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A2 Physics > Alternating Current > Flashcards

Alternating Current Flashcards

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1
Q

For a sinusoidal alternating current, if the maximum power is given, how do we calculate the mean power?

A

mean power = 1/2 x maximum power

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2
Q

The mean value of an alternating current is zero. Explain why heating occurs when there is an alternating current in a resistor.

A

Power = (I squared) x R
(I squared) is always positive.
Hence, power is always positive.

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3
Q

The mean value of an alternating current is zero. Explain why heating occurs when there is an alternating current in a resistor.

A

Power = (I squared) x R
( I squared) is always positive.
Hence, power is always positive.

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4
Q

Formula for maximum power in terms of peak current.

A

maximum power = (peak current squared) x R

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5
Q

Formula for maximum power in terms of peak voltage.

A

maximum power = (peak voltage squared)/R

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6
Q

Root-mean-square (r.m.s.) value of an alternating current

A

The value of the direct current that produces the same power (or same heating effect) in a resistor as the alternating current.

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7
Q

Root-mean-square value of an alternating voltage

A

The value of the direct voltage that produces the same power (or same heating effect) in a resistor as the alternating voltage.

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8
Q

Formula to calculate r.m.s. current using peak current.

A

r.m.s. current

= (peak current)/(square root of 2)

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9
Q

Formula to calculate r.m.s. voltage using peak voltage.

A

r.m.s. voltage

= (peak voltage)/(square root of 2)

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10
Q

A domestic supply voltage is stated as

240 V. Is 240 V the peak voltage or r.m.s. voltage?

A

r.m.s. voltage

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11
Q

A domestic supply voltage is stated as
240 V.
Is 240 V the peak voltage or r.m.s. voltage?

A

r.m.s. voltage

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12
Q

Describe the principle of operation of a simple iron-cored transformer.

A
  1. The alternating current in the primary coil is always changing. This results in an alternating magnetic flux in the soft iron core that is in phase with the current in the primary coil.
  2. The magnetic flux links with the secondary coil.
  3. Since there is a change in magnetic flux linkage with the secondary coil, an alternating e.m.f.is induced in the secondary coil (Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction).
  4. This induced e.m.f. will be alternating at the same frequency as the current in the primary coil.
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13
Q

Why is the core of a transformer a continuous loop?

A

To concentrate the magnetic flux. This reduces the loss of magnetic flux.

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14
Q

Why is thermal energy generated in the core of a transformer?

A

The magnetic flux in the core is changing. Hence, an e.m.f is induced in the core. When eddy currents flow in the core, energy is dissipated as heat.

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15
Q

In a transformer, why is the core laminated?

A

To reduce the eddy current in the core. This reduces the energy lost in the core.

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16
Q

In a transformer, why is there less eddy current in a laminated core?

A

Because the core is made from thin strips of soft iron which are electrically insulated from one another.

17
Q

Explain why a transformer will not operate using a direct current input.

A

According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, the e.m.f. induced is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux linkage. An e.m.f. is induced only when the magnetic flux is changing. A direct current has a constant magnetic flux.

18
Q

Explain why the input potential difference and the output e.m.f of a transformer are not in phase.

A

Lenz’s law states that the direction of the induced e.m.f produces effects which oppose the change causing the e.m.f.
The current induced in the secondary coil produces a magnetic field which opposes the magnetic field produced in the primary coil.
Hence, the e.m.f.s are not in phase.

19
Q

What is meant by an ideal transformer?

A

A transformer which is 100% efficient.
Input power = Output power

primary V x primary I
= secondary V x secondary I

20
Q

For a transformer, give the equation which involves the ratios of N, V and I.

____ = ____ = ____

A

See notes.

21
Q

What is the function of a transformer?

A

To step up and step down voltages.

22
Q

In practice, a transformer will not be 100% efficient due to power losses.
List 4 sources of power losses in a transformer.

A
  1. Loss of magnetic flux between the primary and secondary coils.
  2. Resistive heating in the primary and secondary coils.
  3. Heating in the core due to eddy currents.
  4. Heating of the core due to repeated magnetisation and demagnetisation.
23
Q

Why is electrical energy transmitted using alternating voltages?

A
  1. Alternating voltages can be stepped up or stepped down using a transformer.
  2. Transformers only work with a.c.
24
Q

Why is electrical energy transmitted at high voltages?

A

P = VI
For the same power, transmitting at higher voltages means the current is smaller.
Power loss in cables = (I squared)R
The smaller the current, the less power is dissipated/lost in the transmission cables.

25
Q

How do you carry out half-wave rectification?

A

Connect a diode in series with the load resistor.

26
Q

In half-wave rectification, explain how a.c. is converted to d.c.

A

A single diode is connected in series with the load resistor.
The diode allows current to flow in one direction only.
The output voltage across the resistor will consist only of the positive half-cycles of the input voltage.

27
Q

Sketch a graph to show how the output voltage across the load resistor varies with time during half-wave rectification.

A

See graph in notes.
The output voltage is always positive but the voltage is zero for half a cycle.
This means that the power available from a half-wave rectified supply is reduced.

28
Q

Full-wave rectification of an alternating current:

Draw a circuit diagram to show how four diodes (bridge rectifier) are connected to the a.c. supply and load resistor.

A

See notes.

29
Q

Sketch a graph to show how the output voltage across the load resistor varies with time during full-wave rectification.

A

See notes.

30
Q

State one advantage of the use of a bridge rectifier, rather than a single diode, for the rectification of alternating current.

A

When using a bridge rectifier, there is power supplied on every half-cycle. Hence, the mean power is greater.

31
Q

What is meant by smoothing?

A

The output voltage does not fall to zero. Hence, there is a reduction in the variation of the output voltage.

32
Q

What is the effect of the value of the capacitance of the smoothing capacitor in relation to smoothing?

A

A larger capacitance produces more smoothing for the same load.
The larger the value of RC, the smoother the rectified a.c.

33
Q

How is smoothing achieved with the rectified output voltage?

A

Connect a capacitor in parallel with the load resistor.

A2 Physics (13 decks)

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