Hoo Sze Yen

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Physics SPM 2011

CHAPTER 7: ELECTRICITY
7.1 Electric Fields and Charge Flow
7.1.1 Charge
There are two types of charges: positive charge and negative charge. Like charges attract whereas opposite charges repel. Stationary electric charges are also known as static electricity.

7.1.2 Current
Current: The rate of charge flow.
I= Q t

where Q = charge [Coulomb] I = current [Ampere] t = time [seconds] Electric current consists of a flow of electrons.

7.1.3 Electric fields

An electric field is the region in which an electric charge experiences a force

Positive charge

Negative charge

Two opposite charges

Two like charges

Two non-uniform fields

Two uniform fields

Chapter 7: Electricity

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Physics SPM 2011

7.1.4 Activity to observe the pattern of electric fields

When the power supply is turned on, the likopodium powder will map the electrical field lines Sesame oil is used because it conducts electricity only at extremely high potential difference The density of the field lines represent the intensity of the electric field

7.1.5 Ping pong ball coated with conducting material

A ping pong ball coated with metallic point is placed centrally between two metallic plates connected to a very high voltage source. The ball is suspended with nylon string which is an electrical insulator. When the power supply is turned on, the ball will not move as it is initially neutral. The charges on both sides neutralize each other. When the ball is pushed to one of the plates, the ball will oscillate between the plates until the power supply is turned off. The frequency of oscillation increases if: Potential difference of voltage source is increased. The metallic plates are closer.

Chapter 7: Electricity

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Physics SPM 2011

7.1.6 Flame of a candle

A candle is placed centrally between two metallic plates connected to a high voltage power source. The candle flame splits into two opposite directions and is biased towards the negative plate. This is because negative ions are lighter and move more quickly than the positive ions. Negative ions are attracted towards the positive plate whereas the positive ions are attracted towards the negative plate.

7.1.7 Lightning formation

During cloud formation, the friction of movement creates a lot of excess charge. This induced positive charges on the objects below it. If the forces of attraction are strong enough, the negative charges in the clouds will be attracted towards the positive charges of the objects, resulting in lightning.

7.1.8 Photocopiers

A lightsensitive plate (or drum) is charged

An image of the original document is projected onto the plate. The bright areas lose their charge.

Powdered ink (toner) is attracted to the charged areas on the plate

A blank sheet of paper is pressed against the plate and picks up the powdered ink

The paper is heated so that the powdered ink melts and sticks to the paper

Chapter 7: Electricity

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Hoo Sze Yen

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Physics SPM 2011

7.2

Current and Potential Difference

7.2.1 Potential difference

Potential difference: Work done to move 1 Coulomb of charge from one point to another in an electric field.

V=
where V = potential difference [Volt] E = energy released / work done [Joule} Q = charge [Coulomb]

E Q

Charges move from high potential to low potential Potential difference can be measured with a voltmeter connected in parallel across two points within an electric circuit

7.2.2 Ohms Law

Ohms Law: Potential difference across an ohmic conductor is directly proportional to the current if the temperature and other physical conditions are kept constant V I
V/V

V = Constant = Resistance I Charges encounter resistance from the atoms in the conductor when current is flowing through. V = IR where V = potential difference [V] I = current [A] R = resistance []
I/A

Non-ohmic conductors: Non-ohmic conductors are conductors which do not obey Ohms Law. E.g., a light bulb whose resistance increases over time due to temperature increase (heating effect of current)

Chapter 7: Electricity

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7.2.3 Factors that affect resistance

Factor Length of conductor Cross-section area of conductor Temperature Material Influence Length Resistance Cross-section Resistance Temperature Resistance Depends on material

7.2.4 Superconductors

Superconductors are conductors with zero resistance The conductors are cooled down to critical temperatures Special properties: Allows the flow of electric current with minimal loss of energy Negates any applied external magnetic fields Superconductors are used in transportation, electronic components, energy storage, power cables, etc.

7.3

Series and Parallel Circuits

Series Parallel
V V

Circuit

I I I1 R1 I2 R2

I1

R1

V1 I2 R2

V1

V2 V2

Resistance Potential difference Current

R = R1 + R2
V = V1 + V 2 I = I1 = I2

1 1 1 = + R R1 R2 V = V1 = V 2 I = I1 + I 2

Chapter 7: Electricity

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Hoo Sze Yen

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Physics SPM 2011

7.4

Electromotive Force and Internal Resistance

7.4.1 Electromotive force and Potential difference

Electromotive force: The work done by a source in driving a unit charge around a complete circuit Electromotive force Potential difference Usually used for voltage sources Usually used for electric loads E.g. dry cells, batteries E.g. light bulbs, resistors, heating elements, motors Electrical energy that is supplied by the Electrical energy lost or transformed due to the source load on the circuit E.m.f. = sum of potential difference across the whole circuit

7.4.2 Internal resistance

r

Before the switch is turned on The battery does not supply current to the light bulb Voltmeter reading = E.m.f. of battery R After the switch is turned on The battery supplies current which flows around the circuit Voltmeter measures the potential difference across the terminals of the battery The voltmeter reading drops due to internal resistance of the battery EMF = IR + Ir EMF = V + Ir EMF = I (R + r)

where EMF = electromotive force [V] I = current flowing through the circuit [A] R = total resistance of the circuit [] r = internal resistance of the batteries [] V = potential difference of the circuit [V]

E = y-intercept r = - gradient

Circuit setup

Graph of V against I

Chapter 7: Electricity

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Physics SPM 2011

7.5

Electric Energy and Power

7.5.1 Electric power

Electric power: Rate of transfer of electric energy

P=

E t

where P = power [Watt] E = electric energy used / dissipated [Joule] t = time [seconds]

P = IV
where P = power [Watt] I = current [Ampere] V = potential difference [Volt] From P = IV and V = IR,

P = I 2R V2 P= R

7.5.2 Power rating of appliances

Electrical appliances are usually labeled by its voltage and power rating. Voltage is the required potential difference to operate the appliance. Power rating is the energy dissipated by the appliance when the correct voltage is supplied. A light bulb labeled 12 V, 36 W: 9 When connected to a 12 V voltage source, the light bulb will shine with normal brightness. Power dissipated is 36 W. 9 When connected to a voltage less than 12 V, the light bulb will shine with less intensity and power is less than 36 W. 9 When connected to a voltage more than 12 V, the light bulb will shine with brighter intensity and power is more than 36 W. Life span of the light bulb will be shortened and the light bulb is burned out.

Chapter 7: Electricity

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7.5.3 Cost of using electricity

Energy consumed = Power rating Time Total cost = Units Cost per unit where 1 unit = 1 kW-hour = 1 kW 1 hour Example: Air conditioner with a power rating of 1 500 W is used for 20 hours. Cost per unit is RM0.20. Number of units = 1.5 kW 20 hours = 30 kW-hours Total cost = 30 RM0.20 = RM6.00

7.5.4 Efficiency
Efficiency = Output power 100% Input power

Chapter 7: Electricity

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