MOTOR AND GENERATORS

1. MOTORS USE THE EFFECT OF FORCES ON CURRENT-CARRYING CONDUCTORS IN

MAGNETIC FIELDS
1.1. DISCUSS THE EFFECT ON THE MAGNITUDE OF THE FORCE ON A CURRENT-CARRYING
CONDUCTOR OF VARIATIONS IN THE:
STRENGTH OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD IN WHICH IT IS LOCATED
Increasing the magnetic field strength will yield an increase on the magnitude of the force.
This would increasing the magnetic field density, which would result in stronger interactions with
electrons in the current-carrying conductor.
MAGNITUDE OF THE CURRENT IN THE CONDUCTOR
Increasing the magnitude of the current in the conductor would yield an increase on the
magnitude of the force. This is due to an increase of electron density, which would interact with the
magnetic field more.
LENGTH OF THE CONDUCTOR IN THE EXTERNAL MAGNETIC FIELD
Increasing the length of the conductor, would yield an increase on the magnitude of the force
on the current-carrying conductor. This is due to the fact more of the circuit is interacting with the
magnetic field.
THE ANGLE BETWEEN THE DIRECTION OF THE EXTERNAL MAGNETIC FIELD AND THE
DIRECTION OF THE LENGTH OF THE CONDUCTOR
As the length of wire starts to rotate from being perpendicular to the magnetic field, to being parallel to
the magnetic field, the force experienced by the current-carrying conductor will decrease. This is due to
the fact the electrons start flowing in the direction of the B field, which would decrease the magnitude
of the force experienced.
Therefore, increasing angle between CCC and direction of B field, will yield an increase in the
magnitude of the force.
FORMUL A

1.2. DESCRIBE QUALITATIVELY AND QUANTITATIVELY THE FORCE BETWEEN LONG

PARALLEL CURRENT-CARRYING CONDUCTORS:
QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTION

PARALLEL WIRES
In the parallel wires, the fields are travelling in the same direction when they interact. This
results in the fields converging, hence resulting in an attraction between the two current-carrying
conductors.
ANTI-PARALLEL WIRES
In the anti-parallel wires, the fields are travelling in the opposite direction when they interact.
This results in the fields repelling each other, hence resulting in a repulsion between the two currentcarrying conductors.
QUANTITIATVE DESCRIPTION (FORMULA)

1.3.

DEFINE TORQUE AS THE TURNING MOMENT OF A FORCE USING T = FD

DEFINITION
Torque occurs when there is a force that acts away from the axis of rotation of the object. This
provides a lever arm, which has a distance. This distance is relevant, since increasing it would
decrease the force required due to Work done = Force * Distance.
Torque is a rotational force, which occurs due to the force acting tangentially to the object.

FORMUL A

1.4. IDENTIFY THAT THE MOTOR EFFECT IS DUE TO THE FORCE ACTING ON A CURRENTCARRYING CONDUCTOR IN A MAGNETIC FIELD
Motor effect: The force exerted on a current-carrying conductor within an external magnetic field.
The motor effect occurs due to interactions between the flowing electrons in a current-carrying
conductor, and the external magnetic field which it resides in. This interaction presents itself as
a force, and we can use to induce motion using electromagnetism. E.g. DC motors.
1.5. DESCRIBE THE FORCES EXPERIENCED BY A CURRENT-CARRYING LOOP IN A MAGNETIC
FIELD AND DESCRIBE THE NET RESULT OF THE FORCES
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
A current-carrying loop will experience forces due to the motor effect. The sides of the loop
perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field, will experience a force as demonstrated in the
diagram. These forces act in equal and opposite pairs. However, since they occur away from the
axis of rotation, torque is generated. Therefore, a current-carrying loop will experience torque in a
magnetic field.

FORMUL A

1.6. DESCRIBE THE MAIN FEATURES OF A DC ELECTRIC MOTOR AND THE ROLE OF EACH
FEATURE
DC (Direct Current) motors consist of 3 parts, the stator, armature, and the commutator.
PART

DEFINITION

ROLE IN THE DC MOTOR

STATOR

The stationary parts of a

motor

To provide a magnetic field for the motor effect

ARMATURE

The rotating parts of a

motor

To provide a current-carrying loop for the motor

effect

COMMUTAT
OR

Current switching device

To switch and receive current to maintain

rotational velocity

BRUSH

Provider of current

To transmit the current to the commutator

1.7. IDENTIFY THAT THE REQUIRED MAGNETIC FIELDS IN DC MOTORS CAN BE PRODUCED
EITHER BY CURRENT CARRYING COIL OR PERMANENT MAGNETS
PERMANENT MAGNETS
Permanent magnets provide the B field necessary for the motor effect to occur with a currentcarrying loop. This magnetic field is static, hence when the current inverts, the direction of
rotation inverts. Hence, a DC motor with a permanent magnets as its B field source, can switch
direction of rotation.
CURRENT-CARRYING COIL AS THE MAGNET (SOLENOID)
A current-carrying coil as the magnet (solenoid), can also provide the B field necessary for the
motor effect to occur with a current- carrying loop. However, this magnetic field can change according
to the flow of the current through it. Hence, when the current inverts, the current in the loop and
current in the current-carrying loop as a magnet will also invert. This means that switching
current will have no effect on the direction of rotation. Therefore this type of motor is called an
AC motor since it can rotate with an AC (Alternating current) power source.
However, such a motor would be unable to reverse direction of rotation unless the magnet is
physically inverted, or special circuitry is used to manage this issue.
1.8. IDENTIFY DATA SOURCES, GATHER AND PROCESS INFORMATION TO QUALITATIVELY
DESCRIBE THE APPLICATION OF THE MOTOR EFFECT IN:
THE LOUDSPEAKER
A loudspeaker consists of a suspended solenoid attached directly to a speaker cone that is free to
vibrate forwards and backwards. The suspended solenoid is in the presence of an external B field.
Hence, when an AC flows through the suspended solenoid, it and the speaker cone will under the
Lorentz force, vibrate back and forth about its equilibrium position, producing corresponding
compression waves in air, which we perceive as sound.

THE GALVANOMETER
A galvanometer is a device used for the measuring of minute electrical currents. It consists of
multiple loops of current-carrying conductor, suspended in an external B field. The loop is
free to rotate under the Lorentz force between imposed physical stops. The loop is maintained in a
neutral position by a spring, with deviations determined by the balance of the Lorentz force and
opposing spring force. This is can be used to produce a calibrated reading of current. The extent of
indicator deviation is determined by current direction and magnitude.

2. THE RELATIVE MOTION BETWEEN A CONDUCTOR AND MAGNETIC FIELD IS USED

TO GENERATE AN ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE
2.1. OUTLINE MICHAEL FARADAYS DISCOVERY OF THE GENERATION OF AN ELECTRIC
CURRENT BY A MOVING MAGNET
When considering that electrical currents can generate magnetic fields and assuming that the process
is symmetrical, it can therefore be concluded that the inverse should be true. That is that a magnetic
field can produce an electrical current, which Faraday called electromagnetic induction.
Faradays Law: Any change in the magnetic environment of a coil of wire will generate a voltage
(EMF) within the coil, which produces a magnetic field in opposition to the change in the magnetic
environment.
2.2.

DEFINE MAGNETIC FIELD STRENGTH B AS MAGNETIC FLUX DENSITY

Faraday introduced the concept that a magnetic field is composed of a series of infinite lines of force.
When these field lines intercepted a conductor in relative motion, it would produce an EMF.
Magnetic flux: A measure of the number of field lines passing through a moving conductor
Magnetic flux density: A measure of the magnitude of the magnetic field (Tesla), also called
magnetic field strength
2.3. DESCRIBE THE CONCEPT OF MAGNETIC FLUX IN TERMS OF MAGNETIC FLUX DENSITY
AND SURFACE AREA
DEFINITION
Magnetic flux is the measure of the number of magnetic field lines passing through a given
perpendicular area of a moving conductor.

FORMUL A

2.4. DESCRIBE GENERATED POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE AS THE RATE OF CHANGE OF

MAGNETIC FLUX THROUGH A CIRCUIT
When there is a change in the magnetic flux within a conductor, it will produce an EMF that produces a
magnetic field that opposes the change in magnetic flux. The shorter the time span taken for the
change in magnetic flux, the higher the back EMF.

2.5. ACCOUNT FOR LENZS L AW IN TERMS OF CONSERVATION OF ENERGY AND REL ATE IT
TO THE PRODUCTION OF BACK EMF IN MOTORS
Lenzs Law: When an EMF is generated by a change in magnetic flux according to Faraday's Law, the
polarity of the induced EMF is such that it produces a current whose magnetic field opposes the change
which produces it.
Lenzs Law is actually a statement of conservation of energy since if it were the opposite, a change
in the magnetic flux would induce an EMF that generates an assisting magnetic field. This means that
the change in magnetic flux would continue to increase from the generated assistive
magnetic field, thereby increasing kinetic energy for free, which violates the law of
conservation of energy.
In a motor the rotor coil is provided supply EMF, which results in rotation within a magnetic field.
However the rotation of the coil results in a change of magnetic flux for the coil, which induces
EMF to hinder the rotation of the coil. Therefore, the induced EMF must be of opposite polarity
to the supply EMF, hence it is called back EMF.
2.6.

EXPL AIN THAT, IN ELECTRIC MOTORS, BACK EMF OPPOSES THE SUPPLY EMF

It is known that back EMF opposes the supply EMF. This causes the potential torque of the
motor to be reduced, however it also means that the net EMF within the coil is lower. This means
when a motor initially begins to rotate, the supply EMF is high and the back EMF is low, resulting in
a high net EMF. This results in massive currents during initial rotation, however once the motor is
rotating quickly, the back EMF increases. This results in a lower net EMF, thus resulting in lower
currents during final rotation.
Note: This explains why a motor sparks more initially, since the net EMF is higher during initial rotation
2.7.

EXPL AIN THE PRODUCTION OF EDDY CURRENTS IN TERMS OF LENZS L AW

Eddy currents are produced from a change in magnetic flux within a conductor. Considering Lenzs Law,
Eddy currents are produced so that they produce a magnetic field that has opposite polarity to the
change in magnetic flux.

The Eddy Current produced will generate a magnetic field that opposes the incoming electromagnet.

3. GENERATORS ARE USED TO PROVIDE LARGE SCALE POWER PRODUCTION

3.1.

DESCRIBE THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF A GENERATOR

Generator: A machine that uses Eddy currents to convert kinetic energy to electrical potential energy.
COMPON
ENT

FUNCTION

STATOR

Generators usually have the coil as the stator since it is more efficient to not use
brushes. It provides a conductor in which eddy currents can be generated.

ROTOR
3.2.

Generators usually have the magnets as the rotor which rotate around the coil to induce
Eddy currents.
COMPARE THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF A GENERATOR TO AN ELECTRIC MOTOR

Electric Motor

Generator

Converts EPE to KE
Stator = Magnets
Rotor = Coil

3.3.

Converts KE to EPE
Stator = Coil
Rotor = Magnets

DESCRIBE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AC AND DC GENERATORS

DC Generator

AC Generator

The split ring commutator rectifies

the natural AC produced by the
generator.

The slip rings are able to draw natural AC

produced by the generator.

Slip/Split Ring

Current
Produced

Explanation

3.4. DISCUSS ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES OF AC AND DC GENERATORS AND REL ATE

THESE TO THEIR USE
AC Generator
Advantages

Slip rings reduce

sparks
Coil can be the
stator for perfect
transmission
Generates AC
which can be
stepped up & down

DC Generator

Disadvantages

AC induces Eddy
currents causing
losses
Shielding is
required to prevent
Eddy currents

Advantages

DC doesnt
induce Eddy
currents
Less shielding
since no Eddy
currents

Disadvantages

Split ring causes

heavy sparking
Coil cant be
stator to reduce
losses
DC cannot be
stepped up or
down

3.5. DISCUSS THE ENERGY LOSSES THAT OCCUR AS ENERGY LOSSES THAT OCCUR AS
ENERGY IS FED THROUGH TRANSMISSION LINES FROM THE GENERATOR TO THE
CONSUMER
When transmitting electricity to the consumer, energy losses can occur through resistive heating
in power lines and Eddy currents induced in iron cores of transformers, which themselves undergo
resistive heating.
Resistive heating is caused by the collision of electrons against the atoms of the conductor. Current is
the measure of how many electrons are flowing past a point in a conductor per second. Therefore, by
reducing current the resistive heating losses can be minimalized. This can be accomplishing by
stepping up using a transformer to increase voltage and decrease current. Hence why high voltage is
used for long range transmission.
3.6. ASSESS THE EFFECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF AC GENERATORS ON SOCIETY AND
THE ENVIRONMENT
EFFECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF AC GENERATORS ON SOCIETY
Advantages
AC provided a method for stepping up/down
the voltage, thereby allowing for long ranged
transmission
AC generators were more economical due to
the minimal power losses and use of coil as
the stator
Allowed for the commercialization of
electricity, allowing for wider access within
society

Disadvantages
The rise of electricity resulted in some
manual labor jobs to be replaced by
machinery

EFFECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF AC GENERATORS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Advantages
AC allowed for electricity to replace the
combustion of coal in households,
transforming the urban environment into a
cleaner place
AC generators meant fewer stations had to be
installed in comparison to Edisons DC,
thereby reducing environmental impacts from
electrical stations

Disadvantages
AC allowed for the dramatic increase of
electricity consumption, which meant more
coal was burnt to supply society with
electricity

4. TRANSFORMERS ALLOW GENERATED VOLTAGE TO BE EITHER INCREASED OR

DECREASED BEFORE IT IS USED
4.1.

DESCRIBE THE PURPOSE OF TRANSFORMERS IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

A transformer is used to step-up (raise) or step-down (lower) the voltage of any given AC. This
is used primarily to reduce current in long distance transmission lines, or to step-down when
distributing to residential areas.
4.2.

COMPARE STEP-UP AND STEP-DOWN TRANSFORMERS

COMPONENT

APPLICATION

IRON CORE

Conducts a magnetic field which induces a current in the secondary coil.

PRIMARY
COIL

Generates a magnetic field for the iron core to conduct.

SECONDARY
COIL

A conductor in which Eddy currents can be induced from the magnetic field from the
iron core.

A step-up transformer has more secondary coils, whereas a step-down transformer has fewer
secondary coils.
4.3. IDENTIFY THE REL ATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE RATIO OF THE NUMBER OF TURNS IN THE
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY COILS AND THE RATIO OF PRIMARY TO SECONDARY VOLTAGE

4.4. EXPL AIN WHY VOLTAGE TRANSFORMATIONS ARE REL ATED TO CONSERVATION OF
ENERGY

The law of conservation of energy is maintained since primary power is equal to secondary power
(ignoring losses). This means that when voltage is transformed, the current will change such that power

is conserved.
4.5.

EXPL AIN THE ROLE OF TRANSFORMERS IN ELECTRICITY SUB-STATIONS

DIAGRAM

EXPL ANATION
When transmitting electricity over longer distances, resistive heating becomes a major issue
through power losses. This can be rectified through decreasing current by stepping-up the
voltage. When electricity no longer requires to be distributed over these long distances, they
can be stepped-down for safer transmission.
4.6. DISCUSS WHY SOME ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES IN THE HOME THAT ARE CONNECTED
TO THE MAINS DOMESTIC POWER SUPPLY USE A TRANSFORMER
The appliance may not be able to use 240V 10A AC, and often a transformer is need to correct the
voltage & current, as well as rectify the AC into DC.
4.7.

DISCUSS THE IMPACT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSFORMERS ON SOCIETY

Positives

Negatives

Allowed for the transformation of generated

AC into higher voltages suitable for long
range transmission
Made possible the widespread distribution of
electricity to domestic households and
businesses

Increased energy demand after development

of the transformer resulted in high fossil fuel
consumption, as well as carbon emissions
Certain components/materials used in
transformers are environmentally hazardous
(oil, nitrous oxide)