LAST MIN Flashcards
How are transformers used
The high current heats up wires so energy can be wasted so to reduce this transformers are used and high voltage cables.
- Step up make Voltage really high at 400,000 V and keep current low (usually in less comercial areas like across country
- step down decrease voltage to safe usable levels for consumers like in towns and homes
Describe how a power station generates electricity for the national grid
- burning fuel heats water which creates steam
- steam powers turbine
- turbine connected to powerful magnet inside generator
- the magnet spins, inducing a large voltage and a.c current and single output generated
- generator joined to national grid
How do loudspeaker work
coil wrapped around pole of permanent magnet
so a.c signal causes a force on the coil
-when current reversed the force acts i different direction
-this moves the paper cone as it vibrates it as pressure causes sound waves
How do microphones work
- using electromagnetic induction
- sound waves hit diaphragm which is attached to coil of wire which makes both move creating a current in the coil
How do Alternators work
- similar way to dynamos, force applied to rotate coil in magnetic field with an induced current in coil
- but instead of split ring has slip rings and brushes so the contacts dont swap every half turn which produces and alternating current
How do dynamos work
- generate a direct current by applying a force to rotate coil in magentic field (like in a motor)
- current is induced in coil which changes direction every half turn due to split ring communicator to keep current flowing in same direction
How does a transformer work
-use electromagnetic induction to change size of Potential difference of an alternating current by: increasing number of coils on secondary coil than primary coil in step down
what two situations can you get electromagnetic induction
when electrical conductor (coil of wire) and magnetic field are relative to each other
-this can be done by rotating/ moving/ changing polarity of magnet
when magnetic field through conductor changes (like in a transformer)
-this can be done by increasing STRENGTH of magnetic field, increasing SPEED, increasing TURNS ON COIL
what is electromagnetic induction in terms of Potential difference
induction of potential difference in a wire which is experiencing a change in magnetic field
What is a solenoid
describe the field lines:
a long coil of current carrying wire
- the field lines around each separate coil of wire line up in same direction so the field is strong and uniform
how can the direction of a motor be reversed
by swapping the polarity of the D.C supply or swapping the magnetic poles over
Describe how a motor works
- forces (which act on current in magnetic field) act on two arms of a current carrying coil
- they act in opposite directions so coil rotates
- the split ring commutator swaps the contacts every half turn to keep motor rotating in same direction
How can you find the size of a force
Force = magnetic flux density x current x length (of conductor)
in order to experience full force in a motor the wire needs to be at……
90 degrees to the magnetic field
if it runs along field it wont experience any force
When is air not an insulator
when its ionised enough that it becomes more conductive and sparks are made
