5A:
Define the term “Magnetic flux.”
Magnetic flux measures the number of magnetic field lines passing through a given area.
5A:
Define the term “Electromotive Force,” or EMF.
This describes the electrical potential energy supplied by a source per unit charge, driving a current through a closed circuit. One way to produce an EMF is to change the magnetic flux through a given area.
5A:
List some ways to change the Magnetic flux through an area/loop of wire.
1: Change the strength of the Magnetic field passing through the area of a given loop of wire.
2: Move the loop of wire into and out of the magnetic field.
3: Change the shape of the loop and thus the area of the loop experiencing the magnetic field.
4: Rotate a loop within a magnetic field.
5A:
List some ways to increase the EMF induced
1: Increase the speed of a coil’s rotation within a magnetic field.
2: Increase the magnetic field strength that creates the magnetic flux in the first place.
3: Increase the area of the loop experiencing the magnetic field and inducing the EMF.
5B:
Define the term “Induced current.”
This refers to a current produced in a coil of wire due to a changing magnetic flux through it. This occurs because a changing magnetic flux induces an EMF, which drives the flow of charges (current) in a closed loop.
5B:
Define “Lenz’s Law.”
This states that the induced current in a coil of wire (due to a changing magnetic flux) will produce a magnetic field that’ll oppose the direction of the initial change in magnetic flux.
5C:
Define a “Generator.”
A generator is a device that converts kinetic energy into electrical potential energy via the process of electromagnetic induction. This electrical potential energy then drives the flow of current in an external circuit.
5C:
Distinguish between a DC Generator and an Alternator.
A DC generator produces DC electricity (being a constant direction of current and output voltage). To do this, a Split Ring Commutator constantly reverses the electrical connection between the rotating coil of wire and the external circuit every half rotation.
In contrast, an alternator (or AC generator) produces AC electricity (being a periodically changing direction of current and output voltage). To do this, Slip rings maintain a constant electrical connection between the rotating coil of wire and the external circuit after every half rotation, resulting in the direction of current changing in the external circuit every half rotation.
5D:
Define a “Photovoltaic cell.”
A Photovoltaic cell (PV Cell) converts light energy into electrical potential energy, driving the flow of current as a result.
5D:
Define a “Solar panel.”
A Solar panel refers to an array of PV cells connected to produce a desired level of current or voltage. PV cells are connected in series and parallel to produce modules, with these modules being combined to form larger solar panels.
5D:
Describe how a PV cell produces electricity
Light enters the anti-reflection layer and is absorbed by atoms in the N-type semiconductor, which results in these atoms ejecting electrons. These ejected electrons then enter an electric field between the N-type semiconductor and the P-type semiconductor, causing them to travel from the front electrical contact to the back electrical contact. Hence, a current is produced due to this movement of charge.
This results in DC electricity, given the electric field forces electrons to travel in one direction.
5D:
Define an “Inverter.”
An inverter’s role is to convert DC electricity into AC electricity.
