PHYSICS

FORM 5

Chapter 8

Electromagnetism
Compiled by

Cikgu Desikan

Chapter 8

Electromagnetism
Dear students,

FORM 5 PHYSICS
2016

The man of wisdom is never of two minds; the man of

benevolence never worries; the man of courage is never
afraid.

Learning Objectives :
1. Analysing the magnetic effect of a
current-carrying conductor
2. Understanding the force on a currentcarrying conductor in a magnetic field

3.
4.
5.

Analysing electromagnetic induction

Analysing transformers
Understanding the generation and
transmission of electricity

Analysis of Past Year Questions

P1

P2

P3

A
B
C
A
B

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

5
1
-

5
1
-

5
1
1

6
1

3
1
1
-

2012
4
1
-

2013
5
1
-

2014
5
1
1

2015

Chapter 8

Electromagnetism
Concept Map
Electromagnetism
Magnetic effect
of a current

Magnetic field
pattern due to a
current

Force on a current
carrying conductor

Catapult field

Flemings LeftHand Rule

Electromagnetic
Induction
Induced e.m.f.
and current
Faradays Law

Solenoid

Step-up and stepdown transformer

Transformer
Equations
Energy losses

Turning Force
Electromagnet
Applications of
Electromagnets

Transformer

D.C Motor

Lenz
Law

Flemings
RightHand Rule

Generators
A.C. & D.C Current

Generation &
Transmission of
Electricity

8.1 Magnetic Effect of a Current-carrying Conductor

When a current flows

through the coil, it
produces a magnetic field.
can be made by
__________________
__________________
__________________
_________________

Used in motors,
generators, relays,
loudspeakers, hard
disks, MRI machine.

The soft iron core

becomes
temporarily
magnetized when
the current is
switched on.

Electromagnet
When the current is
switched off, it loses
its magnetism.
Soft Iron Core

Wire

What is a magnetic field pattern?

A magnetic field pattern can be represented by field lines that show the shape of the field.
Magnetic field lines which are close together represent a strong field.
The field direction is defined as the direction indicated by a compass needle placed in the
magnetic field.
The Right-Hand Grip Rule
Grip the wire using the right hand, with your thumb pointing in the direction of the current. Your
other fingers now point round the wire in the direction of the magnetic field.
When the direction of the current is reversed, the magnetic field direction also is reversed.
Line of force
of the field
Current
flow

Other fingers
give the
direction of the
field

Thumb points
in the direction
of the current

Right Hand
Straight wire
carrying a
current

The magnetic field pattern and the direction of the magnetic field due to a current in :
1. Straight Wire

Current into the paper

Current out of the paper

2. Coil

3. Solenoid

The thumbs is
pointing to the N pole.

N
Fingers curl in the
direction of current

Note:
The right hand grip rule for a
solenoid:
The thumb points towards north
pole of the magnetic field while
the other fingers indicate the
direction of the current in the
solenoid.

Factors that affect

the strength of the
electromagnet.

Application of Electromagnet
Electric Bell
1. When the bell push is
pressed, a current flows in
the coils of the
electromagnet, causing it
to be magnetized.
2. The magnetized
electromagnet attracts the
soft-iron armature, causing
the hammer to strike the
gong.
3. The movement of the
armature breaks the
contact and causes the
electromagnet to lose it
magnetism.

Contacts

4. The light spring pulls the armature back, remaking the contact and completing the circuit
again.
5. The cycle is repeated so long as the bell push is pressed and continuous ringing occurs.
How Electric Bell works?

Electromagnetic Relay
1. A solenoid switch worked by
an electromagnet. It is used in
a circuit which controls the
operation of another circuit,
especially if the current is
large in the second circuit.
2. Circuit 1 requires only a small
current.
3. When the switch is closed,
current flows in the coil,
causing the soft-iron core to
be magnetized and attracts
the armarture.
4. The movement of the iron armature closes the contacts in the second circuit. Circuit 2 is now
switched on.
5. Circuit 2 may have a large current flowing through it to operate powerful motors or very bright
lights
6. The advantage of using a relay is
a) that a small current (circuit 1) can be used to switch on and off a circuit with a large
current (circuit 2).
b) circuit 1 may contain a component such as a light detecting resistor (LDR), which uses
small currents.
c) Only the circuit with a large current needs to be connected with thick wire.

10

Telephone Ear-piece

1. The varying current from the microphone

flows through the coils of an
electromagnet in the earpiece.
2. This pulls the iron diaphragm towards the
electromagnet by a distance which
depends on the current.
3. As a result, the diaphragm moves in and
out and produces sound waves that are
replicas of those that entered the
microphone.

Circuit Breaker
Soft iron armature
1. Acts as an automatic switch that
pulled towards
Reset button
breaks open a circuit when the
electromagnet
current becomes too large.
2. Current may become excessive
Spring pulls
when there is a short circuit or
open the
an overload.
contacts
3. The strength of the magnetic
Electromagnet
field of the electromagnet
From mains
supply
increases suddenly. The soft iron
To household
armature is pulled towards the
circuit
electromagnet.
Contacts
4. This results in the spring pulling apart the contacts. The circuit is broken and the current flow
stops immediately.
5. After repairs have been made, the reset button is pushed to switch on the supply again.

11

8.2 Force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field

What happens to a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field ?
conductor is
pushed upwards

Switch closed
When a conductor carries an electric current through another magnetic field, a magnetic
force is exerted on the wire.
The combination of the magnetic field due to the current in the conductor and the external
magnetic field produce a resultant magnetic field. This resultant magnetic field produce a
magnetic force which later act on the current carrying conductor.

____________
The direction of the magnetic
force, F, acting on the conductor can
be determined by using Flemings

____________
____________

left-hand rule.
_________
_________

12

Investigation on the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field

Magnadur
magnets

Thick copper
wire

U-shaped
steel yoke

d.c. power
supply

Short copper
wire
Show the direction of the force using the Flemings left-hand rule.

Diagram 1

Diagram 2

13

Diagram 3

Diagram 4

The direction of magnetic field is parallel to the

direction of current.
________________________________________
Diagram 5
1. When a current-carrying conductor is in a magnetic field of a permanent magnet, the
interaction between the two magnetic fields produce a force on the conductor.
2. The direction of the magnetic field, the current and the force acting on a conductor is
perpendicular to each other.

14

How a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field experiences a force ?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

The magnadur magnets produce a uniform, parallel magnetic field.

The current-carrying vertical wire produces a circular magnetic field around itself.
The two fields interact to produce a resultant magnetic field known as a catapult field.
Upward, the two fields are in the same direction and they produce a stronger combined field.
Downward, the two fields act in opposite directions and the combined field is weaker.
The wire carrying a current thus experiences a resultant force in the direction from the stronger
to the weaker field, i.e from upward to downward.
Magnetic Field of
Permanent Magnet

Magnetic Field of
Current carrying conductor

15

The magnitude of the

force on a currentcarrying conductor in a
magnetic field

16

Resultant magnetic field or catapult field for a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field.
Magnetic Field of
Permanent Magnet

Magnetic Field of
Current carrying conductor

Catapult Field for a Current-carrying Coil

17

Show the direction of the resultant force, F

F
What will happen to the coil?
________________________________
Current

How a direct current motor works

Permanent
Magnet

Spring

Coil of wire

Commutator

Carbon
brush

_________________________
Reverse the direction of current in the
coil every half rotation so that the coil
continues to turn in same direction
_________________________
To contact with the commutator so
the current from the battery enters the
coil.
___________________
Push the brush so it will always
contact with the commutator.

18

Show the direction of the two forces acted on the coil.

N
A

When current flows through the horizontal

coil, magnetic field is produced around it.
The interaction between the magnetic field
of the current and the magnetic field of the
permanent magnet produces a _________
field and 2 turning force.
The direction of the force is determined by
Flemings left-hand rule.
The two forces produce a couple which
_____________the coil.

When the coil gets to the upright position,

the contact between the carbon brushes
with the commutator is broken.
There is ________turning force on it
because no current flows in the coil.
But the coil continues to rotate because of
its _______________.

D
B

19

When the coil in a horizontal position

again, the sides of the coil changes
position.
The commutator_________________
the direction of the current in the coil to
ensure that the forces on the coil turn
the coil in one direction only.
So the coil is still rotating in the same
_______________.

S
A

The above processes are repeated and

the motor continues to rotate.

A
C

20

Factors which
affect the speed of
rotation of the
motor

Life is like riding a bicycle, in order to keep

your balance, you must keep moving.

Albert Einstein
(1879 - 1955)

21

Exercise 8.1
a)

On diagram 1.1, sketch the magnetic field between the two magnadur magnets.

b)

On diagram 1.2, sketch the magnetic field produced by a wire carrying a current into the paper.

22

c)

On diagram 1.3, sketch the magnetic field produced by a wire carrying a current into the paper
between the two magnadur magnets. Hence, draw the direction of the force acting on the wire.

d)

What is the name of the field that you drawn in diagram 1.3 ?

e)

State two factors that affect the force acting on the wire.

23

8.3 Electromagnetic induction

Electromagnetic induction _______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
How induced current is produced?

The induced current is produced only when there is ___________________between the

conductor / coil and the magnetic field lines.

The relative motion of a conductor across a magnetic field can be produced by:

1.

moving a straight wire quickly

across a magnetic field between two
flat magnets.

2. Moving a permanent magnet towards

one end of a solenoid.

24

Each time the straight wire cuts across the magnetic field, or the permanent magnet moves towards
the solenoid, a current is induced in the coil and a deflection is observed in the sensitive
galvanometer.
This current is called
called the induced e.m.f.

A. Electromagnetic Induction in a
straight wire.

. The electromotive force that is produced is

Galvanometer
Connecting
wires with
crocodile clips

Observation :
1. If a galvanometer shows a
deflection, it means there is an
induced current produced
2. Current is induced in a straight
conductor when it moves and
cuts the magnetic field lines
(1 & 2 only).
3. The motion of the copper rod
must be perpendicular to the
direction of the magnetic field
lines ( 1 & 2 only ) so that an
induced current will be
produced.

Copper rod
with bare
ends
Magnadur
magnet

25

B. Electromagnetic Induction in a solenoid

Galvanometer

Galvanometer

Galvanometer

Solenoid

Solenoid
Magnet

1. Push the bar magnet

into the solenoid.
Observe the deflection
of the galvanometer.

Magnet

2. Hold the bar magnet

stationary in the
solenoid. Note the
reading of the
galvanometer.

Solenoid

Magnet

3. Pull the bar magnet out

of the solenoid.
Observe the deflection
of the galvanometer.

Observation :
1. The galvanometer showed a positive reading when the bar magnet and solenoid were
coming closer to each other. This shows that a current is produced in the solenoid in certain
direction.

26

2. The galvanometer showed a negative reading when the magnet and solenoid were moving
further away from each other. This shows that a current is produced in the solenoid in the
opposite directions.
3. A current is induced in a solenoid when there is relative motion between the solenoid and a
magnet.
Conclusion
1._____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2._____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

How to indicate the direction of the induced current in a straight wire ?

____________
____________

________
________

____________
____________

Flemings right-hand rule

If the thumb and the first two fingers on the right
hand are held at right angles to each other with
the first finger pointing in the direction of the
magnetic field and the thumb in the direction of
the motion, then the second finger points in the
direction of the induced current.

27

Q
Magnetic field lines

Direction of
motion

A wire PQ is moved vertically downwards

in a magnetic field.
_________________________________
[Apply Flemings right-hand rule]

How to indicate the direction of the induced current in a solenoid

Lenzs Law
The _______________
of the induced
current in a solenoid
is such that its
magnetic effect
always ____________
the change producing
it.

Relative motion between

magnet and solenoid

Polarity at the end of the

solenoid facing the magnet

Toward each other

Same polarity as the magnet

Away from each other

Opposite polarity as the

magnet

28

Magnet is moved towards the solenoid

Induced current produces a North pole to

oppose the motion of the magnet coming
towards the solenoid
Repulsion
Magnet is pushed
towards solenoid

Magnet is moved away from the solenoid

Induced current produces a South pole to attract
the magnet moving away from it

Attraction
Magnet is pushed
away from solenoid

29

Faradays Law:
The size of the induced e.m.f is
rate at which the conductor cuts through the magnetic field lines.

Number of turns on
the solenoid

to the

The magnitude of
induced current in
solenoid

Greater induced
current

30

Show the correct direction of the induced current when the magnet is moved in the direction
shown.
Galvanometer

Direction of
the movement

Galvanometer

Direction of
the movement

Galvanometer

Direction of
the movement

Galvanometer

Direction of
the movement

S
31

Applications of electromagnetic induction

Current Generator
1. Current generator functions by converting mechanical energy to electrical energy.
2. Current generator works based on electromagnetic induction and uses the Flemings Right
hand rule.
3. Current generator is divided into: direct current generator and alternate current generator.
Direct Current Generator

Permanent
Magnet

Coil of wire

Spring

Commutator
Carbon brush

reverses the connections of the coil

with the external circuit after every half
cycle, so that the current in the outside
circuit always flows in the same
direction.

32

How does a direct current generator work?

Show the direction of movement of the coil AB and CD.
Mark the direction of the induced current in the coil and the galvanometer
C

N
A

D
B

1. Coil AB moves ______________, coil CD

moves______________.
2. When the coil rotates, its sides cut
across the magnetic field lines and
induced current flows in the coil from
____________.
3. The galvanometer will deflect to
____________________.

1. The sides AB and CD are moving

_______________ to the magnetic field
and thus do not ___________ the
magnetic field lines.
2. No ________ ______________is
produced at the instant.
3. The galvanometer returns to ______mark.

33

4
B

N
D

A
D

A
C

1. As the coil continues to rotate, current

will again be induced in the coil but its
direction in now opposite to that in figure
1 which is from _______ to _______
and from _______ to _______.
2. However, the direction of the current
through the external circuit remains the
same, so the galvanometer deflects to
the _______.

1. The sides AB and CD are moving

_________________ to the magnetic
field and thus do not ______________
the magnetic field lines.
2. No ___________ ____________is
produced at the instant.
3. The galvanometer returns to _______
mark.
4. The process ________________.

34

The induced current varies from a maximum to zero, it flows in one direction only.
Hence, the induced current is called a direct current.

Induced Current
1 cycle

Angle

90

C
D

180

270

B
A

B
A

360

A
C
D

35

Alternating Current Generator

Coil
Magnet
Magnet

Bulb

Slip rings
Carbon brush
1. The two ends of the coil are connected to two slip rings which rotate with the coil.
2. Each slip ring is always in contact with the same carbon brush.

36

How does an alternating current generator work?

Show the direction of movement of the coil AB and CD.
Mark the direction of the induced current in the coil and the galvanometer.

1. Coil AB moves ______________, coil CD

moves _________________.

2. When the coil rotates, its sides cut across

the magnetic field lines and induced
current flows in the coil from ______to
_______ and from ______ to ______
(using Flemings right hand rule)
3. In the external circuits, current flows from
_______ to _______

P
Q

F
A

Q
1. The sides AB and CD are moving
_______________ to the magnetic field and
thus do not ______________ the magnetic
field lines.
2. No ____________ _______________ is
produced at the instant.

3. The galvanometer returns to _________

mark.

37

1. After the vertical position, the current

increases until it attains the maximum value
when the coil is in a horizontal position.
2. Coil CD moves ___________, coil AB
moves ____________________.

3. The direction of the induced current is from

_______ to _______ and from _______ to
_________

F
D

P
Q

Q
1. The sides AB and CD are moving
_______________ to the magnetic field
and thus do not ________the magnetic
field lines.
2. No ____________ _______________is
produced at the instant.
3. The galvanometer returns to _______
mark.
4. The process is __________________.

4. The direction of the current through the

external circuit is from the brush _______ to
__________which is reversed.

38

Induced Current
1 cycle

Angle

90

270

360
B

180

D
P
Q

P
Q

B
A
A

1. The output current that generated a.c. generator is an alternating current because the current
changes direction in the external circuit each time the coil passes the vertical position.
2. Assume the current flows from P to Q is positive and the current flows from Q to P is negative.
3. The current changes the magnitude and direction after every half rotation.

39

direct current
(d.c.)

capacitor

d.c. and a.c.

alternating
current
(a.c.)

capacitor
bulb

resistor

bulb
resistor

40

direct current

alternating current

Magnitude of current may be:

(a) constant
(b) changes with time but

Magnitude of current may be:

(a) constant
(b) changes with time and

constant direction

direction changes periodically

I (A)

Constant direction &

magnitude

I (A)

t (s)

I (A)

Constant direction but

varying magnitude

t (s)

Constant magnitude but

different direction

t (s)

I (A)

Varying magnitude and

direction

t (s)
41

I (A)
Io

A
B

D
T

-Io

2T

t (s)

The current increases from zero

to a maximum value of +Io (at A),
and back to zero at B. It then
reverses direction and increases
to -Io at C and back to zero
again.
Io = peak current,
Vo = peak voltage

1 cycle
alternating current

The time taken for a complete

cycle from O to D is called one
period, T.
V (V)
Vo

In frequency of the current is f

where f = 1/T

A
B

D
T

-Vo

2T

t (s)

Malaysia, the frequency of the

a.c supply is 50 Hz. Hence, the
period of the a.c is :
T = 1/50 = 0.02 seconds.

1 cycle
alternating voltage

42

Exercise 8.1
1.

Diagram 2 shows the structure of a simple electric generator.

Diagram 2.1
a)

What type of generator is shown in Diagram 2?

b)

Name the part labelled

c)

(i)

P : ___________________________________________

(ii)

Q : ___________________________________________

Name the physical phenomenon that is related to principle of a generator ?

43

d)

Using the axes below, sketch a graph of the voltage (V) across the the resistor against
time (t).
Voltage (V)

Time (t)

e)

State two ways that can increase the voltage produced by a generator.

f)

Draw the direction of the current in the coil at the instant shown in Diagram 2.1.

44

2. Figure shows an alternating current with a magnitude that changes with time.
I/A
5

0.08

t/s

-5

a) What is the peak current?

b) What is the period of the a.c. current?
c) What is the frequency of the a.c current?

45

8.4 Transformers
A transformer is an electrical device which increases or decreases an
based on the
Structure of a simple transformer
Laminated soft-iron core

VP

VS

Primary coil

Secondary coil

Structure of transformer
A transformer consists of two coils of wire
wound round separately on a laminated
soft-iron core.
The coil connected to the input voltage is
called the primary coil. The coil
connected to the output voltage is called
the secondary coil.

Symbol of transformer
The purpose of the common iron core is
to provide a magnetic field linkage in the
secondary coil.

46

Operating principle of a simple transformer

A transformer works on the principle of
electromagnetic induction.
When a.c voltage, Vp, is applied to the
primary coil of transformer, an
alternating current flows through the
coil.
The soft-iron core is magnetized in
one way and then the other.
The
flux linkage in the
secondary coil is
.

An alternating e.m.f is induced across

it to produce an a.c voltage, Vs in the
secondary coil and a.c current flows
through the second coil.
The frequency of the secondary voltage
Vs is the same as that of the primary
voltage, Vp.
The magnitude of the secondary voltage,
Vs, depends on the ratio of the number of
turns of the primary and secondary coils.

Why does the transformer not work with a d.c power supply?
A current is induced in the secondary coil
only when there is a changing magnetic
flux due to a changing primary current.
(changes direction and magnitude)
A d.c. power supply gives a constant
current in the primary circuit

A constant direct current whose

magnitude and direction is constant does
not create a changing magnetic flux in
the secondary coil.
Therefore electromagnetic induction does
not take place.

47

Relationship between number of turns in coils with voltage in a transformer

According to Faradays law:

Voltage number of turns in coils

VN
V kN
V
k
N

VP

NP

NS

VS

Secondary coil

Primary coil

Vp = input (primary) voltage

Vs = output (secondary) voltage
Np = number of turns in the primary coils
Ns = number of turns in the secondary coils

Step-up transformer X Step-down transformer

______________________________

______________________________

If Ns is greater than Np, then Vs is greater than Vp

If Ns is lower than Np, then Vs is lower than Vp

VP

NP

NS

VS

VP

Ns > Np , Vs > Vp

VS

VP

NP

NS

VS

VP

Ns < Np , Vs < Vp

VS

48

Relationship between output power and input power of an ideal transformer

A transformer transfers electrical power

from the primary circuit to the secondary
circuit.
The primary circuit of a transformer
receives power at a certain voltage from the
a.c power supply. The transformer delivers
this power at another voltage to an
electrical device connected to the
secondary circuit.

In an ideal transformer, there is no energy

loss during the process of transforming the
voltage.
Power supplied to = Power used in the
the primary coil
secondary coil
Input power = Output power
VpIp

A.C. power
Input power
supply

Primary circuit

Output power

VsIs

Electrical
device

Secondary circuit

Energy loses in a transformer

In a real transformer, some energy is lost in the transformer especially in the form of heat.
The output power is less than the input power.
Therefore the efficiency of the transformer is less than 100%.

49

Efficiency of a transformer

The power loss is due to

a) ______________________________________
b) ______________________________________
c) ______________________________________
d) ______________________________________

Input power
from a.c. power
supply

Useful output
power supplied
to an electrical
device
Power loss

Causes of energy loss in transformers

Ways to improve the efficiency of a

transformer

______________________________________
all coils will have resistance
heat is produced when current flows
through them

Use thick copper wires to make the coils

The resistance will reduce as the wire is thicker.

50

Causes of energy loss in transformers

Ways to improve the efficiency of a

transformer

___________________________________
Use laminated cores to reduce eddy currents
the changing magnetic field will also induces
current in the iron core
this induced current is called eddy current
cause heat to be produced in the iron cores.
Secondary
coil

Primary
coil

Laminated
core

______________________________________
of the core
the alternating current flowing through the
transformer continually magnetizes and
demagnetizes the core
work has to be done to change the
magnitude and direction of the magnetic
field in the core which

Use cores made from soft-iron as soft-iron core

can be easily magnetized and demagnetized.

51

Causes of energy loss in transformers

Ways to improve the efficiency of a

transformer

______________________________________
electrical energy is lost when a fraction of
the magnetic field produced by the primary
coil does not link with the secondary coil.

Wind the secondary coil on top of the primary

coil
Laminated soft-iron core

Input terminals
Transformer
coils

the world says, Give up, Hope

When
whispers, Try it one more time.

Output terminals

52

Exercise 8.4
1. A transformer is required to step down the
2. A step up transformer has 10 000 turns on
mains voltage of 240 V provide a 12 V
its secondary coil and 100 turns on its
supply for an electric toy. If the primary coil is
primary coil. An alternating current of 5.0 A
wound with 1 000 turns of wire, calculate the
flows in the primary coil when it is connected
number of turns required for the secondary
to a 12 V a.c supply. Calculate:
coil.
a) the input power to the transformer
b) the e.m.f induced across the secondary
coil.
c) What is the maximum current that could
flow in a circuit connected to the
secondary coil if the transformer is
100% efficient.

53

Question 3

Diagram shows three identical bulbs of 16 V, 48 W each connected in series to the secondary coil
of a transformer. The input voltage is 240 V from the mains supply.

240 V

The primary coil has 4800 turns. The three bulbs are lighted with normal brightness.
a)

What is meant by normal brightness ?

b)

What is the output voltage of the transformer ?

54

c)

Determine the number of turns of wire in the secondary coil.

d)

If the transformer is 100% efficient, calculate the current in the primary coil.

55

e)

If the transformer is 80% efficient, calculate the current in the primary coil.

f)

State two ways which causes a transformer to lose energy.

56

8.5 Generation And Transmission Of Electricity

Electricity is generated in power stations, transmitted (sent) through long-distance cables, and then
distributed to consumers.
Sources of energy used to generated electricity
Renewable energy sources : an energy resource that is continually replaced and will not run out.
Non-renewable sources: an energy resource that cannot be replaced once it has been used.
Renewable energy

Non-renewable energy

Ways of generating electricity

Electricity is produces using generators

A generator has a huge magnet that is turned by a turbine.
As the magnet turns inside a coil of wire, electricity is produced by electromagnetic induction.
Many sources of energy are used to turn these turbines.

57

Coal-fired power
station

Gas-fired power
station

Hydro-electric
Power station

Coal is burned and the heat energy is used to produce high

pressure steam.
The steam produced is used to drive the generators to produce
electricity.
The energy changes: chemical energy to heat energy to kinetic
energy to electric energy
The burning of natural gas produces high pressure steam that is
used to drive turbines.
The energy changes: chemical energy to heat energy to kinetic
energy to electric energy
A huge dam is built
across rivers to contain
water.
When the water in the
dam is allowed to flow
down to a lower level, the
kinetic energy of the
moving water is used to
drive water turbines,
which in turn drive the
generators to produce
electricity.
The energy changes:
potential energy to kinetic
energy to electric energy

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Nuclear power
station

1. Energy from nuclear fission (splitting of uranium 235 atoms) is used

to produce high pressure steam to drive turbines
2. The energy changes: nuclear energy to heat energy to kinetic
energy to electric energy

Biomass

1. Biomass includes rotting plants and agricultural wastes such as oil

palm kernels and household sewage that are used to produce
methane gas and alcohol.
2. Heat energy from the burning of biomass is used to generate
electricity

Solar

1. Solar energy originates from the sun

2. Solar cells use sun energy to generate small electrical energy to
power calculators.
3. Solar panels use sun energy to generate heat energy to heat water
at home.

Wind generator

1. High speed wind can be used to turn the blades of large windmills
which will in turn drive generators to produce electricity

Two things are infinite: the universe and human

stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.
Albert Einstein

59

The Transmission of Electricity

1. Electrical energy is transmitted from power station to the consumer using long transmission
cables or power lines.
2. Electrical energy is transmitted at a high voltage and use alternating current.
3. A step-up transformer which increases the voltage to as high as 110,000 or 132, 000 V.
4. Step-down transformers are used to decrease the voltage before being delivered to the
consumers.
5. The long tick cables used as transmission lines are made of copper or aluminium.
Energy loss in electricity transmission cables deduce the advantage of high voltage
transmission
1. The heating effect due to the resistance of the cables causes loss of electrical energy as heat
energy.
2. When a current flows in a cable, the power loss, P through heating is P = I2R where R is the
resistance of the cable.
3. The power loss can be reduced by
(a) reducing the resistance of the cables
(b) reducing the current in the cables
4. In order to reduce resistance of the cables, a thick cable is used eg copper or aluminium. But
thick cables are very expensive to install and will be too heavy to be supported securely.
5. The loss of power in the transmissions of electricity is reduced by reducing the current in the
cables.

60

The power to be transmitted by the cables is

where I = current in the cables, V = voltage of the cables.

6. This means that the current in the cables is inversely proportional to the voltage of the cables
for a certain value of power transmission.
7. When power is transmitted at lower voltage, the current in the cables is large.
8. The greater the current in the cables, the greater the
power loss.

All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

61

Exercise 8.5
1. Find the power loss in a transmission
cable when 20 kW is transmitted through
a cable of 1.5
a) at a voltage of 200 V
b) at a voltage of 10 kV.

2. Electric power is transmitted from a power

station to a town by a transmission cables
with a total resistance of 50 . If the power
station generates 8 MW of power, calculate
the power loss in the cables if power is
transmitted
(a) at 80 kV
(b) at 400 kV

62

National Grid Network

1. National Grid Network is a network system of high voltages cables which connects all the
power stations in the country to the consumers.
2. Electricity is generated at 25 kV at the power station. It is then stepped up in a transformer to
132 kV before it is sent to the grid network.
3. The purpose of increasing the voltage to 132 kV is to lower the current flowing through the grid,
and this reducing power loss during transmission.
4. The high voltage in the grid is subsequently reduced by sub station transformers for distribution
to local users.
5. Heavy industries will be supplied with power at 33 kV. Light industries will be supplied with
power at 11 kV.
6. Offices will be supplied with power at 415 V while domestic users will be supplied with power at
240 V

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If a particular station breaks

down or is shut down for
maintenance work, the other
stations can supply electrical
energy to the affected area.

The grid network also enables less efficient

stations to be shut down at off-peak period,
thereby reducing the overall cost of
generation and transmission.

Importance of the
National Grid
Network

Power stations in areas

where the demand is low
can supply electricity to
areas where the demand
is high.

3
Cost of generation of electricity is
reduced because high voltage
transmission reduces the current
flowing through the cables and
hence reduces power loss in the
cables.

Power stations can be located

outside city limits so that air and
environmental pollution can be
reduced.

64

Alternating
current, a.c
1. An alternating current is used
in the transmission of
electrical energy at a high
voltage because its voltage
can be easily increased or
decreased with transformers.
2. A transformer cannot function
with a direct current

Overhead or underground?
1. High voltage cables are the cheapest way
of sending power over long distances.
2. However, to prevent sparking, the only
effective way of insulating the cables is to
keep huge air spaces around them
3. The cable have to be suspended from
pylons.

Transmission
issues

High voltage or
low voltage?
Electrical power is transmitted at a high
voltage so that
The current in the cables is smaller
The loss of power due to heating of the
cables is minimized.

Charge leakage
between the cables and the earth
1. To prevent charge leakage, the aluminium
cables are supported by high metal pylons.
2. The metal support of the pylon is earthed so
that it is safe to workers and the public who
come into contact with them.

65

Theft

Danger of being struck by

light aircraft

Stricter laws should be enforced

to deter thieves from stealing
the aluminium cables.

Lights and special markers must be

attached to the pylons.

Transmission
issues

Cost of cables
1. Copper cables have low resistance
but are of high cost
2. Aluminium cables are usually used as
they are light, have low resistance
and cost less.

Danger of being struck by lightning

1. The pylons carry lightning conductors
that are properly fixed into the ground
2. The cables are properly fixed with
porcelain support so that the cables do
not touch the pylons.

66

Non-renewable sources of
energy such as crude oil,
coal and natural gases are
fast depleting. Alternatives
must be found to replace
such sources to ensure
continuous supply of
power in the future.

Renewable energy sources

are those which originate
from the sun or the earth
and will last as long as the
Solar System itself.

Importance of
renewable energy

P. V. Subrahmanyan
Chandrasekhar
(1910 - 1995)

From the sun: solar panels, solar cells,

biomass, wind and wave energy,
hydroelectric power
From the earth: geothermal
energy, energy from the tides.

Renewable sources
of energy do not
pollute the
environment.

Any new fact or insight that I may have found

has not seemed to me as a 'discovery' of
mine, but
. rather something that has always
been there and that I had chanced to pick up

67

Effects on the environment caused by the use of various sources to generate electricity
Energy
resource

Advantages

Disadvantages

Hydro

1. Renewable energy Water is freely

available in large quantities
2. Clean and does not pollute the
environment
3. Water stored in dams can be used
to irrigate farms
4. Dams can be used to control
floods Dams can be promoted as
recreational centre

1. Building of dams can upset the

balance of the ecosystem
2. Not suitable in areas where
natural disasters such as
earthquakes may occur
3. Not suitable in flat and dry
regions.

Oil and natural

gas

1. At present it is still available in

large quantities
2. Can be transported to the location
where it is to be used

1. Non-renewable energy
2. Discharges harmful gases that
can pollute the environment
3. High cost

Coal

1. Plenty of resources available for

up to 200 years
2. Can be transported to the location
where it is to be used

1. Non-renewable energy
2. Discharges harmful gases that
can pollute the environment

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Energy
resource

Advantages

Disadvantages

Nuclear

1. A small amount uranium can

release a large quantity of energy
2. Minimum discharge of carbon
dioxide
3. Reactor in nuclear power stations
can be used to produce useful
radioisotopes to be used in
industry, medicine and agriculture

1. High cost of building

2. Waste in the form of used fuel rods
which are very hot and highly
radioactive
3. Hot water discharged causes thermal
pollution to the environment
4. Risk of accidents which may lead to the
leakage of large amounts of radioactive
substances to the environment.

Biomass

1. Renewable energy
2. Reduces problem of disposal of
organic waste

1. Requires large storage space far from

human population if the biomass is
animal dung or sewage.

Wind

1. Renewable energy
2. Clean and does not pollute
environment

1. Requires many windmills which cover a

larger area
2. Generates high level of noise

I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks

once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick
10,000 times.
Bruce Lee

69