Cambridge IGCSE Combined and Co-ordinated Sciences Revision checklists

Chapter P21  Electromagnetic induction

I don’t know much I need to do more I am really confident
about this work on this that I know and fully
understand this
Make sure you can describe the differences between
direct current (d.c.) and alternating current (a.c.).

When a conductor is moved so that it cuts across

a magnetic field, an e.m.f. is induced between its
ends. If the conductor is part of a complete circuit,
an induced current will flow. This is electromagnetic
induction.
To generate electricity, a magnet or electromagnet is
rotated inside a coil of wire. An induced e.m.f. appears
across the ends of the coil.

Electrical power is transmitted at high voltages so

that less energy is wasted in the cables.

At higher voltages, the current is relatively low, so

that resistive losses in the cables are low and thinner
cables can be used.

Make sure you can explain why the currents are

smaller when power is transmitted at higher voltages.

A transformer changes the voltage of an alternating

supply.

A transformer consists of a primary coil and a

secondary coil, linked by an iron core.

The changing magnetic field produced by the primary

coil induces an alternating current in the secondary
coil.

A step-up transformer increases the voltage of the

supply.

The transformer equation relates the voltages and the

numbers of turns:
Vp Np
=
Vs Ns
For a 100% efficient transformer (in which no power
is wasted):
power into primary coil = power out of secondary coil
Ip × Vp = IS × VS

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