Introduction to Magnetism (Revision)

In form 3, we learned that

1. A magnet can attract certain type of metal.
2. The metals that can be attracted by a magnet are called the magnetic materials of
ferromagnetic materials. Examples of magnetic materials are iron, steel, nickel and
cobalt.
3. A magnet has 2 poles-the North Pole and the South Pole.
4. There is a magnetic field surrounding the magnet. A magnetic field is a region in the
surrounding of a magnet which a magnetic material experiences a detectable force.

Magnetic Field Line

(The magnetic field is represented by the magnetic field lines)

1. The magnetic field of a magnet is represented by the magnetic field lines. The magnetic
field lines flow out from the North Pole and flow into the South Pole.
2. The distance between the field lines represent the strength of the field, the closer the field
line, the stronger the field. In the diagram, the magnetic field A is stronger than magnetic
field B because the line in magnetic field A is closer.

Compass in a Magnetic Field

(Figure(a): The pointer of a compass point towards the North pole of a magnet)

(Figure(b): The direction of the pointer of a magnet is always in the same direction of the
magnetic field)

1. The pattern and the direction of a magnetic field can be determined by a compass.
2. First of all, we need to know that, in SPM, normally we use a circle with an arrow to
represent compass. The arrow represents the pointer of a compass and it always points
towards the North pole of a magnet.
3. Second, we also need to know that the pointer of a compass is always in the direction of
the magnetic field.
4. In figure (b) above, we can see that when a few compasses are put near to a bar magnet,
the pointer of the compasses are all in the direction of the magnetic field.
5. If a compass is placed near to a current carrying wire, the pointer of the compass will
point along the direction of the magnetic field generated by the current (as shown in the
figure below). This will be discussed in electromagnetism.

Electromagnetism and Electromagnet

1. When current passes through a conductor, magnetic field will be generated around the
conductor and the conductor become a magnet. This phenomenon is called
electromagnetism.
2. Since the magnet is produced by electric current, hence it is called the electromagnet.
3. An electromagnet is a type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by a flow
of electric current. The magnetic field disappears when the current ceases.
4. The magnetism of an electromagnet is switched on or off using electric current.
5. In short, when current flow through a conductor, magnetic field will be generated. When
the current ceases, the magnetic field disappear.
An electromagnet is a type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by a flow of
electric current.

Magnetics Effects of a Current Carrying Conductor - Straight Wire

Magnetic Field Pattern

(Figure (a))
1. The magnetic field generated by a straight wire are concentric circles around the wire as
shown in figure (a) above.
2. Take notes that when the direction of the current is reversed, the direction of the magnetic
field line is also reversed.
3. The direction of the magnetic field line can be determined by the Maxwell's Screw Rule or
the Right Hand Grip Rule.

(Figure (b): The plan view of the magnetic field generated by a straight wire)
4. Sometime, the magnetic field pattern may be given in plane view, as shown in figure (b).
5. In plane view, a dot in the wire shows the current coming out from the plane whereas a
cross in the wire shows the current moving into the plane.

(Figure (c): A dot indicates the current move out from a plane whereas a cross indicates the
current move into the plane)

Direction of the Magnetic Field

The direction of the magnetic field formed by a current carrying straight wire can be
determined by the
1. Right Hand Grip Rule

2. Maxwell Screw Rule.

Right Hand Grip Rule

Grip the wire with the right hand, with the thumb pointing along the direction of the current.
The other fingers give the direction of the magnetic field around the wire. This is illustrated
in the figure below.

(Figure (d))
The Maxwell's Screw Rules

The Maxwell Screw Rules sometime is also called the Maxwell's Corkscrew Rule. Imagine a
right handed screw being turn so that it bores its way in the direction of the current in the
wire. The direction of rotation gives the direction of the magnetic field.

(Figure (e))

Strength of the Magnetic Field

1. The strength of the magnetic field form by a current carrying conductor depends on the
magnitude of the current.
2. A stronger current will produce a stronger magnetic field around the wire as shown in
Figure (f) below.

(Figure (f))
3. The strength of the field decreases out as you move further out. This is illustrated in figure
(g) below. Thus, you must be very careful when you are asked to draw the magnetic field
in your exam.

(Figure (g)
4. The distance of the field lines must increase as it is further out form the wire.

Magnetic Effects of a Current-Carrying Conductor - Flat Coil

Field Pattern

1. Figure (a) below shows the field pattern produced by a current flowing in a circular coil.
2. In SPM, you need to know the field pattern, the direction of the field and the factors affect
the strength of the field.
3. The direction of the field can be determined by the Right Hand Grip Rule. Grip the wire at
one side of the coil with your right hand, with thumb pointing along the direction of the
current. Your other fingers will be pointing in the direction of the field.

Figure (a)
4. Figure (b) shows the plan view of the field pattern.

Factors affecting the strength

There are 3 ways to increase the strength of the magnetic field:

1. increase the current and
2. Increase the number of turns of the coil.
3. use coil with smaller radius

Magnetic Effects of a Current-Carrying Conductor Solenoid

A solenoid is a long coil made up of a numbers of turns of wire.
Magnetic Field Pattern

1. Figure (a) illustrates the field pattern produced by a solenoid when current pass through it.
2. The field lines in the solenoid are close to each other indicates that the magnetic field is
stronger inside the solenoid.
3. We can also see that the field lines are parallel inside the solenoid. This shows that the
strength of the magnetic field is about uniform inside the solenoid.
4. We can also see that the magnetic field of a solenoid resembles that of the long bar
magnet, and it behaves as if it has a North Pole at one end and a South Pole at the other.

(Figure (a): Magnetic field pattern of a solenoid)

Determining the Pole of the Magnetic Field
1. The pole of the magnetic field of a solenoid can be determined by the Right Hand Grip
Rule.
2. Imagine your right-hand gripping the coil of the solenoid such that your fingers point the
same way as the current. Your thumb then points in the direction of the field.
3. Since the magnetic field lines always come out from the North Pole, hence the thumb
points towards the North Pole.

[Figure (b)]
4. There is another method can be used to determine the poles of the magnetic field forms by
a solenoid.
5. Try to visualise that you are viewing the solenoid from the 2 ends as illustrated in figure
(c) below.
6. The end will be a North Pole if the current is flowing in the anticlockwise, or a South pole
if the current is flowing in the clockwise direction.

Strength of the Magnetic Field

The strength of the magnetic field can be increased by

1. increasing the current
2. increasing the number of turns per unit length of the solenoid,
3. Using a soft-iron core within the solenoid.

Application of Electromagnet
Electric Bell

1. When the switch is on, the circuit is completed and current flows.
2. The electromagnet becomes magnetised and hence attracts the soft-iron armature and at
the same time pull the hammer to strike the gong. This enables the hammer to strike the
gong.
3. As soon as the hammer moves towards the gong, the circuit is broken. The current stops
flowing and the electromagnet lose its magnetism. This causes the spring to pull back the
armature and reconnect the circuit again.
4. When the circuit is connected, the electromagnet regain its magnetism and pull the
armature and hence the hammer to strike the gong again.
5. This cycle repeats and the bell rings continuously.

Electromagnetic Relay

1. A relay is an electrical switch that opens and closes under the control of another electrical
circuit.
2. The switch is operated by an electromagnet to open or close one or many sets of contacts.
3. A relay has at least two circuits. One circuit can be used to control another circuit. The 1st
circuit (input circuit) supplies current to the electromagnet.
4. When the switch is close, the electromagnet is magnetised and attracts one end of the iron
armature.
5. The armature is then closes the contacts (2nd switch) and allows current flows in the
second circuit.
6. When the 1st switch is open again, the current to the electromagnet is cut, the
electromagnet loses its magnetism and the 2nd switch is opened. Thus current stop to flow
in the 2nd circuit.

Circuit breaker

1. Figure above shows the structure of a circuit breaker.

2. A circuit breaker is an automatic switch that cut off current in a circuit when the current
become too large.
3. When the current in a circuit increases, the strength of the electromagnet will increase in
accordance; this will pull the soft iron armature towards the electromagnet.
4. As a result, the spring pulls apart the contact and disconnects the circuit immediately, and
the current stop to flow.
5. We can reconnect the circuit by using the reset button. The reset button can be pushed to
bring the contact back to its original position to reconnect the circuit.

Telephone Earpiece

1. An electromagnet is used in the earpiece of a telephone. The figure shows the simple
structure of a telephone earpiece.
2. When you speak to a friend through the telephone, your sound will be converted into
electric current by the mouthpiece of the telephone.
3. The current produced is a varying current and the frequency of the current will be the
same as the frequency of your sound.
4. The current will be sent to the earpiece of the telephone of your friend.
5. When the current passes through the solenoid, the iron core is magnetised. The strength of
the magnetic field changes according to the varying current.
6. When the current is high, the magnetic field will become stronger and when the current is
low, the magnetic field become weaker.
7. The soft-iron diaphragm is pulled by the electromagnet and vibrates at the frequency of
the varying current. The air around the diaphragm is stretched and compressed and
produces sound wave.
8. The frequency of the sound produced in the telephone earpiece will be the same as your
sound.

Force on a Current Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field

1. We have learned that when current flows in a conductor, a magnetic field will be
generated.
2. When the current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, the interaction between
the two magnetic fields will produce a resultant field known as the catapult field as shown
in the figure below.

3. The catapult field is a non-uniform field where the field at one side is stronger than the
other side.
4. As a result, a force is produced to move the current carrying conductor from the stronger
field to the weaker field.
5. The force produced by a catapult field is called the catapult force.
6. The direction of the force can be determined by Fleming's left hand rule as shown in
Figure below.

7. The fore finger, middle finger and the thumb are perpendicularly to each other. The
forefinger points along the direction of the magnetic field, middle finger points in the
current direction and the thumb points along the direction of the force.
8. The strength of the force can be increased by:
a. Increase the current
b. Using a stronger magnet
c. using a longer wire
d. Arranging the wire perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field.

Turning Effect of a Current Carrying Coil in a Magnetic Field

1. If a current carrying coil is placed in a magnetic field (As shown in diagram above), a pair
of forces will be produced on the coil. This is due to the interaction of the magnetic field
of the permanent magnet and the magnetic field of the current carrying coil.
2. The diagram below shows the catapult field produced.

3. The direction of the force can be determined by Fleming's left hand rule.
4. Since the current in both sides of the coil flow in opposite direction, the forces produced
are also in opposite direction. The 2 forces in opposite direction constitute a couple which
produces a turning effect to make the coil rotate.
5. Examples of electric equipment whose operation is based on this turning effect are
a. the direct current motor
b. the moving coil meter.
Application of the Force on a Current Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field - Moving
Coil Meter

Light Indicator
A light indicator which has lower inertia is used to increase the sensitivity of the meter.
Linear Scale
1. Due to the radial magnetic field and the cylindrical soft-iron core, a linear scale is
produced.
2. A linear scale is more accurate and easier to be read.
Mirror
1. A mirror is used to prevent parallax error.
2. When the observer's eye is exactly above the indicator, the indicator will cover its own
image on the mirror.
3. This can used to prevent parallax error.
Curved Permanent Magnet
1. A curved permanent magnet is used to produce a radial field.
2. A radial field is a magnetic field where the field lines are either pointing away or toward
the centre of the field.
3. A radial can be focused by a cylindrical soft-iron core.
Rectangular Coils
1. When a current flows through the coils, a force will be generated due to the interaction
between the magnetic field of the permanent magnet and the coil.
2. The force will turn the coils, which in turn move the indicator.
Cylindrical Soft-Iron Core
1. A cylindrical soft iron core is placed inside the radial field produced by the curved
magnet.
2. A soft-iron core can focus the magnetic field of the permanent magnet.
Hair Spring
1. The deflection of the coil and the indicator stops when the force is balanced by the
opposing force from the hair spring.
2. The angle of deflection is directly proportional to the magnitude of the current in the coil.

Direct Current Motor

1. An electric motor converts electrical energy to kinetic energy.

2. Diagram above shows the structure of a simple direct current motor (DC motor).
3. It consist a rectangular coil of wire placed between 2 permanent magnets.
4. The coils are soldered to a copper split ring known as commutator. 2 carbon brushes are
held against the commutator.
5. The function of the brush is to conduct electricity from the external circuit to the coil and
allow the commutator to rotate continuously.
6. The function of the commutator is to change the direction of the current in the coil and
hence change the direction of the couple (the 2 forces in opposite direction) in every half
revolution. This is to make sure that the coil can rotate continuously.
Application of the Force on a Current Carrying Conductor in a Magnetic Field Loudspeaker

1. The loud speaker contains a cylindrical coil which is free to move in a radial magnetic
field set up by a strong cylindrical permanent magnet.
2. The magnet has a central South Pole and a surrounding North Pole. The field lines are
therefore radial and at right angles to the turns of the-coil.
3. When varying the current flows through the coil, a force of varying magnitudes will act on
the coil. This will cause the coil to move to and fro according to the magnitude of the
force.
4. The paper cone then vibrates to produce sound waves.

Force between 2 Current-Carrying Conductors

1. When 2 current carrying conductors are placed close to each other, a force will be
generated between them.
2. If the current in both conductors flow in the same direction, they will attract each other,
whereas if the current are in opposite direction, they will repel each other.
3. This force is due to the interaction between the magnetic field of the 2 conductor.
4. The figure below shows the catapult field produced by 2 current carrying conductors when
their current is in the same direction or opposite direction.

(Magnetic field generated when 2 current carrying conductors with currents move in the same
direction are brought close to each other. The field will cause the 2 conductors attract each
other)

(Magnetic field generated when 2 current carrying conductors with currents move in the
opposite direction are brought close to each other. The field will cause the 2 conductors repel
each other)
Summary:
1. A force will be produced between 2 current carrying conductors.
2. If the currents are in the same direction, the 2 wire will attract each other.
3. If the current are in opposite direction, the 2 wire will repel each other.

Electromagnetic Induction

1. When a magnet is moved into and out of the solenoid, magnetic flux is being cut by the
coil.
2. The cutting of magnetic flux by the wire coil induces an e.m.f in the wire.
3. When the solenoid is connected to a closed circuit, the induced current will flow through
the circuit.
4. The production of electric current by changing magnetic field is called electromagnetic
induction.
5. Current/emf is induced only when there is relative motion between the magnetic field and
the conductor.
6. The direction of the induced current and the magnitude of the induced e.m.f due to the
cutting of the magnetic flux can be determined from Lenz's Law and Faraday's Law.

Law of Electromagnetic Induction

There are 2 principal laws of electromagnetic induction:
The Faradays law

1. The magnitude of the induced e.m.f is determined from Faraday's Law.

2. Faraday's Law states that the magnitude of the induced e.m.f is directly proportional
to the rate of change of magnetic flux through a coil or alternatively the rate of the
magnetic flux being cut.
3. Therefore, the induced emf can be increased by
1. using a stronger magnet
2. increase the speed of the relative motion

The Lenzs law

1. When a magnet is moved into and out of a coil, the induced current that flows through
the coil can be determined from Lenz's Law.
2. Lenz's Law states that the induced current always flows in the direction that opposes
the change in magnetic flux.
3. Lenz's Law obeys the principle of conservation of energy. Work is done to move the
magnet against the repulsive force. This work done is converted to electric energy
which manifests as an induced current.
4. For a conductor in a closed circuit moving perpendicular to a magnetic field and
hence cutting its magnetic flux, the direction of the induced current is determined
from Fleming's Right-Hand Rule.
5. Fleming's Right-Hand Rule is used to determine the direction of the induced current
that flows from the wire when there is relative motion with respect to the magnetic
field.
Induced EMF and Current in a Straight Wire

1. When a straight conductor (or wire) moves and cut a magnetic field, emf will be induced
across the conductor.
2. If the conductor is in a complete circuit, current will flow in the conductor.
3. The direction of the current induced can be determined by using Fleming's Right Hand
Rule.

Induced EMF and Current in a Solenoid

1. When a bar magnet is inserted into a solenoid, the solenoid will cut the magnetic flux of
the bar magnet. This will induce a current and emf in the solenoid.
2. The induced current will produce another magnetic field around it.
3. The pole of the magnetic field and direction of the induced current can be determined by
using Lenz's Law.
Application of Electromagnetic Induction
Direct Current Generator

1. Figure above shows the illustration of a simple direct current (d.c.) generator.
2. You should notice that the simple d.c generator is almost the same as the d.c. motor except
that the battery in the d.c. motor is removed and replaced by a resistor.
3. The direct current generator produces electric current (or voltage) base on the principle of
electromagnetic induction.
4. Figure below shows the change of the induced voltage when the coil is at different
position.

5. Initially the armature is vertical. No cutting of magnetic flux occurs and hence induced
current does not exist.
6. When the armature rotates, the change in flux increases and the induced current
correspondingly increases in magnitude.
7. After rotating by 90, the armature is in the horizontal position. The change in magnetic
flux is maximum and hence the maximum induced e.m.f is produced. Maximum induced
current flows through the galvanometer.
8. When the armature continues to rotate, the change in flux decreases.
9. At the 180 position, there is no change in flux hence no induced current exists. The
induced current is achieves its maximum value again when the armature is at 270.
10. After rotating 360, the armature returns to its original position.
11. The direction of the induced current can be determined from Fleming's Right-Hand Rule.
12. Even though the magnitude of the induced current or d.g.e is dependent on the orientation
of the coil, the current in the external circuit always flows in one direction. This unidirectional current is known as direct current.

Alternating Current Generator

1. Generator can be modified to an a.c generator by replacing its commutators with two
(separate) slip rings. The two slip rings rotate in tandem with the armature.
2. Carbon brushes connect the armature to the external circuit. The armature is initially at the
vertical position. No magnetic flux is cut and hence no induced current exists.
3. When the armature rotates, the change in magnetic flux increases and the induced current
increases until its maximum value at the horizontal position.
4. The direction of the induced current can be determined from Fleming's Right Hand rule.
5. As the armature continues on its rotation, the change in magnetic flux decreases until at
the vertical position, no induced current exists.
6. Subsequently upon reaching the horizontal position again, the induced current is
maximum, but the direction of the induced current flowing through the external circuit is
reversed.
7. The direction of the induced current (which flows through the external circuit) keeps
changing depending on the orientation of the armature. This induced current is also known
as alternating current.
8. The current is positive (+) in one direction and negative in the other (-). The smooth rings
play a critical role in the generation of alternating current.
Direct Current and Alternating Current
Direct Current

1. Direct current is a uniform current flowing in one fixed direction in a circuit

2. Direct current (d.c) is usually supplied by acid-based batteries or dry cells.
3. A common example of acid-based (electrolyte) batteries is the car battery.
4. Figure below shows the graph of current supplied by a dry cell over time.

Alternating Current

1. Alternating current is an electric current in which the direction of flow of the electrons
reverses periodically
2. Alternating current (a.c) is generated from alternating current generators such as
hydroelectric power generators.
3. The electricity supplied to households is alternating current.
4. Household electricity (alternating current) changes direction 50 times every second. Its

magnitude also changes with time.

Period and Frequency

1. The time taken for one complete cycle is known as the period, T.
2. The frequency f is defined as the number of complete cycles in 1 second.
3. The relationship between the frequency and the period is:

4. In SPM, you need to know the effect of both the direct current and alternating current on
a. a bulb
b. a capacitor
c. a moving coil loudspeaker
5. Table below give the summary of the comparison of the effect of direct current and
alternating on a bulb, a capacitor and a moving coil loudspeaker.
Direct Current

Alternating Current

Effects on a bulb

The bulb lights up

The bulb lights up

Effects on a capacitor

Current is detected at the very

Current is detected

beginning and then ceased to

become zero afterward.
Effects on moving coil

No sound produced

Sound produced

loudspeaker
Root Mean Square Voltage/Current

The Effective Voltage for a Sinusoidal Alternating Current

1. The maximum potential difference supplied by an a.c source is known as the peak voltage
VP.
2. The effective potential difference for an a.c is equal to the potential difference of a
alternating current if both results in the same heating effect.
3. The effective potential difference for a.c is known as the root mean square voltage (r.m.s)
of the a.c. and is given y the following equation:

4. The root-mean-square (r.m.s) value of an alternating current is the value of the steady
direct current which produces the same power in a resistor as the mean power produced by
the alternating current.
5. The r.m.s current is the effective value of the alternating current.
6. The r.m.s. current can be calculated by using the following equation:

Transformer
What is a transformer?
A transformer is a device that is used to raise or lower down the potential difference of an
alternating current.
Function:
The function of a transformer is to increase or decrease the potential difference of an
alternating current supply.
Structure and Technical Terms
A transformer consist of 3 parts, namely
1. The primary circuit
2. The core
3. The secondary Circuit

Primary Circuit:
The primary circuit is the circuit that connected to the input energy source. The current,
potential difference and coil (winding) in the primary circuit are called the primary current
(Ip), primary potential difference (Vp) and primary coil respectively.
Core:
The core is the ferromagnetic metal wound by the primary and secondary coil. The function
of the core is to transfer the changing magnetic flux from the primary coil to the secondary
coil.
Secondary Circuit:
The secondary circuit is the circuit that connected to the output of the transformer. The
current, potential difference and coil (winding) in the secondary circuit are called the
secondary current (Is), secondary potential difference (Vs) and secondary coil respectively.
Working Principle of A Transformer
1. A transformer consists of a primary coil and a secondary coil wound on a soft iron core.
2. When an alternating current flows in the primary coil, a changing magnetic flux is
generated around the primary coil.
3. The changing magnetic flux is transferred to the secondary coil through the iron core.
4. The changing magnetic flux is cut by the secondary coil, hence induces an e.m.f. in the
secondary coil.
5. The magnitude of the output voltage can be controlled by the ratio of the number of
primary coil and secondary coil.
Types of Current in A Transformer
1. The current in the primary circuit must be alternating current because alternating current
can produce changing magnetic flux. A changing magnetic flux is needed to induce e.m.f.
in secondary coil.
2. The induced current in secondary is also an alternating current. The frequency of the
alternating current in secondary coil is same as the frequency of the primary current.
3. The alternating in the secondary circuit can be converted into direct current by using a pair
of diode.

Symbol of a Transformer

The figure on the left shows the symbol of a transformer. The 2 lines in between the coil
denote the core

Types of Transformer
There are 2 types of transformer, namely
1. the step up transformer

a) A step-up transformer is one where the e.m.f. in the secondary coil is greater than the
e.m.f. in the primary coil. It is used to increases the potential difference.
b) The number of windings in the secondary winding is greater than the number of
windings in the primary coil.
c) The current in the primary coil is greater than the current in the secondary coil.

2. the step down transformer

1. Conversely, a step-down transformer is one where the e.m.f. in the secondary coil is less
than the e.m.f. in the primary coil. It is used to reduce the potential difference.
2. The number of windings in the primary winding is greater than the number of windings in
the secondary coil.
3. The current in the primary coil is lesser than the current in the secondary coil.
Calculation of Potential Difference Change

Vp = input (primary) potential difference

Vs = output (secondary) potential difference
Ip = input (primary) current
Is = output (secondary) current
Calculation of Current Change

Ideal Transformer

Non-ideal transformer

Vp = input (primary) potential difference

Vs = output (secondary) potential difference

Ip = input (primary) current

Is = output (secondary) current

Factors That Affect the Efficiency of a Transformer

1. The heating effect of current in a coil.

Power is lost as heat I2R whereby I is the current flowing through the coil and R is the
resistance of the coil
Methods to increase the efficiency

Use thick copper wires of low resistance. Use coolant to decrease the temperature of the
transformer.
2. Heating effect of induced eddy currents

In the iron core. When the magnetic field in the iron core fluctuates, eddy currents are
generated in the iron core.
Methods to increase the efficiency

Use a laminated iron core whereby each layer is insulated with enamel paint to prevent the
flow of eddy currents. The high resistance between layers of the iron core decrease the
prevalence of eddy currents and heat.
3. Magnetization of the Iron Core.

The energy used in the magnetization and de-magnetization of the iron core each time current
changes its direction is known as hysterisis. This energy is lost as heat which subsequently
heats up the iron core.
Methods to increase the efficiency

Use a soft iron core that is easily magnetized and de-magnetized.

4. Flux leakage.

Some of the induced magnetic flux from the primary coil is not transmitted to the secondary
coil, therefore the e.m.f in the secondary coil is decreased.
The secondary coil(windings) are intertwined tightly with the primary coils. The iron core
should form a closed loop.
Methods to increase the efficiency

The secondary coil (windings) is intertwined tightly with the primary coils. The iron core
should form a closed loop.

Generation of Electricity
Renewable and Non-renewable Energy
The frequently asked questions related to this topic are: what is renewable energy? the
examples of Renewable and non-renewable energy and the advantages of using renewable
energy.
Renewable energy sources are the energy sources which can be continuously replaced.
Examples of renewable energy are:
1. Hydro energy
2. Solar energy
3. Wind energy
4. Geothermal energy
5. Biomass
6. Tidal energy

Advantages of Using Renewable Energy

1. Clean and do not pollute the environment.
2. Easily obtain.
3. Can be replenished once it has been used.
4. Can prevent energy crisis.
Sources of Energy Used to Generate Electricity Hydroelectric

The advantages of using hydroelectric as a source of energy to generate electricity are.

1. It is a renewable energy.
2. Building a dam does not pollute the environment.
3. In a lot of country, water can be easily obtained and is free.
4. Building a hydroelectric plant does not involve very high technology as nuclear power
plant.
The disadvantages of using hydroelectric as a source of energy are.
1. Building a dam will cause a large area flooded with water, and hence seriously destroys
the ecosystem nearby.
2. The flooded area causes the loss of wild life habitat and agriculture land.
3. Dam failure happens will cause a disaster to the lower reaches area of the river.
4. The cost to build a dam is very high.

Sources of Energy Used to Generate Electricity - Fossil Fuel

The advantages of using fossil fuel such as petroleum, natural gas and coal as a source of
energy to generate electricity are.
1. It is relatively easy to be collected as they are present in large amount in one place.
2. It contains high energy capacity.
The disadvantages of using fossil fuel as a source of energy are.
1. It releases a lot carbon dioxide when it is burned. Large amount of carbon dioxide
presence in the atmosphere will cause the increase of the temperature of the atmosphere,
known as global warming. Global warming is the most serious environmental problem
that we are facing now.
2. Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy.
3. Pollute the air. Burning of fossil fuel will release particles and some hazardous gases such
as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide which will pollute the air.
Sources of Energy Used to Generate Electricity - Solar Energy

The advantages of using solar energy as a source of energy to generate electricity are.
1. It is a renewable energy.
2. Sunlight is free and can be obtained easily.
3. It does not pollute the air.
The disadvantages of using solar energy as a source of energy are.
1. A large area is needed to install the solar plate.
2. The amount of sunlight at non-tropical area depends on the season.
3. The energy collected need to be store in a cell so that it can be used at the time sunlight is
not present.
4. Its capacity is limited by the capacity of the cell. Normally a cell has relatively low
capacity.
Sources of Energy Used to Generate Electricity - Nuclear Power

The advantages of using nuclear energy as a source of energy to generate electricity are.
1. The nuclear fuel such as uranium and plutonium has high energy capacity. Small amount
of uranium can produces huge amount of energy.
2. Nuclear energy does not pollute the air.

The disadvantages of using nuclear energy as a source of energy are.

1. Hazardous radioactive waste is produced during nuclear reaction.
2. The radioactive waste will cause pollution in a very large area if leakage happens in the
nuclear power plan.
3. The cost to maintain a nuclear plant is very high.
4. Building a nuclear plant involving very high technology. Only a few countries own such
technology.
Sources of Energy Used to Generate Electricity Biomass

1. Biomass is biological material derived from living organisms such as wood and animal
waste.
2. As a renewable energy source, biomass can either be used directly via combustion to
produce heat, or indirectly after converting it to various forms of biofuel.
3. Heat energy produced from the burning of biomass can be used to generate electricity.
Advantages
1. It is renewable energy.
2. Using biomass to generate electricity can reduce the disposal of organic waste.
3. Liquid biofuels will not pollute the air because they are lead-free and sulphur-free.
Disadvantages
1. Large storage space is required to store the biomass.
2. Land utilization can be considerable. Can lead to deforestation.
3. Overall process can be expensive
Sources of Energy Used to Generate Electricity - Wind Energy

The advantages of using wind as a source of energy to generate electricity are.

1. It is a renewable energy.
2. It does not pollute the environment.
3. It is suitable for mountain area because the wind speed in mountain area is relatively high.
The disadvantages of using wind as a source of energy are.
1. A large area is needed to build the windmills.

2. The windmills will produce high level of noise.

3. The power generated is inconsistent due to the inconsistent of the wind speed and wind
direction.

Transmission of Electricity
Why the voltage is stepped up before transmitting electricity over long distance?
Stepping up the voltage can reduces the current in the cable. This reduces the power loss in
the cable during transmission.
Problems Involving Electricity Transmission.
1. Power Loss during Transmission.
2. The high voltage transmission cable is very dangerous.
3. The costs of the cables are high.
4. Charge leakage may happen between cables and earth.
5. Pylons may be struck by lightning.
6. Pylons and cables may be struck by light aircraft.

National Grid Network

What is a national Grid Network?
A national Grid Network is a network of cable that connects all the power stations in a
country to transmit electricity to the consumers throughout the nation.
The advantages of the National Grid Network
1. Reduces power lost during transmission. The potential difference is increased before
transmission. This can reduce the current and hence reduces the energy lost during
transmission.
2. Electricity supply is more stable and reliable. This ensures a continuous supply of
electrical energy to the whole country.
3. Electric current can be distributed to different users according to the voltage
requirement. Transformer is used to step down the voltage to certain level according to
the needs of the consumers.
4. Maintenance and repair work can be done at anytime. This is because any power
stations can be shut down without affecting users in other areas.