Chapter 10 Electricity and Magnetism

Chapter 10 Magnetism & Electricity
10.1 Energy
1. Energy is defined as the ability to do work.
2. Energy exists in various forms such as

(a) light energy – energy produced by an object that emits light.
(b) electrical energy – energy produced by the flow of electric charges.
(c) heat energy – energy that is stored in a hot object.
(d) potential energy – energy that is stored in a body due to its position or its physical state.
(e) nuclear energy – energy stored in the nucleus of an atom.
(f) sound energy – energy produced by a vibrating object.
(g) kinetic energy – energy possessed by a moving body.
(h) chemical energy – energy that is stored in a chemical substance.
Form 3 Excellence (2021) Page 1

Sources of Energy
1. The Sun or solar energy constitutes the main energy source on Earth.
2. The Earth receives heat and light energy directly from the Sun.
10.2 Magnetism
Magnets and magnetic poles
1. If an object is able to attract iron, it is said to possess a quality which is called magnetism.
2. Magnets exist naturally in the form of lodestones. A natural magnet is a piece of magnetic
stone that can attract iron, nickel and cobalt. Artificial magnets have stronger magnetism
and are widely used in industries.
3. A magnet is a substance that can produce a magnetic field and attract materials like iron,
nickel and cobalt.
4. Materials that can be attracted by the magnet are known as magnetic materials.
5. The magnetic field is the area where the force of magnetism acts on another magnet or
magnetic object.

6. If the bar magnet is hung on a string, it will rotate freely and then stop. It’s North Pole pointing
towards the north pole of the Earth and its south pole pointing to the south pole of the
Earth.
Magnetization and Demagnetization
1. Naturally, steel does not possess magnetism but we can make it into an artificial magnet. This
process is known as magnetization.
2. Methods for magnetization are
(A) Stroking
(B) Electrical method

Magnetic Induction
1. Materials such as iron is easier to be magnetized but it also loses its magnetism easily is
known as soft magnetic materials.
2. Hard magnetic materials such as steel, is difficult to magnetize but is does not easily lose
its magnetic once it is magnetized.
Demagnetization
1. We can also destroy the magnetism of a magnet. This process is known as demagnetization.
2. We can demagnetize a magnet is heating and hammering.
Properties of a Magnet
(a) Attracts magnetic materials

(b) When freely suspended, a magnet shows the north-south direction
(c) Has poles (north pole and south pole)
(d) Like poles repel, unlike poles attract

Magnetic field
1. Magnetic field is the area around a magnet with magnetic force.

2. Magnetic field cannot be seen but can be studied using the following materials and devices
(a) Iron filings to show the pattern of a magnetic field.
(b) Compass to show the pattern and direction of a magnetic field.
3. Lines that show the area of magnetic field are known as magnetic field lines.

Characteristics of magnetic field lines
(a) The magnetic field lines begin from the north pole and end at the south pole.
(b) The magnetic field lines are closer to one another where the magnetic field is stronger.
(c) The magnetic field lines never meet or cross.
Bar magnet
Horseshoe magnet

1. The same poles of magnets push each other away and so do the magnetic fields.
2. Point X, which is an empty space that does not have any magnetic field (which is free from the
effect of any magnetic force), is known as neutral point.
Earth’s Magnetic Field
1. We know that a compass always points to the north-south direction.

2. This happens because the compass is affected by the magnetic field of the Earth. This
magnetic field is known as the Earth’s magnetic field.

3. The direction pointed by the north pole of a compass is known as the Earth’s magnetic north
pole but the Earth’s magnetic north and South Pole is not the same with the geographic north
and south poles.
4. The Earth’s magnetic north pole slightly inclines towards the west of the true north.
10.3 Electromagnetism
1. An electromagnet is an electric conductor such as a straight wire, a coiled wire or a solenoid
that becomes a temporary magnet when an electric current flows through the electric
conductor.
2. The pattern of the magnetic field depends on the shape of the conductor used. For
example, the magnetic field lines produced by a straight wire and a coiled wire are
concentric circles.
Straight conductor

Coiled wire
Solenoid
3. Magnetic field lines are closer where the magnetic field is stronger. The strength of the
magnetic field reduces as it moves away from the centre of the conductor.
4. The strength of the magnetic field of an electromagnet depends on the amount of the
electric current that flows through the electromagnet.
(a) The larger the electric current that flows through an electromagnet, the stronger the
magnetic field that is produced.
(b) When no electric current flows through an electromagnet, the electromagnet loses all its
magnetic properties.
5. The pattern of the magnetic field produced is not affected by the direction of the current that
flows through the conductor.

6. The right-hand grip rule is used to determine the direction of the magnetic field around a
straight wire carrying electric current.
Right-hand grip rule
7. Based on the right-hand grip rule,

(a) the thumb points towards the direction of the electric current.
(b) the fingers wrapped around the straight wire carrying the electric current point to the
direction of the magnetic field.
8. Solenoid polarity can be determined by observing the direction of the current flow. The current
that flows in the anti-clockwise direction is the North Pole, whereas the current that flows
clockwise is the South Pole.

9. The strength of the magnetic field of a solenoid depends on the amount of electric
current flowing through the solenoid and the number of coils in the solenoid.
(a) The larger the electric current that flows through a solenoid, the stronger the magnetic
field that is produced.
(b) The more the number of coils in a solenoid that carry the electric current, the stronger
the magnetic field that is produced.
10. The advantage of an electromagnet is the strength of its magnetic field can change
according to the amount of electric current that flows through the electromagnet.
Activity 10.1
Aim: To study the pattern and direction of the magnetic field produced by the electric current that
flows through different conductors
Materials: Straight wire, coiled wire, thin cardboard, solenoid and iron filling
Apparatus: Compass, retort stand with clamp, power supply (D.C. 3V), connecting wire and crocodile
clip

Instruction:
1. Set up the apparatus as shown in Figure (a).

2. Sprinkle some iron filings evenly on the whiteboard. Start the power supply and tap the
cardboard gently until a magnetic field pattern is formed.
3. Stop the power supply and sketch the magnetic field pattern that has been formed.
4. Place four compasses around the straight wire as shown in Figure (b).
5. Restart the power supply and observe the direction of the compasses.
6. Stop the power supply. Mark the direction of the current flow and the direction of the magnetic
field in the pattern you have drawn in step 3.
7. Reverse the direction of the current flow and observe the pattern and the direction of the
magnetic field again.
8. Repeat steps 1 to 7 by replacing the straight wire with coiled wire and solenoid.
Question:
1. What is the purpose of using the iron fillings and compass in this activity?
2. Are the magnetic field patterns for all three conductors similar?
3. What can you observe in the magnetic field when the direction of the electric current is
reversed?

Activity 10.2
Aim: To study the factors those influence the strength of the magnetic field
A. The relationship between the current that flows and strength of the magnetic field
Problem statement: Does the current affect the strength of the magnetic field?
Hypothesis: The larger the current that flow through a conductor, the stronger the magnetic field.
Variable:
(a) Constant variable: The number of turns of the coil

(b) Manipulated variable: Current
(c) Responding variable: Number of pins attracted
Materials: Pin, iron rod, and copper wire
Apparatus: D.C power supply, ammeter, rheostat, petri dish and retort stand with clamp
Procedure:
1. Set up the apparatus as shown in Figure (c) with 10 coils of copper wire around the iron rod.
2. Turn on the power supply and adjust the rheostat to obtain 0.5 A of current.
3. Replace the petri dish containing pins with an empty petri dish.
4. Turn off the power supply to let all the pins to fall back into the empty petri dish.
5. Count the number of pins attracted by the iron rod.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 using 1.0 A, 1.5 A, 2.0 A and 2.5 A of current. Record your observations.
Conclusion:
Is the hypothesis accepted? Give your reasons.

B. The relationship between the number of turns of a coil and the strength of the magnetic
field
Problem statement: Does the number of turns of a coil affect the magnetic field?
Hypothesis: The more the number of turns of a coil, the stronger the magnetic field.
Variable:
(a) Constant variable: Current

(b) Manipulated variable: Number of coils
(c) Responding variable: Number of pins attracted
Procedure:
1. Set up the apparatus as shown in Figure (c) with 10 coils of copper wire coiled around an iron
rod.
2. Turn on the power supply.
3. Replace the petri dish containing pins with an empty petri dish.
4. Turn off the power supply so that all the pins drop back into the empty petri dish.
5. Count the number of pins attracted by the iron rod.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 using 20, 30, 40 and 50 turns of copper wire on the iron rod.
Conclusion:
Is the hypothesis accepted? Give your reasons.
10.4 Applications of Magnets and Electromagnets in

Daily Life
Applications of Magnets in Daily Life
(A) Magnet on the door

A magnet is fixed to a device that functions to ensure that a door always stays open and
prevents the door from banging against the wall.

(B) Magnetic chess

Magnets are fitted in a chess set to ensure the magnetic chess pieces do not fall from the
board.
(C) Compass
A compass needle is a permanent magnet that always points to the Earth’s north pole and is
used to determine the direction of a location or movement of objects including humans.
Applications of Electromagnets in Daily Life
(A) Electromagnetic crane

Electromagnets are used in cranes to transport iron and other steel loads such as cars and
containers.

(B) Electric bell

An electric bell uses an electromagnet to turn on the ringing bell.
(C) Loudspeaker
An electromagnet is used to change the electric current to sound in a system of loudspeaker.
(D) Credit cards and debit cards

Credit cards and debit cards have an electromagnetic strip that stores information.

(E) Bullet train

A train uses an electromagnet to produce the force to move it.
10.5 Electrostatic Charges
1. Electrostatic is the study of electric charges that are not moving, stationary or static.
2. Electric charges are produced through friction between two objects.
3. Static electricity is the accumulation of electrical charges on an object which is a poor
conductor of electricity.
4. S.I. unit for measuring electrical charges is coulomb (C).
5. There are two types of electric charges; positive charge (proton) and negative charge
(electron).
6. The attraction and repulsion between the electric charges (force acting between electrostatic
charges) are known as electrostatic forces.
7. Same charges (or like charges) repel each other while opposite charges (or unlike charges)
attract each other.

8. When two different types of objects are rubbed together, only the electrons are
transferred from one object to the other, whereas protons do not move.
9. The object that loses electrons will be positively charged. The object that gains electrons
will be negatively charged. The object that has equal number of protons and electrons is
known as neutral.

Activity 10.3
Aim: To test the existence of electrostatic charges on certain materials
Materials: Balloon, pieces of shredded paper and stream of running tap water
Apparatus: Polythene strip, cellulose acetate strip and woolen cloth
Instruction:
1. Rub a polythene rod with a woolen cloth.

2. Hold the rod close to pieces of shredded paper and record your answer.
3. Repeat step 1.
4. Hold the rod close to a small stream of running tap water and record your observation.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 using cellulose acetate strip and a balloon to replace the polythene rod.
Questions:
1. Give an inference for your observation.

2. What other methods can be used to test the existence of electrostatic charges on the balloon?
Explain the steps taken.

Activity 10.4
Aim: To carry out a stimulation of lightning formation by using the Van de Graaff generator
Apparatus: Van de Graaff generator
Instruction:
1. Switch on the Van de Graaff generator.

2. After a few minutes, move the metal sphere closer to the dome and record you observation.
Questions:
1. What is your observation in this activity?

2. What will happen if the metal cap of an electroscope is brought closer to the dome of the Van
de Graaff generator?
Activity 10.5
Aim: To study the relationship between electric charges and electric current
Apparatus: Van de Graaff generator, galvanometer and connecting wire
Instruction:

1. Set up the apparatus as shown above.

2. Switch on the Van de Graaff generator and observe the pointer on the galvanometer.
Questions:
1. What happens to the galvanometer’s pointer? Explain.

2. How do you show the existence of electric charges on the dome of the generator?
3. State the meaning of electric current.
Van de Graaff Generator
1. Van de Graaff generator is a device that produces a high voltage by collecting static
electrical charges.
2. When the static electrical charges are directed to the Earth through a conductor, electric
current is produced.

3. The generation of electric current:

(a) When the motor is turned on, the lower roller rotates and turns the belt.
(b) Positive charges build up at the dome due to the friction between the belt and the
electrode.
(c) Friction between the belt and the electrode at the base earths the negative charge at the
belt and convert it to positive charge.
(d) This process continues until the dome collects a lot of positive charges.
(e) When a copper wire is connected from the water tap through a galvanometer, electrons
transfer from the Earth to the dome. The flow of electrons produces electric current causes
the deflection of needle on the galvanometer.
(f) So, electric current can also be pictured as a flow of electrons in a particular direction.
Effect of production of electrostatic charges

Type of electrical charges produced when 2 different materials are rubbed against each other.
Negatively charged Positively charged

Polythene Wool
Wool Cellulose acetate
Ebonite Animal fur
Silk Glass
Amber Animal fur
Electroscope
1. An electroscope is a device used to detect the existence of electric charges on an object.

Electroscope consists of a metal cap, metal plate and gold leaf (conductor).

To Detect Electrostatic Charges
1. Bring the insulating material under test close to the metal cap of a neutral electroscope.
2. (a) If the gold leaf diverges, the insulating material under test has electrostatic charge or is
charged.
(b) If the gold leaf does not diverge, the insulating material under test does not have any
electrostatic charge or is neutral.
To Compare Quantities of Electrostatic Charges
1. Bring the charged insulating material close to the metal cap of a neutral electroscope.
2. The larger the quantity of electrostatic charges on the insulating material, the bigger the
divergence of the gold leaf.

To Determine the Type of Electrostatic Charge
1. Rub a glass rod with silk cloth for 30 seconds. Then, touch the metal cap of a neutral
electroscope with the positively charged glass rod.
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
(a) An uncharged electroscope

(b) A positively charged rod is brought near to the metal plate.
(c) The electroscope is earthen by touching the plate.
(d) The electroscope is left with positive charged
(e) A negatively charged rod reduces the deflection of the gold leaf

(a) (b)
(a) and (b) When a negatively charged rod is brought near to the metal plate, the divergence of the
gold leaf increases.
2. Insulators are the materials that do not allow electric charge to pass through because
insulators have their electric charged confined within the molecules; this makes it difficult
for the electrons to move freely. Examples: glass, plastic, marble, rubber, ceramic, alcohol,
pure water and oil.
3. Conductors are the materials easily conduct electricity because free electrons in the
conductors are able to move from one end to another. Examples: metals, graphite, human
body, earth, all acidic solution, basic and salt solution and impure water (contains ions).
4. Metals are the most important conductor because charges can move freely (free
electrons).
5. There is a kind of material that possesses a conductivity that is between a good conductor
and a good insulator is called semi-conductor.
6. Charges that in acidic, basic and salt solutions are positive and negative ions.

Electrophorus
An electrophorus consists of a circular slab of insulating material, together with a brass disc on an
insulating handle.
Examples of Electrostatic in Our Daily Life
Occurrence of Lightning

1. Electrostatic charges are produced when friction occurs between the clouds and the air.
2. Positive electrostatic charges gather at one part of a cloud while negative electrostatic
charges gather at the opposite part of the cloud.
3. When a charged cloud approaches the surface of the Earth, charges that are opposite from
those that are at the bottom of the charged cloud will form on the Earth’s surface as shown.
4. Strong electrostatic force acting between the positive and negative charges causes the
negative charges to move rapidly towards the positive charges.
5. This rapid movement of the negative charges releases a lot of energy in the form of
flickers of bright light known as lightning.
6. Lightning occurs in clouds, between clouds and between clouds and the Earth.
Simulation of Lightning Formation
Van de Graaff Generator Wimhurst machine
1. Simulation of lightning formation can be carried out using a Van de Graaff generator or
Wimhurst machine as shown.
2. Both machines produce electrostatic charges by friction.
3. Positive electrostatic charges gather at one part and negative electrostatic charges
gather in another part of the Van de Graaff generator or Wimhurst machine.
4. When the quantity of positive and negative charges gathered becomes large enough, the
electrostatic force will be so strong that the negative charges will move rapidly through the
space between the two parts in the Van de Graaff generator or Wimhurst machine.
5. This rapid movement of the negative charges releases a lot of energy in the form of
flickers of bright light known as lightning.

Solving Daily Life Problems Involving Electrostatic Charges
Problem of Lightning Produced by the Flow of Electrostatic Charges
Case 1:
Lightning that strikes buildings without lightning conductors, will incur serious damages to
building structures and cause fires.
Solution:
- Copper lightning conductors are fixed to the highest point of a building and connected
directly to the surface of the ground using thick copper strips.
- When the building is struck by lightning, the lightning will strike the lightning conductor and
negative charges will flow directly to the Earth’s surface through the thick copper strip.
- The flow of electric charges will occur without causing any damage to the building.

Case 2:
I cleaned the TV screen two days ago. It becomes dusty again.
Solution:
The TV screen becomes dusty quickly because the negative charges on the dust are attracted to the
positive charges on the TV screen. Use a microfiber cloth, a type of anti-electrostatic material so that it
does not become dusty too quickly.
Problems of Sparks Produced by the Flow of Electrostatic Charges
When an oil tanker moves, the body of the tanker will produce electrostatic charges from friction
with the air. A lot of electrostatic charges produced and gathered at the body of the tanker will
produce sparks. These sparks will ignite the highly flammable oil and cause an explosion.
Solution:
- To reduce the electrostatic charges at the body of the tanker, a metal chain is hung from the
back of the tanker.
- The electrostatic charges will flow from the body of the tanker to the surface of the Earth
through the metal chain, without producing any sparks.
- A similar situation occurs when an aeroplane is being refilled with fuel. A metal cable connects
the aeroplane to the surface of the Earth.

1. Tyres of aeroplanes: Due to friction, aeroplanes become charged when flying in the air.
Carbon in the tyres of aeroplane enables the charges to flow to the ground on landing. As an
additional safety measures, there is a strip of metal conductor sliding against the ground to
discharge the aeroplanes.
2. Metal doorknobs: When a person walks across a carpeted floor, electrons are rubbed off the
carpet by her shoes. Electrons then spread over the surface of her skin. When she reaches for
a metal doorknob, he may feel an electric shock. This is because the attractive electrostatic
force between the electrons on her hand and the positive charges on the doorknob pulls the
electrons from her hand to the doorknob.

10.6 Electric Current and Electric Circuit
1. Electricity (Electrical energy) is a form of energy produced by electric current. It is the

energy produced by moving electrical charges.
2. Electric current is the rate of flow of negative charges (electrons) through a circuit.
Electric current flows from the positive terminal of a battery to the negative terminal.
3. Examples of sources of electrical energy are:
(a) Simple cell: The cell is made up of two different types of metal plates dipped in an
electrolyte. Electrical energy is obtained from chemical energy.
(b) Dry cell: The cell is made up of a carbon rod (as positive electrode), zinc container (as
negative electrode) and ammonium chloride paste (as electrolyte). Electrical energy is
derived from chemical energy. They are used in radio transistors, wall clocks and
flashlights.
(c) Wet cell (Lead-acid accumulator): The cell consists of a lead dioxide plate (as positive
electrode), lead plate (as negative electrode) and dilute sulphuric acid (as electrolyte).
This type of cell is used in motor vehicles.

(d) Direct and Alternating Current Generators
4. An electric circuit must consists of at least four components; a power source, a length
of wire, a switch and an electrical appliance.
5. A closed circuit is a circuit where all components must be well connected in a circuit
in order to allow the flow of electric current.

6. An opened circuit is a circuit where the electric current cannot flow through it due to
broken parts of the circuit or even improper closure of circuit.
7. A short circuit happens when a length of conducting wire is directly connected to the
two terminal of a power source and causes a very large current to flow in the circuit.
8. Standardized electrical symbols are used in the place of diagrams of the real components.
These electrical symbols are known as circuit diagrams.

Circuit Components
9. The following shows the use of circuit components.
Circuit component Use

Electric cell / series cells/ parallel cells Electric sources that supply electrical energy
Lamp or bulb Lights up when current flows through it
Fixed resistor Reduces current flow
Variable resistor (rheostat) Controls current flow
Switch Completes or breaks a circuit
Ammeter Measures current in units of ampere
Voltmeter Measures voltage in units of volts
Galvanometer Detects current
Fuse Melts when excessive current flows through it
Earth connector Sends leaked current to the Earth

Electric Current, Voltage and Resistance
Electric Current
1. Electric current (I) is defined as the rate of flow of electrons in a conductor. Energy is
needed for electrons to flow from one point to another.
2. The S. I. unit for electric current is ampere (A).
3. Electric current is measured using an instrument called an ammeter.
4. To measure the electric current flowing through an electrical source or component, an
ammeter is connected in series with the electrical source or component.
5. The “+” and “-“terminals must be connected correctly. The current measured must not be more
than the ammeter full scale. It also cannot be connected directly to the terminal of the battery.
Voltage
1. Voltage (V) or potential difference between two points is the force or energy needed to
move electrons between the two points.
2. The S. I. unit for voltage is volt (V).
3. Voltage is measured using an instrument called a voltmeter.
4. To measure voltage of a source or electric component, a voltmeter is connected in parallel
across the electric source or component.
5. The “+” and “-“terminals must be connected correctly. The voltage measured must not be
more than the voltmeter full scale.

The direction of current and electron flow in an electric circuit
 Current flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal of a cell.
 Electrons flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal of a cell, that is, from a higher
potential to a lower potential of electron.
Activity 10.6
Aim: To measure the current and voltage by using a suitable measuring apparatus
Apparatus: Ammeter, voltmeter, connecting wire, switch, dry cell, crocodile clip , bulb and dry cell
and dry cell holder
A. Measuring current using an ammeter
Instruction:
1. Connect the circuit as shown above using one dry cell.

2. Turn on the switch and record the reading of the ammeter. Observe the brightness of the bulb.
3. Record your observations.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 using two dry cells.

B. Measuring the voltage using a voltmeter
Instruction: Safety Precaution: The voltmeter must be connected parallel to the bulb in order
to measure the voltage
1. Connect the circuit as shown above using one dry cell.

2. Turn on the switch and record the reading of the voltmeter. Observe the brightness of the bulb.
3. Record your observations.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 using two dry cells.
Observation:
Number of dry Reading of Reading of Brightness of

Activity
cells ammeter / A voltmeter / V bulb
1
A
2
1
B
2
Questions:
1. What is the relationship between the electrical current and the increase in the number of dry
cells?
2. What is the relationship between the voltage and the increase in the number of dry cells?
3. Give an inference for the brightness of bulb in Activity A.
4. What is the relationship between the voltage, electric current and the brightness of the bulb?

Resistance
1. Resistance (R) is the ability of a material to obstruct or resist electric current flowing
through the material.
2. The S. I. unit for resistance is ohm (Ω).
3. Standard resistor is an electrical component that has a fixed resistance.
4. Variable resistor or rheostat has a resistance that can be changed.
5. Uses of resistors in daily life are as follows.
(a) Fixed resistor – used in various electrical equipment like the radio, telephone and
computer.
(b) Variable resistor – used to control the brightness of a bulb, speed of a fan and loudness
of the radio by changing the value of the current flowing through the electrical appliance
concerned.
6. Factors that influence the resistance of a conductor are:

(a) Length of conductor
The longer the conductor, the greater is its resistance.

(b) Diameter of the conductor

The greater the diameter of the conductor, the lower is its resistance.
(c) Type of conductor

Conductors such as copper, aluminium and silver have small resistance while
tungsten, iron and nichrome have larger resistance.
(d) Temperature
Metal conductors have greater resistance when the temperature rises.
Relationship between Current, Voltage and Resistance in Ohm’s Law
Ohm’s Law states that the electric current that flows through a conductor is directly proportional to the
voltage across two ends of the conductor, provided the temperature and other physical situations
remain unchanged.

(a) The larger the resistance of a conductor, the smaller the flow of current.
(b) The higher the voltage, the greater the flow of current in the circuit.
(i) Current is directly proportional to voltage. Therefore, current increases as voltage

increases.
(ii) Current is inversely proportional to resistance. Therefore, current increases as
resistance decreases.
Experiment 10.1
Aim: To study the effect of changes in resistance and voltage on electric current
A. The effect of changes in resistance on electric current
Problem statement: What is the effect of changes in resistance on electric current?
Hypothesis: The higher the resistance, the smaller the current flow.
Variable:
(a) Constant variable: Number of dry cells

(b) Manipulated variable: The length of the nichrome wire
(c) Responding variable: Reading of the ammeter
Material: Nichrome wire (60 cm)
Apparatus: Ammeter, metre rule, dry cell holder, dry cell, thumbtack, crocodile clip, jockey and
connecting wire
Procedure:
1. Fix a nichrome wire to both ends of a metre rule.

2. Set up the apparatus as shown below.
3. Place the jockey where the length of the nicrome wire is 20 cm. Record the reading of the
ammeter.
4. Repeat step 3 by increasing the length of the nichrome wire to 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm and
60 cm.
5. Record the ammeter readings in a table for each length of the nichrome wire used.
6. Plot a graph of current against the length of nichrome wire.

Observation:
Length of nichrome wire (cm) Reading of ammeter (A)

20
30
Conclusion: Is the hypothesis accepted? Give your reasons.
Questions:
1. What is the relationship between the length of the nichrome wire and resistance?
2. What is the relationship between the length of the nichrome wire and the current that flows in
the circuit?
3. What is the relationship between resistance and electric current?
B. The effect of changes in voltage on electric current
Problem statement: What is the effect of changes in voltage on current?
Hypothesis: The higher the voltage, the larger the current flow.
Variable:
(a) Constant variable: Nichrome wire of 10 cm length

(b) Manipulated variable: Number of dry cells
(c) Responding variable: Reading of the ammeter
Apparatus: Ammeter, voltmeter, connecting wire, nichrome wire of 10 cm length, dry cell and
crocodile clip

Procedure:
1. Set up the circuit as shown below using one dry cell.

2. Record the reading on the ammeter and voltmeter.
3. Record your observations in a table.
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 using two, three and four dry cells.
5. Plot a graph of current against voltage.
Observation:
Number of dry
1 2 3 4
cells
Reading of
ammeter (A)
Reading of
voltmeter (V)
Conclusion: Is the hypothesis accepted? Give your reasons.
Questions:
1. What is the relationship between the number of dry cells and the reading of voltmeter?
2. What is the relationship between voltage and electric current?

Multimeter
1. It is device with many functions, including measure the current, voltage and resistance.
2. Using a multimeter:
(a) Do not leave the switch at the “resistance” region after use in order to prevent leakage of
current.
(b) The resistor to be measured must be disconnected from other electrical components and
power source.
(c) Do not touch the metal parts of the test pens when measuring resistance in order to obtain
an accurate reading or value.
10.7 Flow of Electric Current in a Series Circuit and Parallel

Circuit
Electric Circuit
Electric current requires a complete path which enables it to flow. This path is known as an electric
circuit.

Series Circuit and Parallel Circuit
1. An electric circuit can be connected in series or parallel.
Series circuit Parallel circuit

 A series circuit is made up of electrical  A parallel circuit is separated into several
components that are connected one after different paths of electrical circuit and
another where the current flows through each parallel path has electrical
in a single path. components.
Activity 10.7
Aim: To study current, voltage and resistance in a series circuit
Apparatus: Dry cell holder, connecting wire, bulb (1.5 V), dry cell, switch, ammeter and voltmeter
Instruction:
1. Set up a series circuit as shown in (a).

2. Turn on the switch and measure the current that flows through bulb M. Measure the current
that flows through bulb N by placing the ammeter between M and N as shown in (b).
3. Measure the current that flows through bulb M and N by setting up the circuit as shown in (c).
4. Set up the voltmeter across bulb M, followed by bulb N as shown in (d) to measure the voltage
reading across the bulb.
5. Set up the voltmeter as shown in (e) to measure the voltage across two bulbs.
6. Calculate the resistance for each bulb separately and also for both the bulbs using Ohm’s Law.
7. Record all the readings in a table.

Questions:
1. What is your conclusion on the current flow through the series circuit?
2. What will happen to the bulbs in the series circuit if one of the bulbs is removed?
Activity 10.8
Aim: To study current, voltage and resistance in a parallel circuit.
Apparatus: Dry cell holder, connecting wire, switch, bulb (1.5 V), dry cell, ammeter and voltmeter
Instruction:
1. Set up the parallel circuit as shown in (a).

2. Turn on the switch and measure the current that flows through bulb M. Measure the current
that flows through bulb N by changing the position of the ammeter.
3. Measure the electric current that flows through both the bulbs, M and N by setting up a circuit
as shown in (b).
4. Fix the voltmeter across bulb M followed by bulb N as shown in (c) to measure the voltage
across the bulbs.
5. Fix the voltmeter as shown in (d) to measure the voltage across two bulbs.
6. Calculate the resistance for each bulb separately and for both the bulbs using Ohm’s Law.
7. Record all the readings in a table.
Questions:
1. Is the value of voltage different for bulb M and N?

2. List out the advantages and disadvantages of a parallel circuit.

2. Current, voltage and resistance in a series circuit and a parallel circuit.
Physical quantity Series circuit Parallel circuit

The current flowing through each The total current in a parallel circuit is
component at any point in a series equal to the sum of the currents
circuit is the same. passing through the components.
Current (A)
Itotal= I1 = I2 = I3
Itotal= I1 + I2 + I3
The total voltage across the The total voltage across each
terminals of the battery is equal to electrical component in a parallel
the sum of the voltages across the circuit is the same. The voltage across
individual electrical components. each electrical component is the same
as the total voltage supplied by the
battery.
Voltage (V)
Vtotal= V1 + V2
Vtotal= V1 = V2

The effective resistance or total The total resistance in a parallel

resistance in a series circuit is the circuit is less than the sum of the
sum of the individual resistances individual resistances connected in
connected in series. parallel.
Resistance (R)
1 1 1 1
Rtotal= R1 + R2+ R3 = + +
�� 1 �2 �3
3. Among the advantages of series circuits are as follows:

(a) The amount of electric current flowing through each electrical component in the circuit is
the same.
Example:
Each bulb lights up with equal brightness. It is because the amount of electric current that
flows through each bulb is the same.
(b) All electrical components in the circuit are controlled by the same switch.
(c) A larger current is obtained by increasing the number of dry cells in the circuit.
4. Among the disadvantages of series circuits are

(a) if one or more of the electrical components in the circuit malfunction, all the rest of
the electrical components will not function.
(b) difficult to identify electrical components that malfunction.
(c) voltage supplied by the battery is shared by each electrical component in the circuit. As
such, the voltage across each electrical component decreases as the number of
electrical components increases.

5. Among the advantages of parallel circuits are as follows:

(a) Electrical components that are connected in parallel can be controlled separately.
Example:
Each component in a parallel circuit can be used when needed because each electrical
component is controlled by a separate switch.
(b) The amount of electric current flowing through each electrical component in a parallel
circuit can be adjusted according to the needs of the electrical component to function.
(c) Electrical components that malfunction can be easily identified.
(d) If one or more of the electrical components in the parallel circuit malfunction, all other
working electrical components continue to function and are not affected.
6. A disadvantage of parallel circuits is that batteries that are connected in parallel can only
supply voltage that is the same as the voltage supplied by one battery.
7. Diagram below shows a household circuitry. All electrical components such as lights in the
electric circuit in the house are connected in parallel.

8. For example, all the lights at home are connected in parallel to ensure every light gets the
same voltage from its main power supply.
9. The current that flows from the main supply to the circuit is controlled by a distribution panel.
10. Among the reason why the electric circuits in a house are connected in parallel are as follows:
(a) Components in the electric circuit can be controlled separately by different switches.
(b) The amount of electric current flowing through each component can be adjusted
according to the needs of the component to function normally.
(c) If one or more of the components in the parallel circuit malfunction, all the remaining
normal components will continue to function and are not affected.
(d) Any component that malfunctions can be easily detected.

Generation of Electricity

10.8 Electric Work and Electric Power
1. Electric energy is the energy in an electric current.
2. The amount of electric work done is the amount of electric energy converted to other forms
of energy (heat energy or light energy).
3. The S. I. unit of electric work or electrical energy is Joule (J).
4. Work done for current,

W = VIt
V = voltage (Volt, V) I = current (Ampere, A) t = time (second, s)
5. Work done by electric current is directly proportional to the electric voltage, electric
current and the time for the current flows.
6. Exercise:
If 0.2 A flows through an electrical heater (voltage supply = 230 V) for 5 minutes. What is
the amount of work done and the electrical energy in the electric current?
7. Electric power is work done by electric current per unit time (1 s).
The S. I. unit is Watt (W).
�� (�)

Electric power, P = �� (�)
8. The relationship between power, voltage and electric current of an appliance is represented
by the following equation:
Power (P) = Voltage (V) x Current (I)
The electric current that flows through an electric appliance in operation can be calculated
using the equation below:
�� (�)
Current, I = �� (�)

9. There is a relationship between power (P), voltage (V) and current (I). If two values are
known, then the third value can be calculated by using one of the equations below:
(a) P = V x I
�
(b) V = �
�
(c) I = �
The “P over V and I triangle” can be used to remember the three equations.
10. 1 W = 1 Js-1 = 1 VA
11. For an electrical appliance with power 1 kW, the work done by electric current in an hour is
1 kWh.
12. 1 kWh = 1000 W x 3600 s = 3.6 x 103 J
13. Rated voltage is the voltage for normal operating condition.

Rated power is the power at the rated voltage.

(a) When the voltage supply is lower, then the electric power of the appliance will be smaller
and the appliance cannot operate normally.
(b) When the voltage supply is higher, prolonged use will shorten the life span of the appliance.
It may damage the appliance.
14. Exercises:
(a) Given: W = 1 kWh (b) Given: P = 60 kW
t = 25 h v = 600 V
Find P. Find I.
(c) Given: V = 230 V (d) Given: P = 15 W

P = 60 W V = 230 V
Find I and R. W = 1 kWh
Find t.
15. Joule’s Law states that the heat produced in a conductor is directly proportional to its
resistance, the time and the square of current intensity.
Heat produced, H = Square of current, I2 x Resistance, R x Time, t

10.9 Generation of Electricity
Various Energy Sources to Generate Electrical Energy
1. Electricity is generated through various energy sources.
2. These different energy sources can be classified into two main groups, namely renewable
energy sources and non-renewable energy sources.
Energy sources
Renewable energy sources Non-renewable energy sources
Definition Definition
Energy sources that can be replaced Energy sources that cannot be replaced and
continually and will never deplete. will deplete.
Examples Examples
 Hydro energy  Nuclear energy

 Wave energy  Coal
 Solar energy  Natural gas
 Tidal energy  Petroleum
 Wind energy
 Biomass energy
 Geothermal energy

My Malaysia
Malaysia is currently the leading country in biomass industry in the Southeast Asian region.
Sarawak and Sabah are two states in Malaysia that have a variety and a large amount of biomass.
The variety of biomass includes the biomass of oil palm, forests, rubber trees, garbage, rice husks
and maize. Besides the generation of electricity, biomass is also used to produce innovative
products such as building materials.
3. Types of power stations and energy sources used
Type of power station Energy sources used to generate electrical energy
Biomass Biomass energy
Diesel Diesel
Natural gas Natural gas
Hybrid Wind energy, solar, diesel
Hydro Hydro energy
Burning of coal Coal
Process of Generating Electricity
1. A generator is a device used to generate electricity.
2. In 1831, a scientist named Michael Faraday conducted a series of investigations on the

generation of electricity using a magnetic field. Electric current is produced by:

movement
(a) Movement of conductor such as connecting wire or solenoid relative to a stationary magnet.
 While the connecting wire or solenoid is moved through the space between the
poles of the magnet as shown above, the connecting wire or solenoid will cut the
magnetic field lines.
 Cutting of magnetic field lines by a moving conductor such as connecting wire or

solenoid, moving in a stationary magnetic field produces an induced current.
 When induced current flows through the galvanometer, the pointer of the
galvanometer will deflect to the left or right of the centre zero mark on the scale of
the galvanometer according to the direction of flow of induced current through the
galvanometer.
(b) Movement of magnet relative to a stationary conductor such as connecting wire or solenoid.
 While the magnet is moved beside the connecting wire or solenoid as shown, the
connecting wire or solenoid will cut the magnetic field lines.
 Cutting of magnetic field lines by a stationary conductor such as stationary wire or

solenoid in a moving magnetic field produces an induced current.
 When the induced current flows through the galvanometer, the pointer of the
galvanometer will deflect to the left or right side of the centre zero mark of the scale
of the galvanometer according to the direction of flow of the induced current through
the galvanometer.

Activity 10.9
Aim
To build a simple generator that can light up an LED using magnets and a coil of wire.
Material
PVC insulated copper wire, cellophane tape, connecting wires with crocodile clips and LED
Apparatus
Armature with axle, two magnadur magnets, wooden plank (base) and C-shaped magnet holder

Instruction
1. Work in groups.
2. Construct a simple direct current (d.c.) generator as shown above.
3. Make sure the axle is stationary. Observe and record if the LED lights up.
4. Rotate the axle. Then, observe and record if the LED lights up.
5. Present your finding.
Observation
Condition of axle Stationary Rotating
LED
Questions
1. Mark “√” for the true statement related to the cutting of magnetic field lines.
(a) When the coil of wire and magnet are stationary, the magnetic field lines are
cut.
(b) When the coil of wire moves inside the stationary magnet, the magnetic field
lines are cut.
(c) Current will only be induced when the magnetic field lines are cut.
2. How is induced current detected in this activity?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________.
3. How is induced current produced by the d.c. generator?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________.

4. State two forms of energy other than electrical energy produced in this activity?
_________________________________________________________________________.
5. State two advantages of LED as a lighting device compared to a filament bulb.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________.
Electrical Energy is generated in Power Stations
Study Tips
Turbine changes kinetic energy to steam to rotational kinetic energy. The rotating turbine in
turn rotates the generator. Generator changes rotational kinetic energy from turbine to
electrical energy.
A pylon is a tall metal structure to which transmission cables carrying electricity are fixed so that
they are safely held high above the ground.

Types of power stations, mechanism of generating electrical energy and changes in the forms of
energy are as follows:
(a) Thermal power station

Non-renewable energy source used: Diesel, natural gas or coal
Mechanism
Burning of fuel (diesel natural gas or coal) → Boiling water produces steam → Steam rotates the
turbine → Generator produces electricity
Changes in forms of energy
Chemical energy → Heat energy → Kinetic energy → Electrical energy
(b) Wind power station

Renewable energy source used: Wind energy

Mechanism
Moving air or wind → Wind moves blades → Blades rotates turbines → Generator produces
electricity
Kinetic energy → Electrical energy
(c) Hydroelectric power station
Renewable energy source used: Hydro energy
Mechanism
High dam stores water → Water flows from high level to low level → Flow of water rotates turbine
→ Generator produces electricity
Gravitational potential energy → Kinetic energy → Electrical energy

(d) Biomass power station
Renewable energy source used: Biomass energy
Mechanism
Biomass produces methane → Boiling water produces steam → Steam rotates the turbine →
Generator produces electricity
Changes in the forms of energy
Chemical energy → Heat energy → Kinetic energy → Electrical energy
(e) Nuclear power station
Non-renewable energy source used: Nuclear energy
Mechanism
Nuclear reaction → Boiling water produces steam → Steam rotates the turbine → Generator
produces electricity
Nuclear energy → Heat energy → Kinetic energy → Electrical energy

(f) Solar power station
Renewable energy source used: Solar energy
Mechanism
Sunrays → Solar panels convert light energy from the Sun into electricity
Solar energy → Electrical energy
Direct Current and Alternating Current
Electric current can be divided into two types, direct current (d.c.) and alternating current (a.c.).
(a) Direct Current (d.c.)

Direct current is an electric current that flows in one direction only. Examples of devices
that use direct current are torchlight, calculator, toy car and etc. Examples of generators or
sources of electricity that produce direct current are solar cells, accumulators, batteries and
etc.
(b) Alternating Current (a.c.)

Alternating current is an electric current that flows in constantly reversing direction /
reverses its direction of flow continually. Examples of devices that use alternating current
are bread toaster, hair dryer, air conditioner and etc.

Table below shows the uses and sources of electrical energy for d.c. and a.c.
Type of electric current Direct current (d.c.) Alternating current (a.c.)
Sources Battery, accumulator, solar cell Generator, power station
Air conditioning, hair dryer,

Cell phone, torchlight,
microwave oven, bread toaster,
Examples of electrical device calculator, watch, loudspeaker
kettle, refrigerator
Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (C.R.O)
Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (C.R.O.) is an electronic device that is used to show the differences in
the shape of graph, direction of current and voltage change for direct current and alternating current.
For this, you are encouraged to gather information on how to handle several control switches on the
C.R.O. before handling it.

Part Name Function
(A) 1 Intensity control knob To control the brightness of the light spot on the C.R.O. screen
(A) 2 Focus control knob To control the sharpness of the light spot on the C.R.O. screen
(D) 1 Y-shift knob To adjust the position of the light spot vertically
(B) 6 X-shift knob To adjust the position of the light spot horizontally
Direct current /
alternating current
(D) 2 switch Selected according to the type of input received
(D) 4 Y-gain knob To change the magnitude of the height of the light spot
To control the movement of the light spot which sweeps across

(E) 2 Time-base knob
the C.R.O. screen horizontally
My Malaysia
“Giant” generators known as gensets from TNB are used to provide backup supply of electricity
during disruptions.

Solving Problems Related to Electrical Energy Supply in Life
1. Changes electrical energy to radio wave or microwave energy to be transmitted and

distributed without wires to electrical devices. These electrical devices then change the radio
wave or microwave energy back to electrical energy.
2. Roof with solar cells absorb and change solar energy to electrical energy without affecting
the environment.
10.10 Transformer
Step-up Transformer and Step-down Transformer
1. Transformer is a device used to increase or decrease the voltage of an alternating current.

(Va.c.)
2. A simple transformer is made up of

(a) A laminated soft iron core which is wrapped by two insulated coils (primary coil and
secondary coil).
(b) primary coil or input coil is connected to a.c. power supply.
(c) secondary coil or output coil is connected to a load.

3. There are two types of transformers, the step-up transformer and the step-down
transformer.
Step-up transformer Step-down transformer
Symbol
Symbol
Primary voltage (input), Vp, across the primary Primary voltage (input), Vp, across the primary
coil is lower than the secondary voltage (output), coil is higher than the secondary voltage
Vs, across the secondary coil. (output), Vs, across the secondary coil.
Number of turns of the primary coil is less than Number of turns of the primary coil is more
that in the secondary coil. than that in the secondary coil.

Experiment 10.2
Aim
To construct and study the functions of simple step-up and step-down transformers using laminated
soft iron core
Problem statement
What are the functions of step-up and step-down transformers?
Hypothesis
(a) In a step-up transformer, the secondary voltage (output) is higher than the primary voltage
(input).
(b) In a step-down transformer, the secondary voltage (output) is lower than the primary voltage
(input).
Variables
(a) Manipulated variable: Number of turns of the secondary coil, Ns

(b) Responding variable: Brightness of light bulb
(c) Constant variable: Number of turns of the primary coil, Np
Material
Connecting wire, insulated copper wire and light bulbs
Apparatus
a.c. power supply and laminated C-shaped soft iron core

Procedure
1. Wind 30 turns of wire around one arm of the laminated soft iron core to form a primary coil
as shown above.
2. Wind 15 turns of wire around the other arm of the laminated soft iron core to form a
secondary coil as shown above.
3. Connect the primary coil to an a.c. power supply. Then, connect light bulb P to the primary
coil and light bulb S to the secondary coil as shown above.
4. Switch on the a.c. power supply and adjust its voltage to 2 V.
5. Observe and compare the brightness of the two bulbs.
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 but using a primary coil with 30 turns and a secondary coil with 60 turns.
Observation
Number of turns of Number of turns of Brightness of bulb

primary coil, Np secondary coil, Ns P S
30 15
30 60
Conclusion
Is the hypothesis of the experiment accepted? What is the conclusion of this experiment?
Questions
1. Based on the results of this experiment:
(a) What is the effect on the brightness of the bulb is Np>Ns?
_______________________________________________________________________.
(b) What is the relationship between Vp and Vs if Np>Ns?
_______________________________________________________________________.
(c) What type of transformer is this?
_______________________________________________________________________.

2. Based on the results of this experiment:
(a) What is the effect on the brightness of the bulb is Np<Ns?
_______________________________________________________________________.
(b) What is the relationship between Vp and Vs if Np<Ns?
_______________________________________________________________________.
(c) What type of transformer is this?
_______________________________________________________________________.
3. What happens to the change in voltage of the alternating current in a transformer if the
difference between the number of turns in its primary coil and the number of turns in its
secondary coil is increased?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.
4. Why are the numbers of turns in the primary and secondary coils different in all
transformers?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.

Step-up transformer Step-down transformer
Similarities
1. Consists of two terminals: input and output.

2. Used to moderate the alternating current (a.c.)
Differences
Raises voltage of alternating Lowers voltage of alternating

Function
current (a.c.) current (a.c.)
Number of turns of primary Number of turns of primary

Primary coil versus
coil is less than that of coil is more than that of
secondary coil
secondary coil secondary coil
Output voltage is larger than Input voltage versus Output voltage is smaller than
the input voltage output voltage the input voltage
Output current is smaller than Input current versus Output current is larger than
the input current the input current
output current

Function of a Transformer in Domestic Electrical Appliances
1. In Malaysia, the supply voltage of alternating current provided to our home is 240 V.
2. Most electrical appliances at home use transformers such as a battery charger. This battery
charger is usually a step-down transformer. This type of transformer reduces the power
supply of 240 V to a lower output voltage.
3. While the voltage of alternating current is being changed by an electrical appliance, part of
the input electrical energy is turned into heat.
4. This heat causes the electrical appliance to become hot.
Science Info
An induced current formed in the iron core of a transformer is known as the eddy current. The
formation of the eddy current in a transformer will reduce the efficiency of the transformer. Due to
this, a laminated iron core is used to reduce eddy current and increase the efficiency of the
transformer. A laminated iron core is made up of layers of soft iron and layers of insulators
arranged alternately.

Solving Problems Related to Transformers in Daily Life
The uses of transformer in daily life are as follows:
(a) Equipment needs

Different voltages are produced by a transformer according to the different needs of an
electrical appliance. For example, the control box for the speed of a ceiling fan uses a step-
down transformer to lower the input voltage of 240 V to 2 V till 10 V according to the speed
of the ceiling fan.
(b) Safety
The low voltage alternating current produced by a step-down transformer is safer to be used
instead of a high voltage alternating current.
(c) Electrical energy saving
High voltage alternating current flowed through transmission cables in the National Grid
Network is more energy saving.
Transformer Equation
The ratio of the primary voltage to the secondary voltage is equal to the ratio of the number of turns
of the primary coil to the number of turns of the secondary coil in a transformer. This relationship
can be written in the following formula:
��
=
�� where Vp = input voltage of the primary coil or primary voltage
��
Vs = output voltage of the secondary coil or secondary voltage
Np = number of turns of primary coil
Ns = number of turns of secondary coil

Example:
Diagram below shows a 40 V bulb connected to a 240 V power supply through a transformer.
240 V 40 V
Np = 120
Find out the number of turns of the secondary coil, Ns, that is required for the bulb to light up at
normal brightness?
10.11 Transmission and Distribution of Electricity
Functions of the Components in the Electricity Transmission and

Distribution System
1. In the transmission of electrical power, the step-up transformers are used to increase the
voltage of electrical energy generated.
2. This is to reduce the energy lost in the form of heat in the transmission cables.
3. In the distribution of electrical power, the step-down transformers are used to reduce the
voltage of electrical power before it is distributed.
4. This is to ensure the needs of the consumer of various industries are met.

The system for transmission and distribution of electrical energy which connects power stations to
places which use electrical energy is shown below.
C
B D
A
E1
D
Bt
E2
Bt
415 V
E2 Office /
Bt Hospital
Generators at power stations (A) produce alternating current with a voltage of 11 kV or 25 kV.
Alternating current from the power stations is then transmitted to a step-up transformer station
(B). here, the voltage of the alternating current is increased to 132 kV, 275 kV or 500 kV using
a step-up transformer.

The high voltage alternating current is then transmitted through a network of transmission cables
called the National Grid Network (C).
The advantages of National Grid Network in an electrical energy distribution system are:
(i) Electrical energy supply can be planned according to specific needs and time to reduce
wastage of energy and operational costs.
(ii) Energy supply is not interrupted if any of the stations has a breakdown because it can
still be supplied by other power stations.
At the end of the grid, the alternating current flows to a switch zone (D) at the main substation
(E1). This switch zone enables electricity to be sent to the branch substation (E2) when needed.
This switch zone is also used to enable specific power stations and grids to be closed for
maintenance works without disrupting the electricity supply to consumers.
Main substation

Switch zone
At the main substation (E1) and branch substation (E2), the alternating current is transmitted through
a series of step-down transformers (Bt) at the step-down transformer station. The voltage of the
alternating current is reduced gradually to different voltage values to be supplied to consumers
according to their needs. For example:
 Heavy industrial area at 33 kV

 Light industrial area at 11 kV
 Office, business and residential areas at 415 V, 240 V
The Advantage of the National Grid Network
1. The National Grid Network is a network of cables connecting all the power stations in the
country.
2. The cables are made of copper or aluminium. These metals are good conductors of
electricity.
3. By using this network, electrical energy from the power stations can be sent out to any area
requiring without interruption.
4. The main advantages of the network are as follows:

(a) Any area requiring additional electrical energy can be supplied by an additional power
station in the network.
(b) The function of a power station which is interrupted for maintenance can be taken over
by another power station in the network.
(c) Very large power stations are not necessary. An area requiring a large quantity of
electrical energy can be supplied by two or more power stations in the network.

Impact on Residences Located Near the National Grid Network Pylons
1. High voltage alternating current is transmitted through transmission cables on the National
Grid Network pylons as shown above.
2. A strong electromagnetic field is produced by the high voltage alternating current and can
be detected in the surrounding areas close to the pylons.
Electrical Wiring System in Malaysia
The electrical wiring system in Malaysia consists of two different types, one-phase wiring (or
single-phase wiring) and three-phase wiring.
The single-phase wiring is only suitable and stable enough for electricity usage not exceeding 10
kW or 50 A, such as in rural residential areas.
Single-phase wiring:
(a) It has the main voltage of 240 V between the live and neutral wires.
(b) It is commonly used in all typical home appliances.
(c) Normally, an earth wire is used to increase the safety of the users.

In commercial and industrial areas where electricity usage is more than 10 kW or 50 A, the three-
phase wiring which is more stable and reliable is used.
Three-phase wiring:
(a) It has the main voltage to 415 V.

(b) It supplies very high voltage to the industrial and commercial areas.
Electricity Supply and Wiring System in Home


1. Electrical wires from the main cable that are connected to home are made up of :
 Live wire at 240 V
 Neutral wire at 0 V
2. Main fuse box with

 one main fuse connected to the live wire
 neutral wire
 Use: to controls the amount of current supplied to consumers. It breaks if exceeds.
3. Electric meter
 Measures the total units of electricity used
4. Consumer unit and fuse box

(a) Main switch
 Controls the total current flowing through the circuit in the house / controls the total
current which flows through all circuits in the house
(b) Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB)

 Breaks the circuit when too much current flows through it / disconnects all circuits
in the house when excessive electric current or voltage is detected
(c) Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) – operates like a fuse, but will not melt or catch
fire. It trips the circuit when current flowing through it is higher than its rating
 Is a small electromagnetic switch connected to the live wire and it disconnects the
circuit when the electric current flowing through is too large.
 Separates the final circuit to different electrical appliances
5. Lighting circuit
 Is made up of electrical appliances which normally use electric current of less than 1
A such as electrical lighting appliances that are connected to live wire and neutral
wire.
6. Power circuit
 Is made up of electrical appliances which are normally using electric current of 1 A
or more such as electrical heaters that are connected to live wire, neutral wire and
earth wire.
7. The live wire (L) carries the electric current from the substation to the house.
8. The neutral wire (N) completes the circuit by carrying electric current from the house
back to substation to be earthed.
9. The earth wire (E) carries the leaked current to the ground.

10. Home wiring is separated into:

(a) Power circuit - has earth wires (E) which carries current underground to be earthed if a
short circuit occurs.
(b) Lighting circuit – usually does not require connecting to the earth wire.
11. Electric circuits at home are connected in parallel so that:

(a) Each electrical appliance and light can be controlled separately
(b) Damage or fire to any appliance or light will not affect the others
(c) All lights shine with the same brightness
3-pin Plugs and 2-pin Plugs
3-pin Plug
1. Electrical appliances such as electric irons, kettles and fans are connected to the power
supply of the house through 3-pin plug.
2. A 3-pin plug has three-pins. Each pin is connect to the following wire:
(a) Live wire (L) which is brown
(b) Neutral wire (N) which is blue
(c) Earth wire (E) which has stripes of green and yellow
(d)
3-pin plug
Socket
N L

2-pin plug
1. Electrical appliances such as radio, hair dryer and electric clock are connected to the home
power supply by 2-pin plug.
2. Live wire and neutral wire are connected to the 2-pin plug.

The Colour Code
1. Live wire, neutral and earth wire are built into 2-pin and 3-pin plug according to the
international wiring colour code as shown.
2. The wiring colour code is important to ensure safety in the application of electrical
appliances.
Safety Components in Home Wiring Systems in Homes
Lightning Conductor
1. Other than safety components including switches, fuses, Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers,
Miniature Circuit Breakers and earth wire, lightning conductor is also a safety component
attached to the highest peak of a building and is connected directly to earth using thick iron
rods.
2. When there is a heavy rain with lightning, the lightning will strike the lightning conductor
on a building and electric current will flow through the iron rod that is connected to earth.
Flow of electric current occurs without any damage to the building.

Switch Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker
(ELCB) Miniature Circuit breaker
(MCB)
Lightning conductor
Fuse
1. Fuse is a short fine wire which easily heats up and melts when the current flowing
through it exceeds the value of the fuse.
2. If the wire of the fuse melts, the electricity supply will be cut off.
3. A fuse is a safety device connected to the live wire.
4. Fuses are divided into two types, which is cartridge fuse and replaceable wire fuse (fuse
installed with a fuse wire).

5. Fuse functions as an electrical safety device in a circuit or electrical appliance to protect the
wire and appliances concerned from any excessive flow of electric current that exceed the
rating of the fuse.
6. The rating of a fuse is the maximum value of electric current that can flow through the
fuse without causing its fuse wire to melt. Common ratings of fuse are 1 A, 2 A, 3 A, 5 A,
10 A, 13 A, 15 A and 30 A.
7. Choosing the value of a fuse depends on the value of the maximum current that flows
through a circuit or electrical appliance.
8. The rating of a chosen fuse is normally slightly higher than the maximum current which
flows through a circuit or electrical appliances in normal operational conditions. For
example, an electrical appliance which uses a maximum electric current of 8.8 A should be
installed with a fuse of 10 A fuse.
9. The selection of a fuse for a particular electrical appliance depends on the power
requirement of the appliance. The rating of the fuse can be determined by the following
formula:
�� (�)
Current (I) = �� (�)
10. Short circuit happens when current flows through a shorter path of lower resistance in a
circuit.

11. The following activity shows the occurrence of a short circuit.
(a) When the switch is opened, bulbs A and B light up and the ammeter reading is 0.5 A.
(b) When the switch is closed, the bulbs do not light up and the ammeter reading is larger
than 1 A for a brief moment and then returns to zero.
(c) A short circuit occurs because the current flows through a shorter distance. Thus, the
current flow is very large because the resistance is very small. Excess current causes the
fuse to “blow” and the current cease. Then, the ammeter reading returns to zero.
Earth Wires
1. Earth wire is a safety device which connects the metal casing of an electrical appliance to
the earth through a 3-pin plug and the power socket.
2. If someone touches a metal casing of an appliance at high voltage due to electrical fault, a
large current flows through the person causing an electrical shock.
3. However, this can be prevented by proper grounding which carries electric current to earth
through a conductive path (such as an earth wire).
4. If a fault happens and the person touches an earthed metal casing, a large current flows into
the earth through the earth wire instead of passing through the person.

(a) If a person touches the metal part that has been earthed, a large current flows to Earth
through the earth wire with lower resistance as shown in (a). Hence, the person will not
experience an electric shock.
(b) On the other hand, if a person touches the metal part that has not been earthed, a large
current will flow through the person to Earth as shown in (b). Hence, the person will
experience an electric shock.

Safety Precautions in the Use of Electrical Energy
1. Causes of electrical accidents:

(a) Operating electrical appliances without authority or knowledge.
(b) Making safety device inoperable.
(c) Failure to use personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves.
(d) Using defective or unsafe tools.
(e) Overloading outlets with too many appliances.
(f) Touching an electrically charged appliance with wet hands.
2. If electric shock occurs, several actions that should be taken are:

(a) Switch off the mains immediately.
(b) Separate the victim from the electric source by using electrical insulators such as
wooden pole or plastic stick.
(c) If the victim has difficulty in breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or mouth-
to-mouth method should be performed to the victim.
(d) Contact an ambulance or take the victim to the hospital immediately.
3. Various safety rules and measures should be followed to avoid accidents:

(a) Do not repair damaged electrical appliances without proper knowledge.
(b) Avoid connecting too many appliances to one socket of the same mains.
(c) Replace damaged plug or socket immediately.
(d) Switch off the mains before repairing any wiring circuit at home.
(e) Do not touch any switch with a wet hand.
(f) Do not nail into a wall near a wall switch socket.
Conserving Electrical Energy
Some of the ways to conserve electrical energy are:
(a) Use electrical appliances only when necessary and switch them off when not in use.
(b) Buy electrical appliances of high efficiency and low power rating.
(c) Use washing machine to wash a full load of clothes each time.
(d) Do not open refrigerator door too often because electrical energy is needed to cool it again.
(e) Use energy-efficient lamps.
(f) Insulate ceiling to minimize losses of energy.
(g) Close blinds and curtains over windows to minimize losses of energy.

10.12 Calculating the Cost of Electrical Energy Consumption
Energy Efficiency
1. Energy efficient appliances should be used to promote the conservation of electrical energy.
2. Energy labelling uses Energy Rating Label to show the level of efficiency of appliances in
consuming electrical energy.
3. The Energy Rating Label indicates the following information to the consumers:
4. Energy efficiency is the percentage of energy input converted to useful form of energy
output. Energy efficiency can be defined as follows:
��

Energy efficiency = �� x 100 %

Exercise:
Diagram below shows an LED lamp which is a lighting device. When 10 J of electrical energy is
supplied to the LED lamp, 9 J of light energy and 1 J of heat energy is released. What is the energy
efficiency of the LED lamp?
Solution:
Example of Technology with the Concept of Energy Efficiency
1. The higher the energy efficiency of an electrical device, the more useful the output
energy produced by the electrical device. For instance, as a lighting device, an LED lamp
which has an energy efficiency of 90 % produces more output energy in form of light energy
compared to a filament bulb which has an energy efficiency of 10 %.
2. The concept of energy efficiency is applied in the classification of energy saving electrical
devices. Energy saving electrical devices have high energy efficiency because most of the
input energy is converted into useful output energy and the conversion of output energy into
non-useful output energy is reduced.

Technology which Applied the Concept of Energy Efficiency
1. The technology of electrical lighting devices which applies the concept of energy efficiency
is shown below.
Energy saving lamp

(compact fluorescent
Lighting device Filament lamp lamp, CFL) LED lamp
Structure
Maximum electrical Maximum electrical Maximum electrical

energy converted to energy converted to energy converted to
Energy efficiency light energy = 10 % light energy = 50 % light energy = 90 %
Use of Electricity in Electrical Appliances
1. Diagram below shows an electric meter for a three-phase wiring system. The function of an
electric meter is to measure the quantity of electricity used. The reading on the electric meter
of determining the cost of electricity consumed.

Electric Power, P
1. Electric power, P, is the rate of electrical energy, E, used by an electrical device.
2. The S. I. unit for power is watt (W).
3. The power of 1 watt (W) means 1joule (J) of electrical energy used in 1 second(s).
4. Electric power can be defined as follows:
�� , � (�)

Energy power, P (W) =
�� , � (�)
Electric Current, I
1. Electric current, I, defined as the rate of flow of electric charge, Q, through a conductor.
2. The S. I. unit for electric current is ampere (A) and the electric charge is coulomb (C).
3. Electric current is defined as follows:
�� ℎ��, � (�)

Energy current, I (A) = �� , � (�)
Voltage, V
1. Voltage, V, is defined as the electrical energy, E, used to move a unit of electric charge, Q,
through a conductor.
2. The S. I. unit for voltage is volt (V).
3. Voltage can be defined as follows:

�� , � (�)
Voltage, V (V) =
�� ℎ��, � (�)

Science INFO
40 W 60 W
Diagram above shows two light bulbs which are used in homes. The 40 W light bulb uses electrical
energy at the rate of 40 Js-1 while the 60 W light bulb uses electrical energy at the rate of 60 Js-1.
Therefore, the 40 W light bulb with a lower rating uses less energy.
Exercise
Diagram below shows a hair dryer labelled 2.5 kW, 240 V.
Calculate the following quantities:
(a) Current flowing through the hair dryer
(b) Electrical energy used in the following units of

the hair dryer is connected to a 240 V supply for
15 minutes:
(i) J
(ii) kWh

Calculating Cost of Electrical Energy Consumption
1. The common unit used for electric energy is kilowatt-hour (kWh).
2. 1 kilowatt-hour is the amount of electrical energy used at the rate of 1 kilowatt or 1000
watts in 1 hour.
3. 1 kWh is usually referred to as 1 unit. In electric meter which measure quantity of electrical
energy used.
Electrical energy used (kWh) = Power (kW) x Time (h)
4. Cost of electrical energy consumption is determined using the following formula:
Cost of electrical energy consumption = number of units x cost per unit
Exercises:
1. A bulb labelled 40 W, 240 V is connected to a 240 V power source for 30 minutes.

Calculate the electrical energy used to install the bulb.
2. If a 60 W lamp lights up in normal condition for 3 hours, how many kilowatt-hours is used
to light up this lamp? Calculate the cost of electrical energy used to light this lamp if the rate
for each unit is 14 cents.

Ways to Save Electrical Energy Consumption
1. Other than saving on electrical energy consumption by using high efficiency electrical
appliances, green building characteristics which apply the concept of saving on energy
consumption costs including electrical energy is introduced.
2. The following are some of the characteristics of green buildings.

(a) Design of building which maximizes natural lighting to reduce electrical energy
consumption costs for lighting purposes.
(b) Efficient ventilation system which reduces the use of air conditioning and fans, that is
reducing the cost of electrical energy consumption.
(c) Installation of solar panels as renewable energy source to replace the non-renewable
energy sources in generating electricity to be used in green buildings.


Chapter 10 Electricity and Magnetism

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Chapter 10 Electricity and Magnetism

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Chapter 10 Magnetism & Electricity

2. Energy exists in various forms such as

Form 3 Excellence (2021) Page 1

Magnets and magnetic poles

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Magnetization and Demagnetization

(B) Electrical method

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(a) Attracts magnetic materials

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1. Magnetic field is the area around a magnet with magnetic force.

(b) Compass to show the pattern and direction of a magnetic field.

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Characteristics of magnetic field lines

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Earth’s Magnetic Field

1. We know that a compass always points to the north-south direction.

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Right-hand grip rule

7. Based on the right-hand grip rule,

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1. Set up the apparatus as shown in Figure (a).

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(a) Constant variable: The number of turns of the coil

Materials: Pin, iron rod, and copper wire

Is the hypothesis accepted? Give your reasons.

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(a) Constant variable: Current

Is the hypothesis accepted? Give your reasons.

10.4 Applications of Magnets and Electromagnets in

Applications of Magnets in Daily Life

(A) Magnet on the door

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(B) Magnetic chess

Applications of Electromagnets in Daily Life

(A) Electromagnetic crane

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(B) Electric bell

(D) Credit cards and debit cards

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(E) Bullet train

10.5 Electrostatic Charges

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Aim: To test the existence of electrostatic charges on certain materials

Apparatus: Polythene strip, cellulose acetate strip and woolen cloth

1. Rub a polythene rod with a woolen cloth.

1. Give an inference for your observation.

Form 3 Excellence (2021) Page 19

Apparatus: Van de Graaff generator

1. Switch on the Van de Graaff generator.

1. What is your observation in this activity?

Apparatus: Van de Graaff generator, galvanometer and connecting wire

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1. Set up the apparatus as shown above.

1. What happens to the galvanometer’s pointer? Explain.

Van de Graaff Generator

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3. The generation of electric current:

Effect of production of electrostatic charges

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