GRADE 7 – ELECTRIC CURRENT AND ITS EFFECTS

( Earlier notes to be taken from 7F – ADITI)

Q7) Explain the following terms:
a) Short circuit - When a positive wire touches a negative wire , it results in electric spark and
sometimes can lead to accidental fire. This is called short circuit
b) Overloading – When more then one appliance is attached toa socket, it leads to overload in a
circuit
c) MCB ( Minature Circuit Breaker) - Electric fuse has been replaced by MCB’S in most of the
households. MCB is an automatic device which turns off when the current exceeds its safety
limit. These switches work on the magnetic effect of electric current.
d) Solenoid - A solenoid is a type of electromagnet that consists of a long straight coiled
wire wrapped around a cylindrical core. It works on the principle of
electromagnetism.
Q8) What is the magnetic effect of electric current?
Ans: When electric current flows through a conductor , a magnetic field is created around it .This
is known as Magnetic effect of electric current.
The magnetic effect of electric current was first discovered by Hans Christain Oersted

Q9 ) What is an Electromagnet ?
Ans : Electromagnet works on the principle of magnetic effect
of electric current. Electromagnet is made up of a coil
which is wrapped around a cylindrical core. When
current flows through a coil, the coil behaves like a
magnet.

Q10 ) State the factors affecting the strength of a

electromagnet.
Ans: a) Wrapping the insulated coil around a iron rod
b) Increasing the number of turns in the coil
c) Increasing the strength of electric current

Q11) State the practical uses of electromagnet.

a) Ans: i) Electric bell works because of electromagnet.
b) Electromagnets are used in automatic switches like in MCB’s
c) Electromagnetic are used in many devices like microphone , speaker, telephone ,lifting
heavy objects, etc.
Q12) Explain the working of an electric bell.
Ans:
➢ When current flows through the coil,it becomes a electromagnet
➢ The electromagnet attracts the soft iron armature. With this ,the iron hammer moves and
hits the gong to produce sound
➢ When the iron hammer and armature move towards the gong, the electric circuit breaks
and the electromagnet loses its magnetic property.
➢ The iron armature returns to its original position which helps in completing the circuit
again. The process keeps on repeating and the bell produces a continuous ringing sound.