MAGNETISM

Magnet
A magnet is a substance which has the capacity of attracting and holding the other
Substance.
e.g iron , steel , Nickel etc.
It always points in north and south directions if it is freely suspended.
Substances that can be attracted by magnet are called magnetic material. Those that cannot be attracted
by a magnet e.g. wood, copper, rubber etc are called non magnetic materials.
FERROMAGNETIC AND PARAMAGNETIC MATERIALS
Ferromagnetic materials are materials that are strongly attracted by the magnet.
e.g steel and iron.
Paramagnetic materials are materials that are slightly attracted by a magnet.
E.g. aluminium, brass, copper etc.
PROPERTIES OF MAGNETS
Magnets posses two poles north pole and South Pole
Can attract or repel substance
Unlike poles of magnet attract while like poles repel
Magnetic force of magnet is always concentrated near the pole than the center.

Magnets when freely

Suspended so that it can swing in horizontal plane always
comes to rest when its end are pointing in north south directions as shown below.

TESTING FOR POLARITY OF THE MAGNET

Suspend the magnet in air with a string so that it swings in the horizontal plane.
The magnet will align itself when its ends are pointing in the north-south direction.
So the upper end becomes the North Pole and the opposite end becomes the South Pole.
(b) Bring a known magnet close to test magnet.
When the poles repel each other, then the end is of the same polarity. vu
 LAWS OF MAGNETISM
Like poles repel and unlike poles attract.
USES OF MAGNETS.
-Used in industries to lift heavy loads
-Tapes and tape recorders use a special type of magnetic materials with very fine powder where
each particle can be magnetized.
-Used in electric motors, generators and cycle dynamos.
-They are used in telephone receivers and loud speakers.

MAGNETISATION OF A FERROMAGNETIC MATERIAL

Ways in which a magnetic can be magnetized include
(a) Electrical method
(b)Stroke method
(c)Induction method.
ELECTRICAL METHOD
This is the best method of
magnetizing a magnetic material.
A steel bar or iron bar is placed
inside a coil with so many turns (solenoid) as shown in the diagram below.

When switch s is closed so that current flows through the material for a few minutes, it becomes
magnetized.
The polarities of the magnet are determined by the direction of flow of the current i.e. when you look
clockwise direction then that end is a south pole and if it flows in anticlock wise direction, that end is a
north pole.
RIGHT HAND GRIP RULE
Grip the soft iron bar with the right hand figure, following the direction of current.
The end where the thumb points is the North Pole.

Figure 2 shows how a magnetic material can be magnetized by electrical method.

(i) Indicate the direction of current in the coil
Name the polarity P and Q
P – South pole
Q – North pole
Qn Describe how you can determine the polarity of the magnet?
Freely suspend a magnet on a thin thread in air, it will point in the north –south direction, the ride
that points in the north is the north pole and points in south is the south pole.

STROKE METHOD
In this method the metal bar is magnetized using a permanent magnet by stroking.
Using a permanent magnet over it in the same direction.
SINGLE TOUCH METHOD
Place the steel on a wooden block and hold it firmly bring a known magnet and stroke it on the steel bar
for some time as shown below.

The steel bar will be magnetized with poles as shown above, now the steel bar can attract other magnetic
materials i.e. it is magnetized.
N.B- The polarity at the end of the metal bar is always opposite to that of the stroking magnet. Therefore Q
has the South Pole and P has the North Pole

DOUBLE TOUCH
In this method two permanent magnets are used to stroke the metal bar in one direction several times.

The polarities of the metal bar are determined by the magnet stroking them. P becomes the North Pole
and Q the South Pole.
NB
When the bar magnet is stroked with the same polarities on both ends, It is said to have consequent
polarity.
For example if steel bar is magnetized by divided touch method using two north poles, it will obtain south
poles at both ends of the bar and a double north in the centre. This is referred to as consequent poles.
INDUCTION METHOD

Iron nail is placed in contact

with a permanent magnet for some time.
The magnetic material (iron nail) acquires temporary magnetism and could be seen attracting other iron
nails or small pieces of razorblades.
The part of the magnetic material in contact with the pole of the magnet is induced with opposite poles.

QN. Explain in terms of the domain theory how a steel bar gets magnetized by stroking.
Ans. When a magnet is stroked on the steel bar the magnet domain are forced to align in the direction of
the magnetic field from the magnet. They do so and remain in that direction hence the bar gets
magnetized.
Fig below shows two iron nails picked up by a magnet.
 i) Why are the nails attracted by the magnet?
The north pole of the magnet induces opposite poles on the nails such that the end close to the
North Pole becomes the South Pole. Since they are unlike poles they attract each other.

ii) What type of magnetic pole is induced at the end of the nail?
DEMAGNETISATION OF A MAGNET.
This is the method by which the magnetism of a magnet is weakened and finally destroyed.
It can be demagnetized by the following methods.
BY HAMMERING OR HITTING
When a magnet is hammered strongly, the domain is set to point in opposite directions which is not north
– south hence weakening the magnet.
By dropping the magnet on the rough surface several times (violent treatment).
By heating the magnet strongly while the poles of the magnet are facing in the anti – south direction.
i) By using alternating current.

SOFT AND HARD MAGNETIC MATERIALS

Soft magnetic materials are substances that can easily be magnetized and also lose their
magnetism easily.
E.g. iron. They are used in,
- Electric bells
- Transformer cores
- Magnetic lens relays
- Magnetic separators
HARD MAGNETIC MATERIALS
These are substances that are not magnetized easily but take long to lose their magnetism e.g. steel.
They are used in dynamos, loud speakers e.t.c.
EXPERIMENT TO DISTINGISH BETWEEN HARD AND SOFT MAGNETIC MATERIALS.
Strips of soft iron and steel of the same size both
un magnetised are placed in contact with a pole of a magnet. Both of them are magnetized by induction.
When both of them are dipped into iron filings, it is observed that more cling on iron than on steel.
Diagram:

However, if all strips are removed from a magnet and iron filings still attached, it is seen that iron loses
filings while steel maintains them.
Conclusion:
Iron is easily magnetized but does not store its magnetism, hence it is referred to as soft.
Steel is not easily magnetized but maintains its magnetism for long therefore referred to as hard.
Qn. Describe an experiment which you can use to describe the magnetic properties of iron and steel.

PROCEDURE
Collect two strips of iron and steel, side by side.
 Close the switch, the current flows and two strips become electrically magnetized.
Dip the strips in iron filings, more iron filings cling to the iron strip as compared to steel,
indicating that iron is easily magnetized.
Open switch (s) to demagnetize the strips
More iron fillings remain on the steel strip compared to the iron strip. This shows that steel is
not easily magnetized and demagnetized.
CONCLUSION
Iron is a soft magnetic material i.e. temporarily magnetized while steel is permanently
magnetized and thus hard magnetic material.
APPLICATION OF SOFT AND HARD MAGNETIC MATERIALS.

STORING MAGNETS
Magnets tend to become weaker with time due to repulsion at the poles near the end.
To prevent this bar magnets are stored in pairs with unlike poles put together and pieces of soft
iron called keepers are placed at the end as shown below.

EXPLANATION
How magnetic keepers are used to store magnets
C force is felt Magnetic keepers create a loop the of magnetic field lines which is required to keep the
strength of the magnet intact because magnetic domains are kept aligned in one direction or in closed
loop.

THE DOMAIN THEORY

A magnet is made up of small magnets lined up with their North poles pointing in the same direction.
This is illustrated when the magnet is broken into two pieces intending to separate the North Pole and the
South Pole as shown below.

No matter how many times the magnet is broken; the small pieces will still be magnets. These atomic
magnets are called magnetic di-poles.
In a magnetic substance e.g. magnetized steel bar, there are a number of magnetized regions called
domains.
Domains are a grip of atoms which are tied magnets called dipoles.
Domain theory states that in an unmagnetized substance the di-poles in all domains are not aligned, so
when the magnet is made, the domains are aligned in the same direction.
Once they are all aligned, the substance cannot be magnetized any further and it is said to be magnetically
saturated.

MAGNETIC SATURATION
Is the limit beyond which the strength of a magnet cannot be increased at constant temperature.
QN. Explain why increase in temperature destroys the magnetism of a magnet?
When a substance is heated, molecules vibrate with greater energy, these increased vibrations destroy
alignment of tiny magnets in the domain and the magnetism is decreased.
MAGNETIC FIELD PATTERNS
Magnetic field
Is the space or region around the magnet where the magnetic force is felt.
Field patterns can be mapped using 2 methods
i) Using iron filings
ii) Using a plotting compass or needle.
Using iron filings
Fix a paper over a bar magnet on a bench and sprinkle iron filings lightly over the paper
When the paper is touched gently, the iron filings line up in a particular direction showing the direction of
field lines.
Using a plotting compass.

A bar magnet is covered with a piece of paper and plotting compass which has a magnetized needle moved
over the paper.
The outline of the magnetic field is drawn using dots before moving the compass
The direction of the field is marked using dots as the compass is moved over the paper.
The dots are joined with smooth curve forming a field line as shown above.
Magnetic field pattern of
Isolated bar magnet

Two similar poles close together.

 South poles
Two different poles near each other.
i)

ii)

Neutral
N.B Neutral point- is a point in the magnetic field, where the resultant magnetic field is zero.
That is field lines cancel each other)

a) Field of a horse shoe magnet

MAGNETIC SHIELDING OR SCREENING

This is the creation of a magnetically neutral space or region in the neighborhood of the magnetic field
irrespective of the strength of the field.
All lines of force incident on the ring induce magnetism into it. These create a neutral region inside the ring
Magnetic shielding can be applied;
 In non digital watches.
 In T.V tubes and Cathode ray tubes.
 In electron beams.
They are used to shield them from external magnetic field by placing a strong iron cylinder along the neck
of the tube.
QN. Sketch the magnetic field patterns for the following magnets arranged.
Diagrams.

EARTH AS A MAGNET
A freely suspended magnetic needle points towards the north and south. This shows that the earth itself is
a huge magnet.
The south pole of which is somewhere near the geographic pole

ANGLE OF DECLINATION
This is the angle between geographic North Pole and the magnetic north.
ANGLE OF DIP
This is the angle between the horizontal surface of the earth and the direction of the earth’s magnetic
fields.
MAGNETIC MERIDIAN.
Is the vertical plane containing the magnetic axis of a freely suspended magnet at rest under the action of
the earth’s magnetic field.

EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD

This is the series of parallel lines running from geographic south to geographic north as shown below.
Earth’s magnetic field
INTERACTION OF EARTH’S FIELD WITH A BAR MAGNET

b) Bar magnet in S – N position.

FORM 1 WORK ENDS HERE.

MAGNETIC EFFECT ON AN ELECTRIC CURRENT

Any straight conductor carrying current experiences a magnetic field around it. The direction of a magnetic
field around the conductor is given by the right hand grip rule which states that imagine a conductor to be
griped in the right hand with the thumb pointing in the direction of the magnetic field.
Diag
CONSIDER CODUCTORS BELOW.
i) Straight wire carrying current
ii) Wire carrying current up wards (out of paper)

(a)
(b) Wire carrying current downwards

2) field round circular coil

3) Solenoid

4) Field lines due to parallel wires changing current in the same direction.

5) Field lines due to parallel conductor carrying current in opposite direction

 Field lines concentrate between the conductor resulting into side way repulsion.
ELECTRO MAGNETS

An electromagnet consists of a wire wound on a soft magnetic material.

ACTION
When currents pass thru the coil, a strong but temporary magnetism is induced on the soft
magnetic material. The magnetism is lost when current is switched off and gained produced
when current is switched off.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE STRENGTH OF ELECTRO MAGNET

Current in the coil
Number of turns in the coil
Nature of the material i.e soft iron.

APPLICATION OF ELECTROL MAGNETS

 Electric bell
  Telephone receiver
 Magnetic relays
 Magnetic separators
 Moving coil loud speakers.

ELECTRIC BELL

Structure consists of 2 solenoids one in opposite direction two sof core joined by a soft iron yoke connected
to the terminal of the battery and the other connected to the metal strip which supports a spring mounted
on soft iron a mature . the armature carries a light spring connected to the contact.

HOW IT WORKS
When a push switch is pressed, the current flow and the armature is attracted to the electromagnet
(the) A moving armature causes the hammer to strike the gong at the same time the circuit breaks opens
and the current is is cut of the magnetism disappears .
The armature returns to it’s original position and so closes circuit again.
The contact is now re- made and action repeated consequently the armature vibrates and the hammer
strikes the gong .
The bell continuously rings
THE TELEPHONE
It consist of a microphone at the speaking end and receiver at the receiving end .
i) Carbon microphone

OPERATION
When one speaker, sound forces the diaphragm to move backwards and forward.
……………..pressure on the carbon granules
When the pressure increases the granules are squeezed.
Together and their electrical resistance decreases. In pressure has the opposite effect.
If there is current passing thru the microphone, this too will vary in a similar way in the sound
variations.
ii) Telephone receiver.

A microphone changes sound energy into electrical energy which travels along the telephone
cable and finally into sound.
ACTION
A varying current from the microphone passes thru the coil of the electromagnet. This pulls the
diaphragm towards it by a distance which depends on the magnitude of current. As a result, the
diaphragm moves in and out and produces sound waves that are of the same copy as those
which entered the microphone.
iii)Moving coil loud speaker.

STRUCTURE.
 It consists of the cylindrical coil placed in soft iron core which is attached to a permanent
magnet.
ACTION
Varying current flows thru the terminal into the coil which is in a magnetic field . a coil
experiences a varying force which causes it and the paper cone to move to and fro . This sets
the air in contact with it into vibration hence setting up a sound wave which follows the same
pattern as the original electrical signal.

MAGNETIC RELAY (SOLENOID SWITCH)

When current flows thru a primary circuit, the soft iron rod (x) becomes an electromagnet which attracts
the armature so that it top (t) rises pushing contact B upwards.
The two contacts touch each other and this allows current flow in the circuit.
When the primary circuit is switched off , the rod (x) seizes to be an electromagnet. The armature is no
longer attracted and returns to its original position.
The top (t) gets lowered and the contact now opens current in the secondary circuit is switched off.
FORCE ON CURRENT CARRYING CONDUCTOR IN THE MAGNETIC FIELD.
When a conductor carrying current is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a mechanical force.
- The first finger points in the direction of the field.
- 2nd figure in the direction of current, the thumb will point in the direction of the force.
When the switch is on current flows through the wire in the direction indicated. The wire jumps
upwards as shown.
If their direction of current or magnetic is reversed the wire moves down wards.

EXPLANATION
The magnetic field due to the magnet is as shown below.

The field due to wire circles while the dotted lines are field lines of magnet.

The resultant field obtained of combining both fields is as shown below.

 There are more field lines above the wire since both field act in the same direction .
If we suppose field lines to be stretched elastic material, these below will try to straighten out
and in so doing will exert an upward force on the wire.
FACTORS AFFECTING MAGNITUDE OF FORCE ON A CURRENT CARRYING CONDUCTOR.

Magnitude of current through the conductor is directly proportional to:

 The force
 Field strength of the magnet
 The length of the conductor.
N.B – The effect of the magnetic field on a current carrying conductor is referred to as motor effect.
APPLICATION OF THE MOTOR EFFECT
 Simple d.c motor
 Moving coil galvanometer
 Moving coil loud speaker.
SIMPLE D.C MOTOR
This transfers electrical energy into mechanical energy.
STRUCTURE

It consists of a rectangular coil of wire placed between pieces of strong magnet, whose end connected to
the [Link] coil is free to rotate in uniform field .
MODE OF OPERATION
When current is passed thru the coil, equal opposite forces are exerted on the coil causing it to rotate.
When the coil reaches the vertical position, the brushes B and B2 loose contact with the commutators C1
and C2 hence the current is cut off.
The momentum of the coil however carries it beyond the vertical and the commutators halves reverse
connect and the coil continues to rotate in the same direction.
The strength of a motor is increased by increase in the number of turns of the coil .
Increase in the number of turns of the coil.
Increase in the amount of current.
Increase in the strength of the magnet.
Winding the coil on a soft iron armature.

MOVING COIL GALVANOMETER.

STRUCTURE
Consist of a fine insulated copper wire wound on a soft iron or light aluminium frame.
The frame is pivoted on jeweled bearings.
The coil is connected to the pointer which moves over the scale when it turns.

OPERATION
A current to be measured is let in and out thru the hair springs S1 and S2 .
Th e vertical side of the coil experience equal and opposite for which constitute a couple.
The couple then turn the coil until the tortional couple (of S1 and S2 ) balance with the torque due to the
magnetic field
The position of a coil is then the measure of current.
NB
A coil put is put in soft iron cylinder which concentrates the magnetic flux radially in the annular space .
For this reason, the magnetic flux density is constant and is in the plane of the coil hence force on the
sides of the coil will be proportional to current.
The sensitivity of the galvanometer can be increased by
Increase in the number of turns of coil.
Using a stronger magnet with a high magnetic flux
Using a coil of larger
CONVERSION OF GALVANOMETER INTO AMMETER.
An ammeter is always placed in series with a resistor in a circuit on other circuit components thru which
the current is to be measured.
An ammeter therefore should have very little resistance as compared to the circuit
The method involves short circuiting the resistor of resistance Rs (shunt) connected across the
galvanometer.

I – current to be measured
Rg – resistance of galvanometer
Rs – Shunt resistance
Ig – current thru galvanometer
Considering full scale deflection ( f.s.d) current I = Ist Ig
Since Rg is parallel to Rs, then Vg = Vs
Applying ohms law Ig Rg = Is Rs
Example
A galvanometer has a resistance of 20 ohms and gives the f.s.d of 200m
What is the voltage a cross the galvanometer
What resistance (shunt) must be connected across the galvanometer for it to read 10 A
Voltage a cross G, Vg = Vg Ig Rg

= 4V
Is = ( 10 – 0.2) = 9.8A
Vg = Vs = IsRs
4 = 9.8 Rs

Rs =

Rs = 0.41 Ω
A galvanometer of resistance 10Ω reads 50A at f.s.d. what resistance must be connected across the
galvanometer to be converted to an ammeter in order to read 4A
CONVERSION OF GALVANOMETER TO VOLTMETER
This is done by connecting a resistor of high resistance series with the galvanometer. This resistor is called
a multiplier

Suppose that a full scale deflection

Ig – maximum current through G
V – p.d across the voltmeter
Vg – p.d a cross galvanometer
Vm – p.d across multiplier
V = ImRm + Ig Rg
But in series current is constant.
Ig = Im
Then V = Ig (Rm + Rg)

EXAMPLES
A galvanometer of resistance 12Ω reads 200mA at f.s.d . what resistance must be connected in series with
it in order to read 8N.
Vg = IgRg total p.d Vm + Vg
= 0.2 X 12 8 = Vm + 2.4
= 2.4v Vm = (8- 2.4)
= 5.6V

But Vm = Im Rm since Im = Ig (series connection)

= 0.2Rm

Rm =

= 28Ω.
A current of 0.2Apasses through the galvanomer of resistance 20Ω. What resistance must be connected in
series with G to convert it to voltmeter in order toread 10Vat f.s.d.
p.d.v =
10 = IRm + IRg
10 = I(Rm+ Rg)
10 = 0.2(Rm+ 20)

= = Rm + 20
 = 50 – 20
= 30Ω
N.B – the sensitivity of the galvanometer can be increased by
i) use of very weak hair in springs
ii) use of a strong magnetic field provided by the strong magnet.
Use a coil of many turns
Use a coil of large area.
The hair springs
Control the rotation of the coil .
Set the pointer to zero when no current is flowing.
They form an inlet and outlet of current.

ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
This deals with generation of electric current by means of magnetic fields. Whenever there is a change field
lines of a force
In a conductor, an e.m.f is set up at the end of the conductor which lasts for as long as the change is taking
place.

FARADAY’S EXPERIMANT.
The end of the coil where connected to a sensitive galvanometer .
He then moved a magnet into the coil, the galvanometer deflected showing that current had been induced
in the coil.
On removal of the magnet from the coil, the galvanometer gave other reflection in opposite directions.
When the bar magnet was held stationary, the galvanometer pointer was set zero position.
CONCLUSION .
The direction of induced e.m.f depends on the direction od mtion of the magnet.
The magnitude of induced e.m.f depends on
Speed of motion of the magnet.
Number of turns of the coil.
NB. The direction of induced e.m.f Is showed by fleming’s right hand rule.

LAWS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION

Faraday’s law
It states that whenever there is a change in magnetic flux, linked with a circuit, an e.m.f is induced the
strength of which is directly proportional to the rate of change of flux linked with a circuit or coil.
Lenz’s law
It states that the direction of induced e.m.f is such that the effect of any current it produces opposes the
change causing it.

FLEMINGS RIGHT HAND RULE.

If the thumb, the 1st figure and the 2nd figure of the right hand are held at right angle to each other so
that the 1st figure points in the direction of motion . then the second figure points in the direction of the
induced current.

APPLICATION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION

STRUCTURE
A simple A.C generator consists of a rectangular
ar coil mounted between pieces of a strong magnet and free to rotate with a uniform speed . the end of
the coil are connected to the copper slip rings S1 and S2 which press against the carbon brushes B1and B2

MODE OF OPERATION
As the coil is rotated in the magnetic field, the field linking it changes and an induced current flows in the
coil.
The induced current is led away by means of slip rings and appears across the load resistor R.
When AB is moving upwards induced current is positive. After half a revolution AB is moving downwards
and thud the current reverses .
Since sides A,B, and C,D are connected to specific rings when the

D.C GENERATOR (DYNAMO)

STRUCTURE.
Consists of a rectangular coil which is rotated between pole pieces af a strong magnet.
The end of the coil are connected to commutators, the two halves of which are insulated from each other
and joined to the end of the coil.

MODE OF OPERATION
As the coil rotates in the magnetic field , the filed linking in changes and induced current flows in the coil.
The brushes are arranged so that the change over the contact from one commutator to another occurs
when the coil is vertical.
In this position, the e.m.f induced in the coil reverses and so one brush always positive and other negative,
thus always flows in the external circuit.

MODIFICATION OF AC TO DC
In order to convert ac generator to DC, the end of the coil are connected to commutators instead of slip or
rings .

ADVANTAGES OF AC OVER D.C

There is little or no power losses
A.C can easily and cheaply be stepped up and stepped down .
Frequency of the supply can be precisely controlled
Thinner cables can be used since voltage can be stepped up and down

MUTUAL INDUCTION
This is the generation of an e.m.f in one coil due to change in current in nearby coil.
Diag

When the switch s is closed, an electric current flow thru the primary coil, this build up a magnetic flux thru
the iron core to the secondary. The galvanometer given a momentary deflection.
The principal is employed in transformers.

TRANSFORMERS
A transformer is a device which transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another by electromagnetic
induction .
It alters a.c voltage from high to low or low to high . it consists of two coils (primary and secondary) and on
a soft iron core made up of insulated sheet of iron wire.

When an alternating p.d is applied to the primary , the resultant current produces a large alternating
magnetic flux which links the secondary and induces an e.m.f in it.
The value of this e.m.f depends on the number of turns on the secondary coil. So to step up the e.m.f the
secondary turns should be greater than the primary turns.

So =

= =

And efficiency of transformer is given by

Efficiency = x100%

=
EXAMPLE
A transformer steps down a voltage from 240V to12V for a radio . if the primary windings are 300tonnes ,
how many turns on the secondary windings.

= =

= =

Ns =

= 15 turns
A transformer is connected to a 240V supply to produce at 100v to heating coil it 10% of energy is
dissipated in the diagram it self. Calculate the current in the primary windings .
Vp = 240v Is = 12A
IP =? Vs = 100v
Efficiency = 90%

∫=
90 =

Ip =

= 0.056A

ENERGY LOSSES IN TRANSFORMERS

CAUSES.
Heat loss due to resistance in the windings.
Heat loss due eddy current.
Hysteresis loss (magnetic reversal)
This is due to repeated magnetization and demagnetization of the core i.e when the alignment of the
magnetic domains reverse.
FLUX,LEAKAGE:
[Link] due to the primary may not all link to the secondary if the core is poorly designed or has gaps
in it i.e in prfect leakage between the primary and secondary cells.
WAYS OF MINIMISING POWER LOSSES.
Using a copper wire of low resistance i.e using thick wires.
Laminating on iron core to reduce eddy currents.
Using a magnetically soft material.
Winding the secondary coil on the same core as the primary (this solves the problem of flux leakage).
TRANSMISSION OF ELECTRIC POWER
Electrical power is transmitted using a grid system. This is the network of cables supported on pylons which
connect power stations to the consumers.
WHY A.C IS USED IN POWER TRANSITION
A.C by use of transformers can be used to step up the voltage by transmission and also they reduce it (step
down) at the end of the power line.
NB; Power is lost when its being transmitted due to heating effect. Power loss in heating cable is given by
I2R but power carried = Iv.
WHY HIGH VOLTAGE IS USED
Power is transmitted at high voltage as this reduces energy loss in [Link] is transmitted at high
voltage and low current because the heating effect depends on the square of current and the loss as heat
is reduced by using high voltage.
Low current means that the wires don’t have to be so thick and the cost of supporting low wires is
reduced.
Qn. An electric power generator produces 24kw at 240V a.c main. The voltage is stepped up to [Link]
transmission in the factory where its stepped down [Link] total resistance of the transmission wires is
0.5 ohms.
What is the ratio of the number of turns in the primary to the number of turns in secondary to in a step
down transformer?
Find the power lost in transmission lines assuming both transformers are 100% efficient.
What power would have been lost in the transmission lines if the same electric power had been
transmitted directly to the factory which use of transformer.