6.0 V
0.4 A
A1
In a parallel circuit, the current from the battery
is divided equally between the branches as the
bulbs are identical.
A2
So the current through each bulb = 0.4/2 = 0.2 A
A3
2. The voltage across the battery is 6.0 V. What is the voltage across the two bulbs?
6.0 V
VS
6
Practical uses of series and parallel circuits
Car lights:
sidelights headlamps
ignition
switch
12 V
V
All the bulbs are placed in parallel with the battery so that each has 12 V across it.
12 V
V
headlights
The two headlights are connected across the battery. They operate together only when the
ignition switch and the light switch are on. The headlights are connected in parallel while
the switches are connected in series.
Resistance
When an electric current flows through a wire some of the electrical energy is changed to
heat in the wire. All materials oppose the current passing through them. This opposition
to current flow is called resistance. The resistance is a measure of the opposition to the
flow of current in a circuit. Insulators have a high resistance, while conductors have a low
resistance.
7
The symbol for resistance is R and resistance is measured in units of ohms (Ω).
Ω
The larger the resistance in a circuit, the smaller the current that flows in it.
The smaller the resistance in a circuit, the larger the current that flows in it.
Type of material – the better the conductor, the lower the resistance
Length of material – the longer the material, the higher the resistance
Thickness of material – the thicker the material, the lower the resistance
Temperature of material – for most conductors, the higher the temperature, the
higher the resistance
Ohm’s Law
Therefore, the ratio of V/I remains constant and is known as the resistance.
Ohms or Ω Volts or V
Therefore,
Resistance = voltage R= V
current I
Amperes or A
8
Example
The current flowing through a resistor is 0.5 A and the voltage across it is 6.0 V.
Solution
V= 6 V R = V/I
R=? = 12 Ω
Variable Resistors
Resistors are components that have the property of electrical resistance. Resistors
transform electrical energy into heat in domestic appliances such as heaters, toasters etc.
Resistors are used also to limit the current in electronic circuits.
A variable resistor can alter the current in a circuit by changing the resistance in the circuit.
9
Electric Current N5
The smallest unit of electric charge is the charge on one electron, but this is too small a
number to use practically, therefore we use the term Charge to describe a group of
electrons at any one point.
The size of an electric current will depend on the number of coulombs of charge passing a
point in the circuit in one second.
amperes or A coulombs or C
current = charge I = Q
seconds or s
time t
This means that electric current is defined as the electric charge transferred per second.
Example
A current of 5 amperes flows through a lamp for 7 seconds. How much charge has passed
through the lamp in that time?
I=5A Q=Ixt
t=7s =5x7
Q=? = 35C
10
Alternating and Direct Current
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the electron directions for each type of current flow as viewed
on an oscilloscope.
Figure 1 Figure 2
Figure 1, direct current shows that electrons always flow in one direction around the
circuit.
Figure 2, alternating current shows that electrons flow around in one direction then
the direction changes and the electrons flow in the opposite direction.
Alternating and direct currents are produced from different sources of electrical energy.
Alternating current is produced from the mains supply and direct current from a battery.
11
Electric field
An electric field is a region of space in which a charge placed in that region will experience a
force.
Below is a diagram of the electric field between two parallel charged plates. The normally
invisible electric field lines have been drawn to show the direction of the electric field.
- - - -
The diagram shows the positive charge being accelerated towards the negative plate, due to
both repulsion of the positive plate and the attraction to the negative plate.
If a negative charge was placed in the electric field it would be accelerated towards the
positive plate, due to both repulsion of the negative plate and the attraction to the positive
plate.
The parallel plates will have a voltage across them this called the potential difference,
symbol V, measured in volts, V.
The potential difference is a measure of the energy given to the charges when they move
between the plates.
Potential difference is equal to the work done in moving one coulomb of charge between
the plates. Therefore a potential difference of one volt indicates that one joule of energy is
being used to move one coulomb of charge between the plates.
12
Complex Circuits with Current and Voltage
Series Circuit
V2 reads 3V since the bulbs are identical each bulb gets the same share of the
voltage.
Vs = V1 + V2 therefore Vs = 3 + 3 = 6V
The current is the same at all points in a series circuit therefore A1 will read 1 A.
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Parallel Circuit
Both read 12 V, since in parallel each branch of the circuit receives the same voltage
The current will split equally between both branches since the bulbs are identical.
A4 will read 3A since this is the point in the circuit where the current recombines.
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Combined series and parallel circuits
(a) A1 reads 6A, what are the readings on A2, A3 and A4?
A2 and A3 = 3A, since the supply current is split between both branches equally.
The parallel arrangement of bulbs will have half the resistance of the single bulb.
Therefore the parallel bulbs will receive only half the voltage the single bulb will get.
15
Calculations involving resistors in series and parallel
Resistors in Series
The total resistance of all three resistors in series is calculated using the following equation:
RT = R1 + R2 + R3
RT = 10 + 20 + 30
RT = 60 Ω
Resistors in Parallel
The total resistance of all three resistors in parallel is calculated using the following
equation:
16
Therefore
Multiply both the top and bottom of each fraction to make all the denominators the
same.
Add fractions
Invert to calculate RT
6V
V=IxR
V=6V
6=Ix5
R=5Ω
6/ 5 = I
I=?
1.2 A = I
17
Now add another 5 Ω resistor in parallel to the original, the circuit now looks like:
6V
Step 1 Step 2
V=IxR
6 = I x 2.5
6/ 2.5 = I
2.4 A = I
= 2.5 Ω
This result shows that when another resistor is added in parallel the total resistance of a
circuit is decreased and the current in the circuit is increased.
i.e. by adding an identical resistor in parallel the resistance has halved and the current
drawn doubled.
18
Determining the relationship between V (p.d), current and resistance
Using a fixed value of resistor, vary the voltage supply to the circuit.
Measure and note the values of voltage and current.
Draw a graph of p.d against I, as shown below
10
8 V = I x constant
6
4 V = constant
2
0 I
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
This constant =
current (A)
gradient of the line
Pick values of potential difference and current from the graph to show that: V/ I = constant.
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ohms, Ω
Therefore V = R and rearranged gives
V=IxR
I
volts, V
amperes, A
Example 1
A mobile phone has a resistance of 4 Ω and a current of 3 A passing through out, calculate
the size of voltage it uses.
V= ? V=IxR
R = 4Ω V=3x4
V = 12 V
I = 3A
Example 2
The lamp has a voltage of 230 V and a resistance of 83 Ω, calculate the current passing
through the lamp.
V = 230V V=IxR
230 = I x 83
R = 83Ω
230 = I
I =?
83
2.8 A = I
Example 3
An electric fire has a voltage of 230 V and a current of 5 A, calculate the resistance of the
fire.
V=IxR
230 = 5 x R
V = 230V
230 = R
R=?
5
I = 5A
46 Ω = R
20
The resistance of a conductor varies with temperature
This means that as the filament of the bulb is heated by the passage of current through it, its
resistance is increased.
Increasing the voltage to the bulb, causes the voltage and current to the bulb to change, as
shown in the graph below
voltage (V)
current (A)
This shows that voltage is not directly proportional to current and therefore does not
follow Ohm's Law.
As the tungsten filament is heated its resistance increases.
21
Electrical Power N4
All electrical appliances convert electrical energy into other forms of energy. Energy has the
symbol E and is measured in units of joules, J.
All appliances have a known power rating which can be found on the appliance's rating
plate. Power has the symbol P and is measured in units of watts, W. The power rating of an
appliance is measured as the number of joules of energy it transforms per second.
The table below shows some household appliances along with their main energy
transformation and their typical power rating.
Therefore the longer an appliance is on and the greater its power rating the more electrical
energy it will use.
Energy Consumption
In a world concerned with saving energy, it is necessary to be able to calculate the energy
consumption of different appliances in order that we make an informed decision on which
appliances we may want to purchase.
seconds, s
joules, J
watts, W
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Example
P = 1200W E=Pxt
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Calculations involving power, energy and time N5
Example 1
E=Pxt
P = 1200W
E = 1200 x 3600
t = 60 minutes (60 x 60 = 3600s)
E = 432 0000 J
E=?
Example 2
A toaster switched on for 5 minutes uses 330,000 J of energy, calculate its power.
E=Pxt
P =?
330,000 = P x 300
t = 5minutes (5 x 60 =300s)
330,000 = P
E = 330,000 J
300
1100 W = P
Example 3
The power rating of a lamp is 60 W, during the time it has been on it has used up 10,000 J of
electrical energy. For how long was the lamp on?
E=Pxt
P = 60 W 10,000 = 60 x t
t =? 10,000 = t
E = 10,000 J 60
167 s = t
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The electrical energy transformed each second is equal to P = I x V
The power equation P = I x V can be arranged for use with other quantities.
Example 1
P = I x (I x R)
P = I² R
Example 2
I² = V² / R² and P = I² R
P = V² / R² (x R)
P = V² / R
25
Carry out calculations involving P, I, V and R
Example 1
A torch bulb has a voltage of 6 V and a current of 0.3 A passing through it. What is its
power?
V=6V P=IxV
P = 0.3 x 6
I = 0.3 A
P = 1.8 W
P =?
Example 2
A car headlamp has a power of 24 W and a resistance of 6 Ω. Calculate its voltage supply.
P = V²/R
P = 24 W
24 = V² / 6
R=6Ω
24 x 6 = V²
V =?
144 = V²
√144 = V
12 V = V
Example 3
An electric heater has a voltage supply of 240 V and a power of 960 W. Calculate the
current passing through it then the resistance of its elements.
Step 1 Step 2
4A=I 60 Ω = R
R =?
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Practical Electronic Systems N4
All electronic systems can be broken down into three main parts or sub-systems called the input, the
process and the output
An electronic system is often drawn as a block diagram showing how information is passed from one
block to another:
The process amplifies this energy to produce the electrical energy needed to work the output.
The output converts the electrical energy back into sound energy.
Calculating
Calculator: Keypad Display
Circuits
Smoke Logic
Smoke Alarm: Buzzer
Sensor Circuits
Heat Logic 27
Intruder lamp: Lamp
Circuits
Sensor
Input devices
28
Output devices
29
Output of an warning light LED A voltage across the LED makes it light
Output of a fan Motor The motor will turn the blades of the fan
Logic Gates
There are three basic types of logic gates. Their symbols are:
A
Input Output A Output
Output
B B
Digital signals are either on or off.
NOT AND OR
An ‘off‘ signal has a zero voltage (called ‘low’). An ‘on’ signal has a non-zero voltage (called ‘high’).
The zero voltage signal is given the name ‘logic 0’. The high voltage signal is given the name ‘logic 1’.
Truth tables
Truth tables show the output for all combinations of inputs for logic gates.
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AND gate 0 1 0
1 0 0
1 1 1
OR gate
Input (A) Input (B) Output
0 0 0
0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 1
Logic gates may be combined together to increase the number of input variables.
This helps to control situations where the output may depend on having more than one
dependent input variable.
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INPUT (A) INPUT (B) INPUT (C) INPUT (D) INPUT (E) OUTPUT
(D OR E)
0 0 0 1 0 1
0 0 1 1 0 1
0 1 0 1 0 1
0 1 1 1 1 1
1 0 0 0 0 0
1 0 1 0 0 0
1 1 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 0 1 1
Example 1
Draw a truth table and logic diagram for a warning LED to light, when a car engine gets too
hot (logic 1). The lamp should only operate when the ignition of the car is switched on,
(logic 1).
Draw a truth table considering all possible situations for the input sensors.
Look carefully at the resulting logic to decide which combination of logic gates would
resolve the input to produce the desired output.
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Example 2
Draw a truth table and logic gate diagram which will switch on the pump of a central
heating system, when the house is cold (logic 0) and the central heating is switched on
(logic 1).
The output for the pump is AND logic. Both inputs should be logic 1 to switch on the
pump.
When the house is cold, the output from the temperature sensor is logic 0.
Therefore, you need to insert a NOT gate to change the output from logic 0 to
logic 1.
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Summary of electronic components N5
34
Electronic Component Symbol Function Practical Application
35
Potential Dividers
A potential divider circuit is made up with resistors or other components connected across a
supply.
For example:
Drawn as above, the potential divider circuit is simply a series circuit following all the same
rules; the current is the same at all points and the supply voltage splits up across each
component to give them a share of the voltage (or potential difference).
and
36
Example 1
R2 = 800Ω
Vs = 5 V
R1 = 200Ω
Example 2
The resistance of the LDR, R1 in the dark is 10 kΩ and when in the light its resistance is 1kΩ.
37
Transistor
Symbol
c = collector
b = base
e = emitter
Electrons flow from the emitter through the base to the collector. This only happens if the
voltage across the base /emitter is high enough.
Anything less and the transistor will not allow current to flow through it. Below 0.7 V the
transistor is non-conducting - OFF.
Example
As the resistance of the variable resistor is gradually increased, the voltage across it increases and
the voltage applied to the emitter- base increases. When the voltage applied to the emitter-base
of the transistor is 0.7 V or more, the transistor will switch on and conduct allowing current
to flow through it to the LED and the LED will switch ‘on’.
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Electromagnetism N5
When there is an electric current flowing in a wire, a magnetic field exists around the wire.
(i) Electromagnets
N S
An electromagnet is made by wrapping a coil of wire around an iron core. When a current
is passed through the coil of wire, the core is magnetised. The magnetic field is much
stronger with the core present than without it. The magnetic field can be switched off by
switching off the electric current. The magnetic field can also be made stronger by
increasing the current through the wire or increasing the number of turns on the coil.
(ii) Relays
S1
M
Relay
A. C.
Supply S2
In a relay low voltage circuit is used to control remotely a high voltage circuit
When switch S1 is closed, a current passes through the coil of a relay in the first circuit. The
electromagnet attracts and closes switch S2 in the second circuit. This completes the circuit
which turns on the motor. When switch S1 is opened, the motor is turned off.
Pivot
Spring
Electromagnet
39
Iron
Contact Gong
Hammer
Closing the switch de-magnetises the electromagnet which attracts the iron causing the
hammer to strike the gong. The movement of the iron breaks the circuit, de-magnetising
the magnet so that the spring pulls back the hammer and remakes the circuit. Current
passes through the electromagnet again and the sequence is repeated.
Induced Voltage
A voltage is induced in a coil of wire (or any conductor) when the coil of wire is moving
across a magnetic field or the coil of wire is placed within a changing magnetic field.
The size of the induced voltage depends on the strength of the magnetic field, the number
of turns on the coil and the speed of movement.
If the coil of wire is part of a complete circuit, the induced voltage will drive a current round
the circuit.
In a simple a.c. generator, a coil of wire is rotated in a magnetic field. This induces a voltage
in the coil. When the coil is connected to a circuit via the slip rings and bushes, the induced
voltage causes a current to flow in the external circuit. When the coil rotates through 180°,
the direction of movement of the coil through the magnetic field is reversed so the induced
voltage is also reversed. This causes the current to change direction. This process is
repeated each time the coil turns through 180° to produce an alternating current.
In a full-size
generator, the magnet is replaced by a rotating electromagnet known as the rotor coils.
Instead of a rotating coil, the a.c. voltage is induced in a series of static coils called a stator.
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Generation of Electricity N4
Fossil fuels
Most of the world’s energy is obtained from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas found in the
Earth’s crust. Fossil fuels are made from the remains of plants and tiny animals that lived
millions of years ago. These fuels consist mainly of hydrocarbons which release large
amounts of energy when burned.
Fossil fuels take millions of years to form and are being used up faster than they can be
replaced so they will eventually run out. Fuels that will eventually run out are said to be
finite.
Pollution from fossil fuels contributes to global warming and causes acid rain.
Energy sources can be classified into two groups: renewable and non-renewable.
Fossil fuels take millions of years to form under the Earth’s crust. Uranium used in nuclear
fuels is also produced over millions of years by geological processes. Peat is formed over
thousands of years in wet areas from a build up of partially decayed vegetation. We are
using up these fuels much faster than they can be replaced. Therefore, coal, oil, gas, peat
and uranium are considered non-renewable energy sources.
Alternative sources of energy are generated from natural resources such as sunlight, wind,
rain, waves, tides and plants. These sources are considered renewable because they quickly
replenish themselves and are usually available in a never ending supply.
Renewable Non-renewable
Solar coal
wind oil
waves gas
tidal peat
geothermal nuclear
hydroelectric
biomass
41
Advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy sources
42
Large quantities of water Advantage:
are trapped behind tidal Tidal energy will never run out.
Tidal barrages. On the Disadvantages:
outgoing tide, the water There are few suitable locations.
is released and used to The eco system near the dam is
drive water turbines to changed drastically.
produce electricity.
43
Transformers
A transformer is a device that can change the size of an ac voltage. A transformer can either
increase or decrease the size of a voltage.
Structure of Transformer
• This INDUCES a changing magnetic field around the primary coil and iron core.
• The secondary coils are within the range of this changing magnetic field. This
INDUCES a VOLTAGE within the secondary coil.
Transformer Symbol
The number of coils of wire (or turns) affects the size of the induced voltage. The greater
the number of turns the greater the size of voltage induced.
44
The following equation describes the relationship between the voltage and number of turns
for the primary and secondary coils of the transformer:
Example
Vp = 230 V Vs = ?
Vp = 230 V
Np = 200 turns
Ns = 4000 turns
Vs = ?
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The National Grid
400,000 V 230 V 11 kV 33 kV
Typically, power stations are located some distance from large population centres so
electricity is usually transported to where it is needed using overhead power lines. In
densely built up areas, such as towns and cities, the cables tend to be buried underground.
However, in areas of natural beauty, such as exist in many parts of Scotland, some people
believe that overhead power lines are unattractive and have a negative impact on the
environment. As a result, there is a growing debate about whether future electricity
transmission systems should consist of overhead power lines or cables buried beneath the
ground. In the coming decades, many more miles of power lines or cables will need to be
installed to connect the growing number of remote energy sources such as wind and wave
farms and nuclear power stations. Therefore, this debate is likely to become even more
important as our dependence on alternative sources of energy increases.
46
Another factor which will influence the debate is the increasing trend towards
microgeneration or small-scale generation of electricity by individuals and small
communities to meet their own needs. This is viewed by some as a more environmentally
friendly alternative to obtaining electrical power through the National Grid.
More vulnerable to damage from severe bad Less vulnerable to damage from severe bad
weather weather
Easier and less expensive to repair More difficult and more costly to repair
Large pylons are considered unattractive Less visual impact on the environment
Efficiency
Power stations can be relatively inefficient at generating our electricity. Ranging from
hydroelectric with a theoretical efficiency value of around 95%, to coal fired power stations
with a theoretical efficiency of 45%. The efficiency of a power station is judged by how much
useful energy is given out for the energy put in.
% efficiency =
% efficiency =
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Example 1
Hunterston Power station has two reactors each producing 1496 MW of heat. The total
electrical output from the power station is 1248 MW. Calculate the percentage efficiency of
the power station.
% efficiency =
Useful Power input = 2 x 1496 MW = 2992 MW
= 1248 x 100
Useful Power output = 1248 MW
2992
= 41. 7%
Example 2
A coal fired power station gives out 900MW of electrical energy. If the efficiency of the
power station is 35%, how much coal must be used each second to give this power? (1kg of
coal releases 28 MJ of energy)
% efficiency =
% efficiency = 35%
35 = 900 x 100
Useful Power output = 900 MW
= 35 x 900
100
= 315 MW
Power input = 315 MW, this is equivalent to 315M J of energy input each second.
If 1kg of coal releases 28MJ of energy then: 315 / 28 = 11.3kg of coal are needed to produce
this input power.
Energy efficiency is a key factor in the generation, distribution and use of energy.
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Heat N5
Heat and temperature are often confused. Heat is a form of energy and is measured in
Joules (J). Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold something is and is measured in
degrees Celsius (ºC)
If a substance gains heat, its temperature can increase. If a substance loses heat, its
temperature can decrease.
The temperature of a substance is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles
in that substance.
The same mass of different materials needs different quantities of heat energy to change
their temperature by one degree Celsius. The ability of different substances to store
different amounts of heat energy is known as the specific heat capacity of that substance.
The specific heat capacity of a substance is defined as the amount of heat energy required
to change the temperature of 1 kg of a substance by 1 °C.
The unit for specific heat capacity is the joule per kilogram degree Celsius (J/kg °C).
Example
When a kettle containing 2 kg of water (specific heat capacity 4200 J/kg °C) cools from 40 °C
to 20 °C, calculate the heat given out by the water.
Solution
Eh = ?
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Conservation of Energy
Energy can be changed from one form to another. The principle of conservation of energy
states that no energy is lost during this process. Therefore the total amount of energy
before transformation is the same as the total amount of energy after transformation.
Heat energy can be produced from electrical energy in devices and appliances containing a
heater:
Some of the heat energy supplied by the heater will be “lost” to the surroundings.
However, heat lost to the surroundings is ignored in heat problems
Therefore, the energy supplied by the heater = energy absorbed by the material
Example 1
A kettle heats 0.8 kg of water (cwater= 4200 J/KgºC) and raises its temperature from 16 ºC to
100 ºC. If it takes 2 minutes to reach the final temperature, calculate the power rating of
the kettle.
Solution
Step 1
c = 4200 J/KgºC Eh = c m ΔT
m = 0.8 kg = 4200 x 0.8 x 84
ΔT = 84 ºC = 282240 J
Eh = ? = 282 kJ
Step 2
P=? P=E/t
t = 2 mins = 120 s = 282240 / 120
E = 282240 J = 2352 W or 2.35 kW
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Example 2
A kettle rated at 2.3 kW is used to heat 0.8 kg of water at 16 ºC. What is the temperature
of the water after 2 minutes? (cwater = 4200 J/KgºC)
Solution
Step 1
P = 2.3 kW P=E/t
t = 2 mins = 120 s 2300 = E / 120
Eh = ? E h = 2300 x 120
= 276 000 J
Step 2
c = 4200 J/KgºC Eh = c m ΔT
m = 0.8 kg 276000= 4200 x 0.8 x ∆T
T1 = 16 ºC ∆T = 276000 / 4200 x 0.8
T2 = ? ∆T = 82.1 °C
Eh = 276000 J
Step 3
∆T = T2 – T1
82.1 = T2 - 16
T2 = 82.1 + 16
T2 = 98.1 °C
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Conservation of Energy N5
Energy can be changed from one form into another but it cannot be created or destroyed.
Energy is always conserved.
As energy transforms from one form into another, some energy may be lost. For example in
a light bulb the main energy change is electrical into light however some of the energy is
lost in the form of heat.
Transformations
Work Done
When an object is moved from one place to another, energy has to be transformed to do
this.
To pull this box along the ground Joey transfers his chemical energy into work done.
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Carry out calculation using Ew = F x s
Example
20 N
40m
Point A Point B
Ew = ? Ew = F x s
F = 20 N Ew = 20 x 40
s = 40 m Ew = 800J
20 m
The 2 kg box has to be lifted up 20 m onto the shelf above it. The work done against gravity
can be calculated using Ew = F x s.
s = the height = 20 m
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Therefore an equation more relevant to the problem can be written:
∆ Ep = m x g x h
Change in = mass x gravitational field strength x height
Potential energy = 2 x 10 x 20
= 400 J
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is the energy an object has because it is moving. Kinetic energy has the
symbol Ek and is measured in joules, J.
The kinetic energy an object has depends on the mass and velocity of the object they are
related as follows:
As an object falls from a height its gravitational potential energy is transformed into other
forms. If there are no energy losses all the gravitational potential energy would be
converted into kinetic energy.
Therefore Ep = Ek
m x g x h = ½ x m x v² (m's cancel)
g x h = ½ x v²
=v
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Example
A model car has a mass of 0.5 kg, it starts from rest and is allowed to roll down a slope.
2m
(a) Calculate the amount of gravitational potential energy it loses as it runs down the
slope.
(b) Ignoring any energy loses state its gain in kinetic energy as it runs down to the
bottom of the slope.
(c) Calculate the speed of the model car at the bottom of the slope.
Solutions
(a) Ep = m x g x h
= 0.5 x 10 x 2
= 10 J
(b) Ek = 10 J, since all potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as no energy is
lost.
(c) v =
v=
= 6.3 m/s
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Gas Laws and the Kinetic Model N4
A kinetic model of matter explains how the particles which make up solids, liquids and gases
are arranged and how they move around.
The diagrams below show how the particles in solids, liquids and gases are arranged.
Arranged: Particles very Arranged: Particles close Arranged: Particles far apart.
close together. together.
Move: particles vibrate in Move: particles swap Move: particles move very fast
the one spot. places with their randomly around in all
nearest directions.
neighbouring particles.
A gas half fills a glass tube and is held in position with a tightly fitting piston.
The gas particles are moving around very fast in all directions. The gas particles are colliding
with each other and with the sides of the glass tube, thus creating a pressure inside.
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What would happen if the piston was moved to the end of the glass tube?
The gas particles will move to fill up the whole of the glass tube
How will this affect the pressure inside the glass tube?
The pressure will be reduced since there is more space for the particles to move around.
Therefore the particles will collide less often with each other and they will collide less often
with the sides of the container.
As the gas inside the glass tube is heated the gas particles gain more kinetic energy. This
causes them to collide more often with each other and the walls of the container, causing
an increase in pressure
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Volume varies with Temperature
As the gas inside the glass tube is heated the gas particles gain more kinetic energy. This
causes them to collide more often with each other and the walls of the container, causing
an increase in pressure on the glass tube and the piston.
As the piston is not fixed the pressure will force the piston upwards increasing the volume
the gas takes up within the glass tube.
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Applications of the kinetic model of a gas
Example 1
As pressure increases, volume decreases and vice versa for a fixed mass of gas.
In deep water the pressure on a body is less nearer the surface of the water than it is close
to the sea bed.
This is due to the increase in the amount of water on top of the body. The greater the
volumes of water on top of the body, the greater the pressure the body feels.
Example 2
As pressure increases, temperature increases and vice versa for a fixed mass of gas.
In summer time when the outside temperature is hotter than normal, a car tyre may
explode.
This happens as the gas particles are exposed to an increase in temperature. This causes
them to gain more kinetic energy and causes the pressure of the air inside the tyre to
increase.
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Example 3
As temperature increases, volume increases and vice versa for a fixed mass of gas.
A football inflated inside then taken outside on a cold winter’s day will shrink slightly.
This happens since the air inside the ball is exposed to a colder temperature, causing the
kinetic energy of the particles of air to decrease. Therefore, the particles of the air collide
less often with the walls of the ball and the pressure inside the ball decreases. Therefore the
ball shrinks.
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Pressure N5
Pressure can be described as the force exerted on a surface per one metre squared.
The greater the force on 1 m², the greater the pressure exerted on the surface and vice
versa.
Newtons, N
pressure = force P = F
area A
Pressure is measured in units of Newtons per metre squared, N/m² or Pascals, Pa.
Remember: when calculating the total pressure at a depth in water, you must take into
account the pressure due to the atmosphere = 1 x 10 5 Pa.
Example 1
A box has a weight of 650 N and has dimensions 0.5m by 2m, what pressure is exerted on
the floor?
P=F
F = 650 N
A
A = (0.5 x 2) m² = 1 m²
P = 650
P=?
1
P = 650 N/m²
Example 2
A girl has a mass of 40kg, her shoes have dimensions 0.25 m by 0.1 m, what pressure does
she exert on the with one foot?
P=F
F = W = m x g = 40 x 10 = 400 N
A
A = 0.25 x 0.1 = 0.025 m²
P= 400
P=?
0.025
P = 16 000 N/m²
Think: when is the pressure of the girl on the floor at its greatest? when standing one foot or
two feet.
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Kinetic Theory of Gases
The kinetic theory of gases is used to explain the behaviour of
gases using a model. The model considers a gas to be
composed of a large number of very small particles that are
widely spaced. The particles are moving at random in all
directions with a range of speeds. No energy is lost when the
particles collide with the walls of the container and each
other.
Volume
The volume of a gas is taken as the volume of the container. The volume occupied by the gas
particles themselves is considered so small as to be negligible.
Temperature
The temperature of a gas depends on the kinetic energy of the gas particles. The faster the particles
move, the greater their kinetic energy and the higher the temperature.
Pressure
The pressure of a gas is caused by the particles colliding with the walls of the container. The more
frequent these collisions or the more violent these collisions, the greater will be the pressure.
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Boyle’s law states that for a fixed mass of gas at a constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is
inversely proportional to its volume:
p 1 p × V = constant p1 V1 = p2 V2
V
Graph
0 0
Example
The pressure of a gas enclosed in a cylinder by a piston changes from 80 kPa to 200 kPa.
If there is no change in temperature and the initial volume was 25 litres, calculate the new
volume.
p1 = 80 kPa p1 V1 = p2 V2
V1 = 25 litres 80 × 25 = 200 × V2
V2 = ?
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Relationship between Pressure and Temperature of a Gas
If a graph is drawn of pressure against temperature in degrees celsius for a fixed mass of gas at a
constant volume, the graph is a straight line which does not pass through the origin. When the
graph is extended until the pressure reaches zero, it crosses the temperature axis at -273 oC. This is
true for all gases:
One division on the kelvin temperature scale is the same size as one division on the celsius
temperature scale, i.e. temperature differences are the same in kelvin as in degrees Celsius e.g. a
temperature increase of 10°C is the same as a temperature increase of 10 K.
Note: the unit of the kelvin scale is the kelvin, K, not degrees kelvin, °K!
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Converting temperatures between °C and K
If the graph of pressure against temperature is drawn using the kelvin temperature scale, zero on
the graph is the zero on the kelvin temperature scale and the graph now goes through the origin:
Gay Lussac’s law states that for a fixed mass of gas at a constant volume, the pressure of a gas is
directly proportional to its temperature measured in kelvin (K):
p p1 p
p T = constant = 2
T T1 T2
Example
p1 = 1.8 × 105 Pa p1 / T1 = p2 / T2
p2 = ? p2 = 2.1 × 105 Pa
T2 = 77 °C = 350 K
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Relationship between Volume and Temperature of a Gas
If a graph is drawn of volume against temperature, in degrees celsius, for a fixed mass of gas at a
constant pressure, the graph is a straight line which does not pass through the origin. When the
graph is extended until the volume reaches zero, again it crosses the temperature axis at -273 °C.
This is true for all gases
If the graph of volume against temperature is drawn using the kelvin temperature scale, the graph
now goes through the origin:
Charles’ law states that for a fixed mass of gas at a constant pressure, the volume of a gas is directly
proportional to its temperature measured in kelvin (K):
V V1 V2
VT = constant =
T T1 T2
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Example
400 cm3 of air is at a temperature of 20 °C. At what temperature will the volume be 500 cm3 if the
air pressure does not change?
V1 = 400 cm3 V1 V2
=
T1 = 20 °C = 293 K T1 T2
400 500
V2 = 500 cm3 =
293 T2
T2 = ? T2 = 366 K = 93 °C
By combining the above three relationships, the following relationship for the pressure, volume and
temperature of a fixed mass of gas is true for all gases.
pV p 1 V1 p 2 V2
= constant =
TT T1 T2
Example
A balloon contains 1.5 m3 of helium at a pressure of 100 kPa and at a temperature of 27 °C.
If the pressure is increased to 250 kPa at a temperature of 127 °C, calculate the new volume
of the balloon.
V2 = ? V2 = 0.8 m3
T2 = 127 °C = 400 K
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Gas Laws and the Kinetic Theory of Gases
Consider a gas at a pressure p and temperature T. If the temperature of the gas is increased, the
kinetic energy and hence speed of the particles of the gas increases. The particles collide with the
container walls more violently and more often. This will produce a larger force on the container
walls. As temperature increases, then the force increases resulting in, from the definition of
pressure, an increase in pressure,
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