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13.7 Electromagnetism & Its Uses
13.7 Electromagnetism & Its Uses
13.7 Electromagnetism & Its Uses
(14 - 16)
Electromagnetism
and its Uses
© SSER Ltd.
Current & Electromagnetism
An electric current is a flow of charge carried by tiny particles
known as electrons.
Movement of charge is
caused by the force from a
voltage supply such as a
battery or mains supply
acting on electrons which
are free to move.
Current & Electromagnetism
An electric current is a flow of charge carried by tiny particles
known as electrons.
Movement of charge is
caused by the force from a
voltage supply such as a
battery or mains supply
acting on electrons which
are free to move.
current
When the direction of the current is
reversed the direction of the magnetic
field is also reversed. field
direction
If the current flowing around the circuit becomes too high, the
magnetic field in the coil pulls the iron core, which ‘trips’ the
switch and breaks the circuit.
The system can be reset manually, but will always switch itself
off if a fault is detected.
Electromagnetism - Relay
The electromagnetic relay is made up of a coil of wire, wound on
an iron core, making an electromagnet. When a current is passed
through the coil, the core becomes magnetised. The core then
attracts the iron armature, which is pivoted, causing it to close the
contacts. When the current is switched off, the armature loses its
magnetism and the contacts are released.
Electromagnetism - Relay
An electromagnetic relay can be used as a remote switch, which
switches on a secondary circuit carrying a larger current, e.g.
circuits to operate powerful motors or very bright lights.
The Motor Effect
1777 –1851
aluminium axle
wooden armature
wire brushes
coils of
rubber band insulated wire
split pin
rivet iron yoke
wooden base