Class 10 Science


Magnetic Effects of Electric Current NCERT Exercise Questions

Part 2

Question 11: Draw a labelled diagram of an electric motor. Explain its principle and working. What is the function of a split ring in an electric motor?

Answer: Working of Electric Motor: Electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy by using an electric motor. Electric motor works on the basis of rule suggested by Marie Ampere and Fleming’s Left Hand Rule.

electric motor

In an electric motor, a rectangular coil is suspended between the two poles of a magnetic field. The electric supply to the coil is connected with a commutator. Commutator is a device which reverses the direction of flow of electric current through a circuit.

When electric current is supplied to the coil of electric motor, it gets deflected because of magnetic field. As it reaches the half way, the split ring which acts as commutator reverses the direction of flow of electric current. Reversal of direction of current reverses the direction of forces acting on the coil. The change in direction of force pushes the coil; and it moves another half turn. Thus, the coil completes one rotation around the axle. Continuation of this process keeps the motor in rotation.

In commercial motor, electromagnet, instead of permanent magnet, and armature is used. Armature is a soft iron core with large number of conducting wire turns over it. Large number of turns of conducting wire enhances the magnetic field produced by armature.

Question 12: Name some devices in which electric motors are used.

Answer: Electric fan, mixer grinder, tape recorder, CD player, hard disk drive, washing machine, cooler, toy car, vacuum cleaner, etc. are some devices in which electric motor is used.

Question 13: 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 What will happen if a bar magnet is (i) pushed into the coil, (ii) withdrawn from inside the coil, (iii) held stationary inside the coil?

Answer: When the bar magnet is pushed into the coil or withdrawn from the coil, the galvanometer needle would show deflection. When the bar magnet is kept stationary inside the coil; the galvanometer needle would show no deflection.

Question 14: Two circular coils A and B are placed close to each other. If the current in the coil A is changed, will some current be induced in the coil B? Give reason.

Answer: When two circular coils A and B are placed close to each other and the current in coil A is changed, it leads to induction of current in coil B. This happens because of change in magnetic field of coil A; because of change in current in this coil.

Question 15: State the rule to determine the direction of a

(a) Magnetic field produced around a straight conductor-carrying current

Answer: Right hand thumb rule or Maxwell's corkscrew rule

(b) Force experienced by a current-carrying straight conductor placed in a magnetic field which is perpendicular to it

Answer: Fleming's Left Hand Rule

(c) Current induced in a coil due to its rotation in a magnetic field

Answer: Fleming's Right Hand Rule

Question 16: Explain the underlying principle and working of an electric generator by drawing a labelled diagram. What is the function of brushes?

Answer: The structure of electric generator is similar to that of an electric motor. In case of an electric generator a rectangular armature is placed within the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. The armature is attached to wire and is positioned in way that it can move around an axle. When the armature moves within the magnetic field an electric current is induced.

electric generator

The direction of induced current changes, when the armature crosses the halfway mark of its rotation. Thus, the direction of current changes once in every rotation. Due to this, the electric generator usually produces alternate current, i.e. AC.

To convert an AC generator into a DC generator, a split ring commutator is used. This helps in producing direct current.

Question 17: When does an electric short circuit occur?

Answer: When positive and negative wires touch each other, the resistance suddenly decreases and current increases. This leads to excessive heating of wire which manifests in the form of sparks. This is called short circuit.

Question 18: What is the function of an earth wire? Why is it necessary to earth metallic appliances?

Answer: The earth wire transfers any leakage of electric current to the earth. The leaked current can otherwise reach the metallic body of an appliance and can lead to electric shock. Earth wire prevents from electric shock by safety transferring the leaked current to the earth.