Electricity and circuits formative activity.

1) Read the following page

https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/guides/zgb9hv4/revision/2
Or watch this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=gQyamjPrw-U&feature=emb_title
Based on the reading/video answer the following questions

A. What is the purpose of a generator?

A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electricity and provides
electricity to power circuits. The electricity can be transferred or distributed. The
electricity created can power any kind of machine that uses electrical power.

B. List the components of a generator.

There are two types of generators alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). In an
alternating current generator the coil is rotated in the magnetic field. The induced current
reverses direction every half turn. The components of an alternating current generator are
armature ABCD which is a rectangular coil. The armature is connected to a shaft that can be
rotating rapidly. The field magnets are on both sides of the coil, the north and south side. Slip
rings; S1 and S2. The slip rings are connected to the armature. Brushes; B1 and B2. The
brushes are connected to the slip rings and a load which can be a galvanometer. In a direct
current generator it's produced by a battery and is always in the same direction.

2) Read the following page ​https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zg7t4j6/revision/5

o r watch the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_F4limaHYI

What is the purpose of a motor?

Motors have a huge impact on modern living. It powers our air conditioners, refrigerators,
computer hard drive and many more. A motor converts electrical energy to mechanical energy.
Motors are any kind of machine that uses mechanical energy that was converted from electrical
energy.
List the components of a motor.
A motor also has AC and DC. The basic components of a motor are armature, brushes, north
pole, south pole (magnets), and commutator segment. If the motor is a DC motor is will have a
battery to give off the currents.
3) compare motors and generators.

Motors Generators
 Takes (input) Electrical energy Mechanical energy

Produces (output) Mechanical energy Electrical energy

Type of current related to D/C A/C

(A/C or D/C)

Parts Armature, brushes, magnet, Armature, brushes, shaft, slip

commutator segment, battery rings, galvanometer

Fleming hand rule (left or left right

right)

4) Explain the ​Fleming's hand rule.

Fleming’s hand rules show the direction current flow in generators or motors. In a generator the right
hand will be used, and in a motor the left hand will be used. You will make a 90 degrees angle with
your thumb, index, and middle finger. The thumb shows the movement. The index finger shows the
magnetic field (north to south). Lastly the middle finger shows the direction of the currents.
5) In a generator, a wire is placed in a magnetic field. Under what conditions is the electricity
generated?
The electricity is generated by using alternating current because it is related to the generator. The
wire is like an armature. The armature will spin and generate electrical energy.
6) How can you increase the size of the voltage induced in a generator?
Ways you can increase the size of the voltage induced in a generator are rotating to magnet or coil
faster, more turns in the coil, more powerful magnet, and having an iron core inside the coil.
7) Answer the question proposed in the picture.

I think that current will be generated for the second case. Current will be generated in the second
case because if this is a generator the right hand rule can be used. My middle finger will be aligned
with the movement of the coil. The middle finger shows the direction of current. So in my
understanding case number two will generate currents.
8) what is the difference between induction and conduction?
Induction is closely related to electromagnetism. Induction is used to remove electrons from a
conductor using magnetism. While conduction is the transfer of energy through a substance. For
example heat or electrical charge. In conduction by heat molecules increase in temperature and
vibrate. The vibration will pass on to other surrounding molecules. Examples of heat conduction is
when you accidentally touch a hot pot.

9) visit
https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/circuit-construction-kit-dc-virtual-lab/latest/circuit-construction-kit-
dc-virtual-lab_en.html

Make the following circuits and take a screenshot of them

A.

B.

C.

D.