D.C.

Circuits

Circuit Components

1
Current in a series circuit

Current in a series circuit is the ___________ throughout.

Potential difference in a series circuit

In a series circuit, the ______ of the potential difference across each component is equal to the potential
difference across the ____________ circuit ( = emf of the source).

i.e. Vε = V1 + V2 = ε

Resistance

V
R=
I

Total resistance in series:

Example 1

a) What is the total resistance in the circuit shown above?

b) What are the readings shown on ammeters A1 and A2?

c) What is the p.d. across each resistor?

2
Current in a parallel circuit

I = I1 + I2

Potential difference in a parallel circuit

Potential difference across components in parallel is equal

Vε = V1= V2 = ε

Total resistance in parallel

Example 2

a) Find the currents I1, I2, I3

b) What is the voltage or potential difference across the 10 Ω and 20 Ω

resistors?

c) Calculate the effective resistance of the 10Ω and 20Ω resistors.

3
Find the effective resistance of each of the following:

a) (b)

(c)

Example 3

Find I1, I2 and R

Potential Difference in terms of energy

4
Example 4
Determine the reading on V1, V2 and A.

Example 5

The circuit shows a light bulb connected to 3 resistors and a 12 V source. Initially, all the switches are
opened.

Fig 7

(a) S1 is opened and S2 and S3 are closed.

(i) Calculate the total resistance between points P and Q.

(ii) The ammeter registers a reading of 0.3 A. Calculate the resistance of the light bulb.

(iii) The lamp is switched on for 2 minutes. Calculate the amount of energy consumed by the
lamp.

(b) S1, S2 and S3 are now closed. Describe and explain how the brightness of the lamp has changed
as compared to (a).

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………

(c) The 8Ω resistor is a cylindrical wire of length L and radius R made from a certain type of material. It
is replaced by another resistor of the same type but with 3 times the length and twice the radius.
Calculate its resistance.

5
 Chapter 4 Notes
Mass, Weight
and Density
_____

Mass
 The mass of a body is the amount of substance in the body
 Inertia: the ability to resist a change from its state of rest or motion is
called inertia. The inertia of a body depends on its mass.

Weight
 The weight (force) of a body is the pull of gravity on the body due to
gravitational attraction (acceleration)
 Hence F = ma becomes W = mg

W = mg where W = weight

m = mass

g = gravity

Gravitational Field Strength, g

 Defined as gravitational force per unit mass
 Varies from place to place

Difference between Mass and Weight

Mass Weight
Definition the amount of The gravitational pull
substance in a body acting on a body
Dependent on No Yes
location? The weight is same on The weight is different
the Moon as on Earth on the Moon from Earth
Measured using? A beam balance A spring balance
Unit Kilogram Newton
 Chapter 4: Mass, Weight and Density

Density
 The density of a substance is defined as its mass
per unit volume.
 Density = Mass/Volume
 SI unit: kg m-3

2
Variable potential divider (voltage divider or potentiometer)

• It is a circuit with resistors arranged in series.

• With it, we can divide a main voltage into two or more voltages.

Uses: e.g. street lamps, burglar alarms, thermostats

Type I (2 fixed resistors)

Question 1

Calculate Vout.

Type II (Replace one of the fixed resistors with a variable resistor)

Question 2

The circuit shows a 9 V battery connected in series with a variable resistor R 1 and a 50  resistor R2. The
resistance of the variable resistor R1 can vary from 0 to 100 . What are the maximum and minimum output
voltages?

6
Type III (Replacing the two resistors with a potentiometer)

• The position of sliding contact C determines the ratio of the resistance since R  l for a fixed cross-
sectional area.

• To obtain a larger output voltage, the slider contact C is moved towards _________.

Question 3

A 6 V battery of negligible internal resistance is connected to a potentiometer with a maximum resistance of

100 Ω. Calculate the output voltage Vout when the slider contact is at

(a) A,

(b) the midpoint between A and B.

(c) B.

Type IV (Replacing one of the resistors with a input transducer)

Transducers – Electrical or electronic devices that convert energy from one form to another.

 They respond to physical quantities like light and temperature.

 Input transducers – convert non electrical energy to electrical energy

e.g. microphones, thermistors, light dependent resistors, photocells, thermocouples, pressure sensors and
stress sensors

 Output transducers – convert electrical energy to other forms of energy

e.g. loudspeakers, lamps, LEDs, voltmeters and ammeters

7
NTC (negative temperature coefficient) Thermistor:

 Hot (more mobile electrons) – resistance decreases

 Cool (fewer mobile electrons) – resistance increases

e.g. air conditioner connected to Vout

When temperature increases > preset temperature RTH drops  VTH drops  Vout increases  Vout
switches on cooling unit in the air conditioner which lowers temperature.

LDR (light dependent resistor):

 Brightness increases (more mobile electrons) – resistance decreases;

 When brightness decreases (fewer mobile electrons) – resistance increases

e.g burglar alarm

Burglar shines a light on safe which has a LDR RLDR decreases VLDR decreases  Vout increases –
alarm activated

Question 4

A negative temperature coefficient thermistor is used in the following circuit to make a temperature
sensor.

Explain how the circuit works.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8
Question 5

Fig 5.1 shows a circuit whose output potential difference, VAIR varies with the surrounding air temperature.
Fig 5.2 shows how the resistance of the air temperature sensor varies with temperature.

Fig 5.1 Fig 5.2

(a) Name the input transducer that can be used as an air temperature sensor.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

(b) Show that at a temperature of 20˚C, the potential difference across the air temperature sensor, VAIR
is 4.0 V.

(c) Calculate the current in the circuit when the air temperature is 20˚C. Express your answer in units of
mA.

(d) How much power is dissipated in the 1000 Ω resistor when the air temperature is 20˚C?

(P = I2R)

Question 6

A student wants to provide lighting for a model house which she has made. She needs 3.0 V for her lamps
but only has a 9.0 V battery, so she uses a linear resistor AB in the circuit below. The linear resistor is made
from a high resistance uniform conductor.

Fig 7

(a) What is the name of the device AB when used in this manner?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

(b) State the voltmeter reading when the sliding contact is at:

(i) A ……………………………...…. (ii) B ………………………………………

9
 (c) Indicate on Fig 7 with the letter X to show where the sliding contact should be positioned such that
the voltmeter reading is 3.0 V..

(d) The student replaces the voltmeter with a 3.0 V lamp but the lamp does not light. Explain why the
lamp does not light.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………….

Difference between a rheostat and potential divider

A rheostat uses only two terminals of a variable resistor while a potential divider uses all three terminals

Rheostat

Potential divider

This means that when in use, the current in the lamp connected to a rheostat will never drop to 0 A while the
current in the lamp connected using a potentiometer circuit can be reduced to 0 A. (Why?)

10
 C19 Practical Electricity

Learning objectives

(a) Heating effect of electricity

By Conservation Of Energy

• Electrical energy à Thermal energy (kettles, ovens and heaters)

• Electrical energy àThermal energy of filament à light (filament glows)

(b) Calculating amount of electrical energy used

Recall: V= I=

Combine the equations W=

Substitute V = IR

Substitute I = V/R

Power = Rate at which work is done (amount of electrical energy used per second)

Unit: J/s or Watt (W)

P= P= P=

1
Joule and kilowatt-hour

Calculate the amount of work done (in Joules) by a 1000 W appliance in 1.0 hour

W = P ´ t = 1000 W ´ 1 hour ´ 60 min ´ 60 s = 3600000 J

A simpler unit, the kilowatt-hour is used to replace Joules

W = P ´ t = 1.0 kW ´ 1.0 hour = 1.0 kWh

Therefore 1.0 kWh is equivalent to 3600000 J

Question 1

A 1.5 kW electrical heater is used to heat a large container of water for 2.0 hours. Calculate the amount of
electrical energy used by the heater in (a) J, (b) kWh.

(c) Cost of electricity = Energy (kWh) x unit cost

Question 2

If Singapore Power charges 26 cents for each kWh of electrical energy used, calculate the total cost of using
a 3.0 kW electrical kettle for 20 minutes and a 100 W filament bulb for 5.0 hours.

Question 3

(a) A 240 V mains power supply delivers a current of 9.0 A through an air-conditioner. Find the power
supplied in watts.

(b) An air-conditioner is used for 1.5 hours each day. Using the answer in (a), given that the electricity tariff
is $0.26 per kWh, calculate the cost of using the air-conditioner in a month (30 days).

Question 4

An electric iron with a heating element of resistance 60 Ω is connected to the 240 V mains. Calculate

(a) the electrical power produced in the heating element, and

(b) the amount of electrical energy consumed when operating the iron for 20 minutes.

2
Question 5

A filament lamp, rated as 60 W, 240 V, is connected to a 240 V power supply. Find

(a) the current flowing through the lamp,

(b) the resistance of the filament, and

(c) the energy produced by the lamp when it is switched on for 8 hours.

(d) Dangers of electricity

(1) Damaged insulation
a. Insulating materials become __________ with time and use.
b. Bending and twisting of electrical cables may cause the electrical insulation to crack and break,
thus __________ the conducting wires inside.
c. An __________ live wire can cause severe electric shock (high current and voltage) to the user
when touched, leading to serious injuries or even death.
(2) Overheating of cables
v ______________ of cables occurs when an unusually _________ current flows through the
conducting wires.
v A ___________wire has a higher resistance compared to a thick wire. Therefore, it will produce
more __________________ that will damage the insulation and may cause a fire.

(3) Damp conditions

d. For example, if a hair dryer connected to the main power falls into a bathtub while a person is
bathing, the person may get electrocuted as water is an electrical conductor.
e. The water provides a __________________________ for a large current to flow.

3
Household wiring

Electrical supply to households (240 V ac 50 Hz)

(e) Safety features

(1) Consumer unit circuit breakers

These are safety devices that can ________________ the electrical supply when there is ____________
current in the circuit.

v Two circuit breakers that can be found near the front door of a house:
(a) The Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB)
(b) The Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB – no longer in use) or the Residual Current Detector (RCD)

v The MCB prevents excessive current flow through the circuit by tripping or breaking it.
v The RCD detects small current leakages from the live wire to the earth wire. When this happens, the
current in the live wire will be greater than the neutral wire, causing the RCD to ‘trip’.

4
(2) Fuses
v A fuse is a safety device included in an electrical circuit to prevent excessive current flow.
v It consists of a short thin piece of wire, which becomes hot and melts when the current flowing
through it is greater than its rated value.
v Fuses should have a current rating just slightly higher than the current an electrical appliance will
use. For example a 5 A fuse is used for a lighting circuit that uses 4 A.
v A fuse should be connected to the live wire so that the appliance will not remain live after the
fuse has melted due to a current surge.
v Before you change a fuse, always switch off the mains power supply.

Symbol for a fuse

Question 6
A hot water heater is rated 2880 W, 240 V. Calculate the operating current and suggest a suitable rating for
a fuse to protect the heater from overheating.

(f) Earthing

v The earth wire (green and yellow) is a low-resistance wire and is usually connected to the
metal casing of the appliance.
v Earthing prevents users from getting an electric shock if the live wire is not properly connected and
touches the metal casing of the appliance.

(g) Double insulation

v This is a safety feature in an electrical appliance that can replace the earth wire.
v Devices that have double insulation normally use a 2-pin plug as only live and neutral wires are
required.
v The inner layer (functional insulation) is made of a material that is both an electrical and thermal
insulator.
v The outer layer (protective insulation) normally forms part of the case of the appliance.

5
h. Live, Neutral and Earth wires

Under normal operating conditions, the voltage of each of the wires is as follows:

Live wire – ____________________

Neutral wire – _________________

Earth wire – __________________

i. 3 pin plug

• A fused plug is used to connect appliances to the mains supply via the power socket.

6
 • Inside the plug, there is a cartridge fuse that blows and breaks the circuit when excessive current
flows in the appliance.
• Potential of live wire is always high (240 V).
• Potential of neutral wire is always zero (grounded).
• Current through live and neutral wire is always the same when appliance is working normally.
• The Earth wire connects the metal casing of the appliance to the ground. It protects the user from
an electric shock when there is a short circuit.
• You will need to remember the colours and names of the 3 wires.

j. Position of switches, fuses and circuit breakers – always wired into the live conductor.

L L

N
N

A fault in the appliance leads to a short circuit causing the current to increase. This melts the fuse and opens
the circuit and the appliance stops working. (in the case of a circuit breaker, it trips and opens the circuit)

What will happen, however, if the fuse or circuit breaker is connected to the neutral wire?

If the fuse is in the neutral wire, the current stops if there is a fault in the appliance. But the appliance is still
connected to the live wire so if you are to touch the appliance now, current will flow through your body
instead. You will get an electric shock which could be fatal. The fuse must be in the live wire so that it
isolates the appliance from the high voltage mains in the event of a fault.

Position of the switch in a circuit

7
 Chapter 22 Electromagnetic Induction

(a) Faraday’s experiments and electromagnetic induction

 The galvanometer needle deflects in one direction when the N pole moves towards the
solenoid
 The galvanometer needle deflects in the opposite direction when the N pole moves away
 This shows that an emf is induced across the solenoid when there is relative movement
between a conductor and a magnetic field
 When the magnet is stationary relative to the solenoid, no emf is produced and the
galvanometer needle shows no deflection

1
Conclusions
1 Changing magnetic field induces (gives rise to) an emf in a circuit

 A change in the magnetic field lines linking or ‘cutting’ the coil results in an emf being induced
across the ends of the coil (or an induced current flows in the coil)
 The magnetic field lines (magnetic flux) linking the turns in the coil increases from 0 to a maximum
value or decrease from a maximum to 0.
 As the rate of magnetic flux linkage increases, the magnitude of the emf increases. Once the
flux linkage reaches a maximum value and stops increasing, the induced emf decreases to zero.
The reverse is also true. If the flux linkage decreases at an increasing rate, the magnitude of the
emf also increases.

 Faraday’s law states that the magnitude of the induced emf across the ends of the wire is directly
proportional to the rate at which the magnetic lines of force cuts the wire (rate at which magnetic flux
linking the wire changes)

2
2 Lenz’s Law: The direction of the induced emf is such that it always opposes the change that
caused it

Determine the polarity of X in each example and the direction of the induced current (Right hand grip
rule)

3 The induced emf can be increased by moving the magnet more quickly or increasing the number of
turns per unit length on the coil

Fleming’s Right hand dynamo (generator) rule

When a force acts on a conductor causing it

to move in a direction which is
perpendicular to a magnetic field, an
induced current or emf is produced.

Lenz’s law: Law of conservation of energy

 When the conductor moves through a magnetic field, an emf is induced in the conductor which results in
a current flow. (Use Fleming’s right hand rule to determine direction of induced current)

 A second magnetic field associated with this induced current will also be induced.

 The interaction between this second magnetic field and the original magnetic field produces a force on
the conductor. (use Fleming’s left hand rule to determine direction of force)

3
 By the law of conservation of energy, the direction of this induced force must be opposite to the motion
of the conductor. (otherwise the conductor would move forever which goes against the law that energy
cannot be created)

Question 1
A straight length of copper wire lies horizontally between the poles of a U shaped magnet. The figure shows
the two ends of the wire connected to a very sensitive, centre-zero ammeter.

The copper wire is moved upwards slowly between the two magnetic poles. The needle on the ammeter
deflects to the right.
(a) Explain why the needle on the ammeter deflects.

(b) The wire is moved downwards very quickly between the two magnetic poles. State what happens to
the needle on the ammeter.

(c) State what happens to the needle on the ammeter when the copper wire is moved horizontally
between the two poles.

Question 2

In the figure shown, a short bar magnet passes through a long solenoid. A galvanometer is connected
across the solenoid. A graph of the angle of deflection is plotted against time and the result is shown. Using
the principles of electromagnetic induction, explain the shape of the graph, focusing on the three regions
labelled.

4
1  As the north pole of the bar magnet enters the solenoid, there is a change in the number of
magnetic field lines linking the solenoid (magnetic flux linkage in the solenoid changes).
 The change in the magnetic flux linking the coils of the solenoid results in an induced emf in the
circuit.
 Faraday’s law states that the magnitude of the induced emf is proportional to the rate at which
the magnetic flux linkage changes. This emf drives an induced current through the closed circuit.
 The induced current produces a galvanometer needle deflection θ.
 By Lenz’ law, the induced current creates a north pole at the right end of the solenoid to oppose
the incoming north pole. Thus the galvanometer needle is deflected momentarily to one side.

2 At the instant when the bar magnet travels past the mid length point of the solenoid, there is no change
in the magnetic linking the solenoid. (magnetic flux linkage is maximum, hence rate of change is now
zero)
There is no induced emf and hence no induced current to cause a deflection in the galvanometer.

3 As the south pole of the magnet exits the solenoid, there is again a change in the magnetic flux linking
the solenoid (decrease in flux linkage)
By Lenz’s law, the induced current creates a north pole at the left end of the solenoid to oppose the
outgoing south pole. Thus the galvanometer needle deflects momentarily in the opposite direction.

Question 3
A metal cylinder and a cylindrical magnet of the same weight are released from the top of a hollow copper
tube.

An induced emf is produced in the copper tube when the magnet

falls through it.
(a) Sketch a graph to show how the induced emf in the copper
tube varies with time.
(b) Explain why the magnet takes a longer time to reach the
bottom of the tube compared to the metal cylinder.

As the magnet falls through the copper pipe, its magnetic field linking the copper tube changes, inducing a
current in the pipe. By Lenz’s law, the induced current flows in a direction which opposes the change causing
it. The induced current causes a repulsive force to act on the falling magnet which slows it down. The metal
cylinder does not experience any magnetic force therefore it does not slow down.

5
Question 4

Why does the light aluminium ring move away as the magnet is moved
towards it?

(b) Structure of an AC Generator

Rotating coil generator (O level syllabus)

Slip rings – Ensures that the alternating output voltage of the rotating coil is transferred to an external circuit
(If a split ring commutator is used, it reverses the direction of the output emf to the external circuit every half
cycle such that a DC output is obtained)

(c) Graph of voltage against time for a simple a.c. generator

How does the magnetic flux linkage vary with time?

6
DC Generator output (not in syllabus)

Question 5

(a) Deduce the direction of the induced current in each of the coils from the point of view of an observer
in front of the slip ring (clockwise, anticlockwise or zero current)
(b) State if the magnetic flux linkage and induced emf in each of the positions is maximum or zero.

Position Direction of induced current Magnetic flux linkage Size of induced current
(clockwise/anticlockwise/zero) (maximum or (maximum or
minimum) minimum)
A
B
C
D
E

7
Question 6
The figure shows the current produced by two different generators.

(a) Compare these graphs in terms of magnitude

of current and frequency.
(b) Explain, in terms of possible structural
differences between the two generators, why
these graphs are different.

(d) Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO)

Y gain (Volts/division on the y-axis)

• Determines height of trace

Time base (milliseconds/division on the x-axis)

• Varying voltage connected to X-deflection plates.
• Causes one plate to become steadily more positive so that the electron beam moves at constant
speed across the screen

Time base frequency (Hz)

• Number of times the spot travels across the screen from left to right in one second
• e.g. timebase frequency 25 Hz  spot sweeps across the screen 25 times in 1 second

Given that the input voltage has a frequency of 50 Hz – in one second, the direction of the voltage alternates
50 times.
If the time base frequency is 25 Hz – in one second, the electron beam sweeps across the screen 25 times.

The number of complete waves that will be observed on the CRO screen is 50/25 = 2

8
Question 7
The figure below shows the structure of a simple alternating current (a.c.) generator.

(a) On the figure, label (i) the coil of the generator with the letter C, (ii) a slip ring with the letter S, (iii) a
carbon brush with the letter B.
(b) The a.c. generator is operating and the arrows on the figure show the direction of rotation. Explain
why there is an electromotive force between the two output terminals.
(c) The output terminals of the a.c. generator are connected to a cathode-ray oscilloscope. (c.r.o.) The
figure below shows the trace on the screen of the c.r.o.

Describe how the trace and a setting on the c.r.o. are used to find the time for one revolution of the coil of the
a.c. generator. You may draw on the figure.

Compare the difference in the functions of the parts in a DC motor and an AC generator

Part of motor Function in motor Function in generator

Armature Rotates to convert electrical energy into Rotates to transfer kinetic energy to
kinetic energy electrical energy
Magnets Provide field for interaction with a second Provide field to induce current in
field induced by current to produce a force rotating coil
and hence a turning effect on the coil
Coil Carries supply current Movement of coil in magnetic field
induces current
 Commutator in DC Changes direction of supply current every Provide electrical contact between
motor half rotation so moment produced is in a rotating coil and the external circuit
 Slip ring in AC constant direction and to allow for a.c. production
generator
Brush Provide electrical connection for supply Provide electrical connection for output
current to coil current

9
(f) Simple iron-cored transformer

 The alternating voltage in the primary coil (Vp) causes an alternating magnetic field to be set up in the soft
iron core.
 The alternating magnetic field lines in the iron core cut/link the secondary coil causing an emf (Vs) to be
induced in the secondary coil.
 The frequency of the induced emf in the secondary is the same as the frequency of the a.c. in the primary
coil.

𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑠

=
𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑠

𝑉𝑠 𝑁𝑠
=
𝑉𝑝 𝑁𝑝

(g) Power transfer in an ideal transformer

Pin = Pout
IpVp = IsVs

To reduce losses in a transformer

Type of loss Method to reduce loss

Heating losses in copper wire Thick copper wires with low resistance
Heating losses due to eddy currents in iron core Laminated iron core reduces eddy currents
(changing magnetic field induces current in core, current
will in turn produce heat)
Incomplete linkage of magnetic field lines between Wind secondary coil on top of primary coil
primary and secondary coil
Energy used in magnetising iron core and reversing this Iron core is made of soft iron which is easily
magnetisation when current reverses magnetised and demagnetised

10
(h) Energy losses in transmission cables

 Current in the transmission line is always the same but the voltage drops along the wire as power is
lost in the form of heat so that Vout is less than Vin.
 Power loss is given by I2R where R is the resistance of the wire in the transmission line.
 High transmission voltage keeps the current in the wires low
 Resistance is kept low by using thick wires with a large cross sectional area

Question 8
The diagram shows two solenoids connected in series. A bar magnet, P, is dropped through the left coil, X.

dropping
magnet, P N
suspended
S magnet, Q

left coil X right coil

Y

11
(a) Describe and explain what happens to the suspended magnet, Q when the north pole of the
falling magnet, P, approaches the top of the left coil, X. [4]

(b) A transformer in Fig. Q has a primary coil of 400 turns of insulated copper wire and a
secondary coil of 5 turns of thick-walled copper tubing.

Fig. Q

The primary coil is connected to the 240 V a.c. mains and a nail is connected across the
secondary terminals.
When the switch S is closed, the nail glows.
(i) Calculate the potential difference across the ends of the nails. [1]

(ii) Explain why the nail glows. [1]

(iii) Explain why an a.c. source is used in the primary coil of the transformer. [2]

(iv) If the soft-iron core is removed before the switch is closed, the nail remains quite cool.
Explain this observation. [2]

Transmission through the grid system

12
Other uses of induced emf

Metal detector

Induction cooker

Rotating magnet generator (not in O level syllabus)

13
3 (a) As the N pole of P approaches the coil, an emf is induced in the coil due to change in magnetic flux
linking its coils. This causes a magnetic field to be set up in coil X. By Lenz’s law, the polarity of the
end facing the approaching N pole becomes an N pole while the end of coil Y facing the S pole of coil
Q is an induced N pole. Therefore, Q will be repelled by coil Y since like poles repel.
(b) (i) Turns ratio = 400: 5 = 80: 1
Secondary emf = 240 ÷ 80 = 3 V
(ii) When voltage is stepped down, current increases. The high current through the nail causes it to heat
up and glow.
(iii) An ac is needed to ensure that the magnetic flux linking the coils change continuously so that a
continuous emf can be induced in the secondary coil
(iv) The induced emf is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux and the iron core’s purpose is
to increase the magnetic field strength, therefore if it is removed, the rate of flux change is reduced
and the magnitude of the induced emf and current decreases hence the iron nail remains cool.

14
Question 7

An electrical safety expert is inspecting a laundry. The main workroom has a very hot and damp atmosphere.
The expert recommends that normal domestic light switches, as shown in the Fig are replaced.

(a) Explain why this recommendation is made.

(b) Suggest how the lights should be switched on and off.

Question 8

An electric fire operating from the 240 V mains is connected to a 3-pin socket by a 3-pin plug containing a
fuse. The fire (which has a metal case and a reflector) has two heating elements; one rated 1.0 kW and the
other 1.5 kW, and also a 25 W lamp. The lamp is connected so that it lights when the appliance is plugged
in. There are two switches, A and B on the fire. Neither element heats up unless switch A is on. When switch
B is off, only the 1.0 kW element heats up; when switch B is on, both elements heat up.

(a) Draw a labelled diagram showing the connections in the fused plug, and to the heating elements and
lamp. Mark clearly the positions of the two switches A and B.

(b) Calculate the current when only the lamp is on,

(c) Determine the maximum power of the appliance;

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(d) Calculate the energy (in kWh) consumed when the 1.0 kW element and lamp are in used for 8.0 hours.

(e) Describe how a ‘short circuit’ may arise in the electric circuit and how, if a ‘short circuit’ occurs, the fuse
in the plug prevents the continued flow of current.

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Question 9

The diagram below shows the live, neutral and earth wires of a household electricity supply. Also shown is
an electric kettle.

(a) Complete the diagram to show how the kettle should be connected to the supply. Include a
switch and a fuse in your drawing.

(b) Explain why the Earth pin of a three-pin plug is longer than the other two pins.

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(c) If the live or neutral wire touches the casing, the kettle stops working. Explain if this statement is
correct.

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(d) Non-renewable and renewable energy sources

(h) Renewable resource – able to be replaced at a sustainable rate (wind, solar heating, biomass,
geothermal, wave power, photovoltaic)
(i) Non renewable – cannot be replaced at a sustainable rate (nuclear, fossil fuel)

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Solar energy in Singapore

This solar irradiance map shows the amount of solar power across the island which is affected by amount of
sunlight, cloud movement and shade (PV = photovoltaic)

Hydroelectric Power Plant

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Energy source Efficiency Cost per kWh Environmental impact

Greenhouse gas emissions and global warming

Relatively low
Natural gas stations ~ 45% Chemical pollution during mining and burning (acid rain)
Fuel is relatively cheap
Fossil fuel Higher in co-gen stations Extraction/mining can damage the environment and be
Established technologies – power hazardous to health
stations, transport and storage systems Leakage from oil tankers or oil pipelines can cause
considerable harm to the environment

Dangerous and long-lasting radioactive waste products

Overall efficiency not very high
due to costs involved
Nuclear energy Cost of cleaning up is massive No greenhouse gases emitted during normal operation

High cost of PV cells and maintenance

Does not produce greenhouse gases
Solar energy Dependent on amount of PV cells have a lifespan of 20 years
Large areas needed for solar power stations
sunlight, cloud cover, shade Requires back up energy supply

Dependent on amount of wind Does not produce greenhouse gases

Wind energy Requires back up energy supply
Requires large land area which may affect ecosystems

Environment will be affected and the natural habitat of plants

and animals may be destroyed

Hydroelectric Cost of transportation due to remote If dam bursts it can cause considerable damage
Relatively high efficiency
generation locations of HEP stations
Does not produce greenhouse gases

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