NSC PHYSICAL SCIENCES

EXAMINATION PREPARATIONS 2024

PHYSICAL SCIENCES -PAPER1

QUESTION 9

ELECTRODYNAMICS

GENERATORS

• Energy conversion: Mechanical energy to electrical energy.

• Principle: electromagnetic induction.
• Electromagnetic induction: A changing magnetic field induces a current in a
conductor.
Faraday’s law: The induced emf is equal to the rate of change of magnetic flux.

TYPES OF GENERATORS

AC GENERATOR DC GENERATOR
 Components and functions Components and functions

● Slip rings ● Split ring commutator

Allows the continuous rotation of Allows the continuous rotation of the coil
the coil
Allows the induced current to flow in
Allows the induced current to one direction as the coil rotates.
change direction every half
rotation of the coil.

● Carbon brushes ● Carbon brushes

Maintain electrical contact with Maintain electrical contact with the split
slip rings. ring commutator.

Allows connection to the external Allows connection to external circuit.

circuit.

● Armature coil
● Armature coil Allows current to be induced through it
Allows current to be induced as it rotates in the magnetic field.
through it as it rotates in the
magnetic field.
● Magnet
● Magnet
Provides the magnetic field.
Provides the magnetic field.

- AC generators produce an - DC generators produce a Direct current.

Alternating current.
 How to increase the output voltage of a generator:

- Increase the speed of rotation of the coil

- Use a stronger magnet
- Increase the number of conductors in the coil
How to determine the direction of the induced current in the coil?:

Fleming’s Right-hand rule:

Three fingers (Thumb, Index and middle finger) placed at 90 o with each other,
representing the following directions:

Thumb: Motion

Index: Magnetic field

Middle finger: Current

2 MOTORS

• Energy conversion: Electrical energy to mechanical energy.

• Principle: Motor effect.
• Motor effect: A current carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field
experiences a force.

Types of motors

AC MOTOR DC MOTOR
Generators and motors (AC and DC) have the same components except that motors
have a source of electrical energy such as an alternator (for AC) or battery (for DC).

How to increase the rotational speed of a motor:

- Increase the input current (voltage)

- Use a stronger magnet
- Increasing the number of conductors in the coil
How to determine the direction of motion of the coil:

Fleming Left-hand rule:

Three fingers (Thumb, Index and middle finger) placed at 90 o with each other,
representing the following directions:

Thumb: Motion

Index: Magnetic field

Middle finger: Current

Differences between AC and DC machines

- AC machines have slip rings - DC machines have a split ring

commutator
 ALTERNATING CURRENT

Alternating current means current that changes direction over time. The polarity
changes every half of a rotation.

Advantages of alternating current over direct current

- AC can be stepped up or stepped down by using transformers.

- Allows electrical energy to be transmitted in electric cables over long distances

without much energy loss.

- Cheaper to convert AC to DC

AC Graphs

Root mean square (rms)

● The rms potential difference is the AC potential difference which

dissipates/produces the same amount of energy as an equivalent DC potential
difference.

● The rms current is the alternating current which dissipates/produces the same
amount of energy as an equivalent direct current (DC).

Applicable formulae

𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 =
√2
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 =
√2
 Pave= Vrms x Irms
Pave= I2rms x R
2
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠
𝑃𝑎𝑣𝑒 =
𝑅

WORKED EXAMPLE 1

1.

1.1 The diagram shows different positions (ABCDA) of the coil in a DC

generator for a complete revolution. The coil is rotated clockwise at a
constant speed in a uniform magnetic field. The direction of the magnetic
field is shown in the diagram.

1.1.1 Write down the energy conversion that takes place during the operation
of the DC generator (1)

1.1.2 Sketch a graph to show how the induced emf of the generator varies with
time. Clearly indicate positions A, B, C, D and A on the graph.
(2)

1.2

A small AC generator, providing an rms voltage of 25 V, is connected

across a device with a resistance of 20 Ω. The wires connecting the
generator to the device have a total resistance of 0,5 Ω. Refer to the
diagram.

1.2.1 Write down the total resistance of the circuit. (1)

 1.2.2 Calculate the average power delivered to the device. (5)

SOLUTIONS

1.1

1.1.1 Mechanical to electrical √ (1)

1.1.2

1.2.1
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠
1.2.2 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 = ✔
𝑅

25
= 20.5 ✔

= 1.22 𝐴
2
𝑃𝑎𝑣 = 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑅✔ 2
𝑊 = 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑅∆𝑡 2
𝑃𝑎𝑣 = 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑅
2
( ) 2
= 1.22 (20)✔ = (1.22) 0.5(1) = (1.22)2 (0.5)
= 29.77𝑊 ✔ = 0.74𝐽 = 0.74𝑊
2 (25) 2 2
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠
𝑃𝑎𝑣 = ✔= ✔ 𝑃𝑎𝑣 = ✔
𝑅 20.5 𝑅
= 30,49𝑊 (25)2
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 = ✔
20.5
𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 (𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟) = 30,49𝑊
(30.49 − 0.74) 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑
= 29.75𝑊✔ 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 (𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟)
= (30.49 − 0.74)
= 29.75𝑊✔

OPTION 2

20 2
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 (24.39) 2 ✔ (5)
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 = 20.5 × 25✔ = 24,39𝑉 𝑃𝑎𝑣 = ✔= = 29.74𝑊✔
𝑅 20✔

QUESTION 1 (Multiple choice questions)

1.1 A DC current passes through a rectangular wire loop OPQR placed between two
pole pieces of a magnet, as shown below.
Which TWO segments of the loop will experience an electromagnetic force when the loop is in
the position above?

A OP and PQ

B QR and RO

C OP and QR

D RO and OP (2)

1.2 In a DC generator, the current to the external circuit is delivered through the …

A Coils

B Battery

C Slip rings

D Split ring commutator (2)

1.3 The Speed of rotation of the coils in an AC generator is increased.

Which one of the following combinations of frequency and output voltage for the
generator will occur as a result of the change?

FREQUENCY OUTPUT VOLTAGE

A Increases Increases

B No change Increases

C Decreases Decreases

D Increases No change
(2)
 [6]

LONG QUESTIONS

QUESTION 2
Diesel-electric trains make use of electric motors as well as generators.
2.1 The table below compares a motor and a generator in terms of the type of energy
conversion and the underlying principle on which each operates. Complete the table
by writing down only the question number (2.1.1–2.1.4) in the ANSWER BOOK and
next to each number the answer.

TYPE OF ENERGY PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

CONVERSION
Motor 2.1.1 2.1.3
Generator 2.1.2 2.1.4 (4)
The simplified diagram below represents an electric motor.

2.2 Give a reason why the section of the coil labelled BC in the above diagram
does not experience a magnetic force whilst the coil is in the position as
(2)
shown.
2.3 Graphs of the current and potential difference outputs of an AC generator are shown
below.
 Calculate the average power output of this generator. (6)
[12]
QUESTION 3
AC generators and DC generators differ in their construction and the type of current they
deliver. The simplified sketch below represents a DC generator.

3.1 Which component (P or Q) enables this generator to produce DC? (1)

3.2 What structural change must be made to this generator to change it to an
AC generator?
(1)
3.3 An AC generator delivers 240 V rms to a 60 W light bulb. The peak current
in the light bulb is 0,35 A. Calculate the:
3.3.1 rms current in the light bulb (3)
3.3.2 Resistance of the light bulb (3)
[8]
QUESTION 4
In the simplified AC generator below, the coil is rotated clockwise.
4.1 In which direction does the induced current flow in the coil? Choose from: X (1)
to Y or Y to X.
4.2 On which principle or law is the working of the generator based? (1)
4.3 State the energy conversion that takes place while the generator is in
operation.
(2)
4.4 The voltage output for an AC generator is shown below.

4.4.1 Write down the maximum (peak) output voltage of the generator. (1)
A stove is connected to the generator above, and delivers an average power
of 1 600 W.
4.4.2 Calculate the rms voltage delivered to the stove. (3)
4.4.3 Calculate the resistance of the stove. (3)
[11]
QUESTION 5
A teacher demonstrates how current can be obtained using a bar magnet, a coil and a
galvanometer. The teacher moves the bar magnet up and down, as shown by the arrow in
the diagram below.
5.1 Briefly describe how the magnet must be moved in order to obtain a LARGE
deflection on the galvanometer.
(2)
The two devices, A and B, below operate on the principle described in QUESTION 5.1
above.

5.2 Write down the name of the principle. (1)

5.3 Write down the name of part X in device A. (1)
5.4 A 220 V, AC voltage is supplied from a wall socket to an electric kettle of resistance
40,33 Ω. Wall sockets provide rms voltages and currents. Calculate the:
5.4.1 Electrical energy consumed by the kettle per second (4)
5.4.2 Maximum (peak) current through the kettle (3)
[11]
SOLUTIONS - ELECTRODYNAMICS

QUESTION 1

1.1 C ✔✔ (2)

1.2 D ✔✔ (2)

1.3 A ✔✔ (2)

[6]

QUESTION 2

2.1 TYPE OF ENERGY PRINCIPLE OF

CONVERSION OPERATION
Motor 2.1.1 Electrical (energy) to 2.1.3-Motor effect✔
mechanical / kinetic (energy) ✔
Generator 2.1.2 Mechanical / kinetic (energy) 2.1.4-Electromagnetic
to electrical (energy) ✔ induction✔
(4)

2.2 BC / conductor is parallel AND to the magnetic field. ✔✔ (2)

2.3 Option 1 Option 2

𝑃𝑎𝑣𝑒 = 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 ✔ 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 = ✔
√2
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑥 311
= . ✔✔ = ✔
√2 √2 √2
(311)(21)
= ✔✔ =219,91 V
2

=3 265, 5 W✔ 𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 = ✔
√2
21
= ✔
√2

=14,85 A
𝑃𝑎𝑣𝑒 = 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 ✔ (6)
= (219,91) (14,85)
= 3 265,83 W✔
[12]

QUESTION 3
3.1 Q/Split ring commutator/ commutator✔ (1)

3.2 Replace Q/split ring commutator with slip rings. ✔ (1)

𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑥
3.3.1 Irms = ✔
√2

0.35
= ✔
√2

= 0.25 A✔
(3)

3.3.2 OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3

2
𝑃𝑎𝑣 = 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑅✔ 𝑉
𝑅 = 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 ✔
2
60 = (0.25)2 𝑅 ✔
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑟𝑚𝑠
Pav = ✔ 240
𝑅 = 0.25 ✔
2402 𝑅 = 960Ω ✔
60 = ✔ = 960Ω✔
𝑅
R=960Ω✔ (3)

[8]

QUESTION 4

4.1 Y to X✔ (1)

4.2 Faradays Law of Electromagnetic Induction✔ (1)

4.3 Mechanical energy is converted to electrical potential energy. ✔✔ (2)

4.4.1 340 V ✔ (1)

4.4.2 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 = ✔
√2

340
= ✔
√2

= 240, 42 V✔ (3)

2
4.4.3 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠
𝑃𝑎𝑣𝑒 = ✔
𝑅

(240)2
1600 = ✔
𝑅

R= 36,13 Ω✔ (3)
 [11]

SOLUTION 5

5.1 Move the bar magnet very quickly✔✔ (2)

5.2 Electromagnetic induction ✔ (1)

5.3 Commutator/ split rings✔ (1)

5.4.1 OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3

𝑉
𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 = 𝑟𝑚𝑠 ✔
2 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑅
Pav =
𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠
✔ 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 = ✔ 220
𝑅 𝑅 = 40.33 ✔
220
2202
= 40,33 ✔ = 40.33 ✔ = 5,45 𝐴
= 5,45 𝐴 𝑃𝑎𝑣 = 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠
=1 200.10W✔ 2
𝑃𝑎𝑣 = 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑅 = (220)(5.45) ✔
2
= (5,45) 40.33✔ = 1197,9𝑊✔ (4)
= 1197,9𝑊 ✔
5.4.2 2
𝑃𝑎𝑣 = 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑅✔

1200,1 = 𝐼 2 (40,33) ✔
𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑥 =5,455A

𝐼𝑚𝑎𝑥 = √2 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠

= √2(5.455)

= 7.71 𝐴 ✔ (3)

[11]