TOPIC: ELECTRODYNAMICS (QUESTION 9 – PAPER 1)
(GENERATORS)
Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Generators operate based on Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction.
Emf is induced as a result of change of magnetic flux linked with the coil.
Generators are classified according to the kind of current they deliver.
A generator which generates alternating current (AC) is called an Alternating
current generator (AC-generator), while a generator which generates direct
current (DC) is called a Direct current generator (DC-generator)
DIRECT CURRENT (DC) GENERATOR:
FUNCTIONS OF THE COMPONENTS OF A DC-GENERATOR
Armature: allows emf and current to be induced through it as it rotates in the
magnetic field.
Magnets: provides a magnetic field that passes through the coil
Split-rings: allows induced current to flow in one direction
: allows continuous contact with brushes so that current can be transmitted to
terminals without breaking the circuit.
Carbon brushes: maintains electrical contact with the split-rings
: conducts or takes current out of the coil
USES OF DC GENERATOR:
Bicycles dynamos to power bicycle’s light
Torches, producing light by shaking / winding the torch
Battery chargers
ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) GENERATOR
FUNCTIONS OF THE COMPONENTS OF AN AC-GENERATOR:
Armature / Coil: allows emf and current to be induced through it as it rotates
in the magnetic field.
Magnets: provides magnetic field that passes through the coil
Slip-rings: allows current to change direction every half-rotation
: allows continuous contact with the brushes so that current can be
transmitted to terminals without breaking the circuit.
Carbon brushes: maintains electrical contact with the slip rings
: conducts or takes current out of the coil.
USES OF AN AC GENERATOR:
Battery cars, to recharge the battery while the car is being driven
Power plants and diesel generators
Microphones
Household appliances
Step-up and step-down transformers
WAYS TO INCREASE THE INDUCED EMF
Increase the strength of the magnetic field
Increase the number of turns on the coil
Rotate the coil faster
N/B: generators always rotate in the same direction as the conventional
(if current is moving clockwise, the generators also rotate clockwise)
MOTORS:
Motors convert electrical energy to mechanical energy
Electrical motors operate based on the motor effect
Motor effect: a phenomenon whereby a current-carrying conductor placed in a
magnetic field experiences a magnetic force perpendicular to the current in the
conductor and magnetic field through it.
AC MOTOR
N/B: Motors always rotate in the opposite direction as the conventional
(If current is moving clockwise, the motors will rotate anti-clockwise)
The diagrams of motors they always have a battery
USES OF ELECTRIC MOTORS:
Escalators and elevators
Cars
CD players
ADVANTAGES OF AC OVER DC:
Alternating current can be stepped-down or stepped-up
It can be transferred over long distances with minimal or no loss of power
AC can be generated in much higher voltages than DC
AC generators are easier and cheaper to construct than DC generators as
they do not consist of commutator
ALTERNATING CURRENT:
Alternating current: current that changes direction periodically according to a
specified frequency
Alternating voltage: voltage that changes polarity periodically according to a
specified frequency
The root-mean-square (RMS) values for AC current and voltage
rms current: is the alternating current which produces the same amount of
energy as an equivalent direct current (DC)
rms voltage: is the AC potential difference which produces the same amount
of energy as an equivalent DC potential difference
WORKED EXAMPLES
A simplified diagram of an electric generator is shown below. When the coil is rotated
with a constant speed, an emf is induced in the coil.
1. Is this an AC or a DC generator?
Answer: DC generator.
2. Briefly explain how an emf is generated in the coil when the coil is rotated by
referring to the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Answer: An emf is induced as a result of change of magnetic flux linked with the
coil
3. Draw a sketch of the output voltage versus time for this generator. Show ONE
complete cycle.
Answer:
4. A 200 resistor is connected to a DC voltage supply as shown in diagram A. the
energy dissipated in the resistor in 10 s is 500 J.
The same resistor is now connected to an AC source (diagram B) and 500 J of
energy is also dissipated in the resistor in 10 s.
Calculate the maximum (peak) voltage of the AC source.
Answer: 𝑉 2 Δ𝑡 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑊= 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 =
𝑅 2
𝑉 2 10 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥
500 = 100 =
200 2
V = Vrms = 100 V Vmax = 141.42 V