ELECTROMAGNETISM NOTES

Q1 What is electromagnetism ?
Ans Whenever there is change in magnetic flux linked to coil an e.m.f is induced which lasts as long
as the change is taking place.
Q2 What is the purpose of using split rings in a D.C. motor ?
Ans. The split rings act as commutator. They serve as inlet & outlet of D.C current. The rings reverse
the direction of current after every cycle thus maintaining direction of deflecting couple. This
helps the coils to rotate in one direction .
Q3 How would you increase the speed of rotation of D.C. motor ?
Ans. i) Increase the strength of the current. ii) Increase the strength if magnetic field. iii) Increase the
number of turns in the coil iv) Increase the area of cross section of the coil.
Q4 On what factors does the e.m.f depend of A.C generator ?
Ans4 Directly proportional to i) Speed of rotation of coil ii) Number of turns in the coil iii) Area of
cross section of coil
Q5 On what factors does Lorentz force depend ?
Ans5 Directly proportional to (i) Strength of magnetic field (ii) Strength of current (iii) Length of the
conductor
Q6 Give Faraday’s Laws ?
Ans6 Faraday’s first law states that ‘’Whenever there is a magnetic flux linked to a coil an e.m.f is
induced which lasts as long as the change is taking place.
Faraday’s second Law states ‘’ The magnitude of induced e.m.f directly proportional to rate of
change of magnetic flux.’’
Q7 Give Lenz’s law?
Ans7 “ the direction of induced current is such that it tends to oppose the cause which produces it’’
Lenz’s law obeys law of conservation of energy as when a magnet is brought closer to a coil
energy is neither created nor destroyed but mechanical energy changes to electrical energy. That
is why induced current flows in such a direction so as to oppose the change producing it.
Q8 Why it is difficult to push a magnet through a coil having a large number of turns ?
Ans8 According to Lenz’s law the direction of induced current is such that it opposes the magnet. Since
the number of turns is very large this opposing force is also very huge. So it becomes difficult to
push the magnet inside the coil.
Q9 On what principal does a D.C. motor work ?
Ans9 ‘’Whenever a current is passed through a coil placed in a mutually perpendicular magnetic field
a force acts on it whose direction can be obtained by using Fleming’s left hand rule .’’
Q10 What determines frequency of A.C produced in a generator ?
Ans10 The number of rotations of the coil in one second.
Q11 The diagram shows a coil A and B .Write your observation in each case ?
[i]Current in A is switched on [ii]Current is kept on
[iii]current is switched off [iv]A is moved backwards [v]A is moved backward and forward
Ans11 [i]Galvanometer in B shows a deflection for a moment [ii]No deflection is seen
[iii]A deflection is seen for a moment but in opp direction[iv]An oscillatory deflection is seen
Q12 What are eddy currents ?
Ans12 If we consider a loop in the core with its plane normal to the magnetic field due to a current in
the primary coil .As the current in the primary coil varies, the magnetic flux linked with the loop
also varies thus inducing a current in the loop. Such currents in the various loops in a core are
called eddy currents. They hinder the flows of the current in the primary coil. It is prevented by
laminating core and dipping each lamina in Vaseline to insulate each of them from each other.
Q 13 What is hysterisis loss and how is it prevented ?
Ans13 A rapid magnetization and demagnetization of the core takes place. The work done or energy
spent in magnetization is more than the energy obtained during demagnetization . This can be
minimized by using a soft iron has a poor retentivity and a high permeability.
Q 14 Why are cylindrical poles of a horse shoe magnet preferred over rectangular poles ?
Ans14 The cylindrical poles concentrates all magnetic lines on coil providing a radial magnetic field.
Q15 On what principal does an electric bell work ?
Ans15 An electric bell works on the principal of making and breaking of electric circuit by using the
temporary magnetism of an electromagnet having a soft iron core. The electric bell cannot work
on A.C current because the direction and magnitude of A.C current is constantly changing . So
electromagnet cannot become a magnet.
Q 16 Why is the horse shoe shape better than bar shaped electromagnet ?
Ans16 In a horse shoe shape more turns can be accommodated and poles being nearer concentrate all
the magnetic lines in a small space thus providing a strong radial magnetic field.
Q 17 What is clock rule ?
Ans17 ‘Looking at the face of the coil , if the current around that face is in clockwise direction, the face
has the north polarity . while if the current at face of the loop is in clockwise direction , the face
has the south polarity.
Q18 A flat rectangular coil is rotated between the poles of a horse shoe magnet . In which position of
the coil with respect to the magnetic field, will the e.m.f. (i) be maximum, (ii) be zero,and (iii)
change direction ?
Ans18 (i) When the plane of the coil is parallel to the magnetic field (ii) when plane is normal (iii) when
plane of coil passes from the original position.
Q19 Give four energy losses in a transformer and ways to minimize them ?
Ans19 (i) Heat energy loss : When current passes through primary and secondry coils energy is lost in
the form of heat .It can be minimized by making primary coil thicker in step up state and
secondary coil thicker in step down state. (ii) Hysterises loss is the energy lost during rapid
magnetization and demagnetization of the coil. It can be minimized by using a soft iron core w
which has a very poor retentivity. (iii) Eddy current loss .: Since a varying current passes in each
loop of primary, some local currents are formed which weaken the main current . This can be
minimized b y laminating the core and insulating each lamine by placing a layer of Vaseline
between them and stacking them (iv) Magentic field link loss : Since all magnetic lines of the
primary cannot be linked to the secondary there is a magnetic link loss. This can be minimized
by insulating the core.
Q20 Give difference between DC motor and AC generator ?
Ans20 (i) DC motor coverts electrical energy to mechanical while dynamo mechanical to electrical
(ii) DC motor has a pair of split rings as commutator while dynamo a pair of coaxial slip rings
(iii) DC motor works on principal “when a current carrying conductor is placed in a
perpendicular mag field a force acts on it. AC generator works on electromagnetic induction.
Q 21 Explain the workings of DC motor.
Ans21 Let the plane of coil be horizontal and slip ring SI touches brush B1 and S2 touches B2. The
brush B1 connected to the positive terminal of the battery .when key closed the current passes in
the coil indirection ABCD. The arm BC and AD do not experience any force as they are parallel
to the magnetic field. according to Fleming’s left hand rule the arm AB experience a force inward
perpendicular to the plane of paper while CD an outward force. This forms an anticlockwise
couple and coil begins to rotate.
When the coil reaches the vertical position the split ring lose their contact with the brushes. But
due to inertia of motion the coil completes the turn. Now the splits ring S1 comes in contact with
brush B2 and S2 with B1. now the current flows in the direction DCBA. An inward force acts on
continuously in anticlockwise direction. Common ok motors used in our house are fans, water
pumps , relay , mixer grinder , tape recorders.
Q 22 Give three units of magnetic field ?
Ans22 Tesla, Webers/m2 and NA-1m-1
Q23 Define Flemings left hand rule ?
Ans23 We stretch our left hand in such a way that middle finger,index finger and thumb are mutually
perpendicular to each other.If we pass a current through a conductor in direction of thumb
placed in a mutually perpendicular magnetic field in direction of index finger a Lorentz force
acts on it in direction of thumb.
Q24 Define Fleming’s right hand rule ?
Ans24 We stretch our left hand in such a way that middle finger,index finger & thumb are mutually
perpendicular to each other .If we produce a motion in a conductor in direction of the thumb
placed in a mutually perpendicular magnetic field in direction of index finger a current is
induced in direction of middle finger .
Q25 Define Right hand thumb rule ?
Ans25 If we hold a current carrying conductor in our right hand in such a way that the thumb shows
the direction of current then fingers shows the direction of the magnetic field or magnetic lines .
Q26 Name a device which is used to measure background radiations.
Ans26 Geiger counter
Q27 Find direction of mag. field at centre of a coil carrying current in (i)clockwise(ii) Anticlockwise
Ans27 (i) Along the axis of the coil inwards (ii) Along the axis of the coil outwards .
Q28 Is it possible for a DC motor to not rotate even when a current is passed from it ?
Ans28 If the arms BC and AD of the coil ABCD are not parallel to the magnetic field but inclined then
they also experience a force which does not allows the coil to rotate.
Q29 State 2 characteristics of primary coil of step up transformer when compared to the secondary
Ans Primary coil is thicker than secondary coil as it carries a larger current .This minimizes the heat
loss & increases efficiency of transformer. Secondly primary coil has less turns than secondary.
Q30 State whether electromagnetic induction occurs in the following cases
(i)the current is stopped in a wire held near a loop of wire. Ans: Yes since the flux decreases
(ii)A magnet is held near a loop of wire . Ans: No since there is no change in magnetic flux .
Q31 Can an electric bell work on A.C current. Explain
Ans Yes an electric bell works on a.c current . Since it will only change the polarity of the
electromagnet the bell keeps working normally .
Q32 Can a galvanometer work on D.C current. Explain
Ans: No a galvanometer cannot work on d.c current since it works on electromagnetic induction
.With d.c current there is no change in magnetic flux , hence no current can be induced.
Q33 When an E/M wave travels from one medium to another name a characteristic that remains
constant and the one which changes.
Ans: The frequency remains constant but it’s wavelength can change.
Q34 A transformer is used to convert 200V to 600V. If larger coil has 300 turns. Find turns in smaller
Ans: Since it is a step up transformer Ep=200V , Es=600V , Np= ? , Ns= 300 turns
300 x 200 = Np x 600 , Np= 100 turns
Q35 Give advantage of electromagnet over permanent magnet
Ans Electromagnets are much stronger than permanent magnets , their strength can be changed and
their polarity can be changed by changing the direction of current.
Q36 What is the role of transformers in power transmission ?
Ans) A step up transformer steps up the 11KV generated in the power station to 132 KV which is fed
into transmission lines. This minimizes the energy losses in the form of heat. At subsequent sub
stations the voltage is stepped down to 33KV, 11KV and 220V using the step down transformer.
Q37 Why is power transmission not done with d.c ?
Ans) Since d.c cannot be stepped up , so it will lead to huge energy losses in the form of heat. So power
transmission is done only with a.c which is converted to d.c when required.
Q38 Name two devices which make the use of permanent magnet.
Ans) Galvanometers and ammeters
Q39 What would happen if the speed of rotation of the coil in a dynamo is doubled ?
Ans) The e.m.f generated will also be doubled from 220V to 440V.This can damage a circuit
Q40 How does Lenz’s law obey law of conservation of energy ?
Ans) Since the current is induced in such a way that it opposes the cause which produces it so
mechanical energy gets converted to electrical energy and there is no loss of energy.
Q41 What can be used to step down D.C. voltage?
Ans: Connect more resistance in the circuit , the d.c voltage drops down.
Q42 Give three uses of electromagnets .
Ans) The three uses of electromagnets are
(i) Used in devices like telephones, telegraps, relay motors, electric bell etc
(ii) Used to remove small iron particles from wounds
(iii) Used to lift very heavy iron loads
Q43 Convert Tesla to Gauss
Ans 1 Tesla = 104 Gauss
Q44 Give4 properties of magnetic lines .
Ans [i]Magentic lines originate from North pole to South pole by convention
[ii]Magnetic lines are crowded near the poles representing a strong magnetic field
[iii]They never intersect each other as it would mean two direction at one point
[iv]Magnetic compass placed near the magnetic lines align in the direction of magnetic field
Q45 You have provided with a solenoid AB.

What is the polarity at the end A?

Ans The polarity at end A is South polarity
Q46 The diagram below shows two coil X & Y. The coil x is connected to a battery S and a key K. The
coil Y is connected to a galvanometer G.

When the key K is closed, state the polarity

[a] at the end B of the coil X [b] at the end C of the coil Y
[c] at the end C of the coil Y if the coil, Y is moved towards the coil X.
[d] State the phenomenon on which the above observations are made
Ans [a] On closing the key K, the current at the end B of the coil X is anti-clockwise, therefore at
this end there is a North Pole.
[b] While closing the key, the polarity at the end C of the coil Y will be North. But there will
be no polarity at the end C of the coil Y when the current becomes steady in the coil X
after the key has been closed.
[c] When the key K closed, the coil Y is moved towards the coil X, the polarity at the end C of
the coil Y is North.
[d] The above observations are made on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction.
Q47 On which principle, electromagnet is based?
Ans. Electromagnet is based on the principle of magnetic effect of current.
Q48 The diagram below shows an insulated copper wire wound around a hollow cardboard
cylindrical tube. Answer the questions that follow.
a] What are the magnetic poles at A & B, when the key K is closed?
[b] State two ways to increase the strength of the magnetic field in this coil without changing
the coil.
 [c] If we place a soft iron bar at the centre of the hollow cardboard and replace the DC
source by an AC source, then will it attract small iron pins toward itself when the current
is flowing through the coil?
Ans [a] When key K is closed, the current starts flowing from end A to B.
In end A, the direction of current is anti-clockwise. So, it has north polarity, i.e. N-pole,
while the current at end B is clockwise. So, it has south polarity, i.e. S-pole.
[b] The strength of an magnetic field can be increased by
I. Increasing the amount of current flowing through the coil by decreasing resistance.
II. Decreasing the air-gap between the poles or coils.
[c] When the DC source is replaced by an AC source, then the soft iron bar gets magnetised
or demagnetised periodically as the polarity of current changes. Hence, the circuit it sets
into vibrations, so it will not attract the small iron pins.
Q49 The diagram below shows a free conductor AB is kept in a magnetic field and carrying current
from A to B (To avoid confusion complete path of the circuit is not shown). The direction of the
force experienced by the conductor will be

[a] Up [b] Down [c] Towards N [d] Towards S

Ans [a] According to the Fleming’s left hand rule, the direction of force experienced by the
conductor will be up.
Q50 The diagram shows a coil connected to a galvanometer G. The galvanometer shows a deflection
to the right, when the N-pole of a powerful magnet is moved to the right as shown in below
figure.

Explain, why the deflection occurs in the galvanometer?

Ans. When N-pole of the magnet is moved to the right, the current flows in the coil. This is because
there is a change in the magnetic flux linked with the coil. As a result, an emf is induced across
the end which causes induced current to flow in the coil. Thus, galvanometer shows deflection.
Q51 The diagram shown below, a current carrying loop passing through a sheet of stiff cardboard at
the points P & Q.

Draw three magnetic field lines on the cardboard, one each at points P & Q and one at the centre
of loop. Draw arrows to show the direction of magnetic field lines.
Ans. The figure alongside represents three magnetic field lines due to the current carrying loop. Two
magnetic field lines are shown one each at points P & Q, where the loop passes through the
cardboard and one magnetic field line is shown at the centre of loop. At point P current is
upwards, so magnetic field is anti-clockwise. At point Q current is downwards, so magnetic field
line is clockwise.

Q52 Describe an experiment to show that a current is set-up in a closed loop when an external
magnetic field passing through the loop increases or decreases.
Ans Let two different coils of copper wire, namely coil 1 and coil 2, having large number of turns are
arranged as per the circuit (as shown in figure).

The coil 1, having larger number of turns, is connected in series with a battery and a plug key,
whereas the other coil 2 is connected with a galvanometer.
 Case I When key K is closed, the galvanometer shows a deflection, its needle instantly
jumps to one side and just as quickly returns to zero, indicating a momentary current
in coil 2. This happens due to increase of external magnetic field passing through the loop.
Case II when key K is open, the coil 1 is disconnected from the battery. The needle
momentarily moves, but to the opposite side. It means that now the current flows in the opposite
direction in coil 2. This happens due to decrease of external magnetic field passing through the
loop.
Q53 The figure below shows a magnetic needle kept just below the conductor AB which is kept in
North-South direction.

[a] In which direction will the needle deflect when the key is closed?
[b] Why is the deflection produced?
[c] What will be the change in the deflection, if the magnetic needle is taken just above the
conductor AB?
[d] Name one device which works on the principle.
Ans. [a] East [b]A magnetic field is generated around the wire [c]West [d]Electric motor
Q54

[a]How would you demonstrate magnetic effect of current? By whom it is discovered?

[b] For the current carrying solenoid as shown below, draw magnetic field lines and giving
reason. Explain that out of the three points A, B & C at which point, the field strength is
maximum and at which it is minimum.
Ans. [a]Hans Oersted discovered magnetic effect of current in the year 1820
[b] C is maximum and A would be minimum
Q55 A coil of insulated copper wire is connected to a galvanometer. What will happen, if a bar magnet
is[i]Pushed into the coil [ii]Withdrawn from inside the coil
[iii] Held stationary inside the coil? [iv] Name the phenomenon involved
Ans [i]Deflection increases [ii]Decreases [iii]No change [iv] Electromagnetic induction
Q56 The diagram below shows a magnet placed between two coils A & B. The magnet is moved along
the axis towards coil B.

[a] State the polarities induced at the ends Q & R of the coil due to the motion of the magnet.
[b] Name the phenomenon due to which the current is induced in the coils.
[c] Name the law which helps to find the polarities at the ends Q & R.
Ans [a] End Q  South Pole
End R  South Pole
[b] The phenomenon involved here is electromagnetic induction.
[c] Lenz’s law is used to find polarities at the end Q & R.
Q57. Explain why a induced current must flow in such a direction so as to oppose the change
producing it ?
Ans. So that mechanical energy spent in producing the change is transformed into the electrical
energy as induced current
Q58. Name a material required in each case :
Ans. [i] Eelctric bell Magnet-soft iron
[ii]Electromagnet Core-soft iron
[iii]d.c motor core-soft iron ,magnet –steel
[iv]a.c generator core-soft iron ,magnet –steel
[v]Transformer core-soft iron
Q59. A coil is placed between a magnetic field as shown in the diagram .
[a] In which direction will the coil begin to rotate
[b]Why is commutator necessary
Ans. [a] Anticlockwise
[b] Commutator reverses the direction of current after every half rotation but does not allow the
direction of deflecting couple to change
Q60. Name five d.c motors in your house.
Ans. Electric Fan , Water pump , Microwave oven , Washing machine , CD player