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a) Three resistors 20 Ω 10 Ω and 5Ω are connected in series to a 75 V battery; calculate the current
through each resistor and voltage across each resistor. (10 Marks)
I = V/R
where I is the current in amperes, V is the voltage in volts, and R is the resistance in ohms.
For the resistors in series, the same current flows through each resistor, so we only need to
calculate the total current flowing in the circuit.
The voltage across each resistor can be calculated using Ohm's law again:
V20 = I x R20 = 2.14 A x 20 Ω = 42.8 V
V10 = I x R10 = 2.14 A x 10 Ω = 21.4 V
V5 = I x R5 = 2.14 A x 5 Ω = 10.7 V
Therefore, the current through each resistor is:
I20 = I10 = I5 = 2.14 A
And the voltage across each resistor is:
V20 = 42.8 V, V10 = 21.4 V, V5 = 10.7 V
Question TWO
a) With aid of diagrams describe the operation of a full-wave bridge rectifier (10 Marks)
A full-wave bridge rectifier is a type of rectifier that converts an alternating current (AC) input into a
pulsating direct current (DC) output. The circuit consists of four diodes arranged in a bridge
configuration, as shown in the diagram below:
The result is a pulsating DC voltage across the load resistor that varies between zero and the peak
voltage of the AC input. To smooth out the pulsations in the output voltage, a capacitor can be
added across the load resistor to act as a filter.
b) Explain with an illustration the operation of power supply filters and regulator (10 Marks)
Power supply filters and regulators are used to smooth out the pulsating DC output of a rectifier and
to maintain a constant output voltage, respectively. The operation of a power supply filter and
regulator can be illustrated with the following diagram:
luaCopy code
AC Input +------|>|-----+ DC Output --------| |--------|>|--|<|----| |------- +------|<|-----+ | | | | | --- C ---
| | | | -|- / \ | --- | R | | ----- --- Z | ===
In the diagram, the rectified output of the bridge rectifier is shown as a pulsating DC voltage. The
power supply filter consists of a capacitor (C) and a resistor (R) connected in parallel with the load
(Z). The capacitor acts as a filter to smooth out the pulsations in the DC voltage, while the resistor
limits the peak current through the capacitor.
The operation of the power supply filter can be explained as follows: during the positive half-cycle of
the rectified output, the capacitor charges up to the peak voltage of the DC output. During the
negative half-cycle, the capacitor discharges through the load, providing a relatively constant DC
voltage across the load.
The power supply regulator consists of a voltage regulator (VR) connected in series with the load (Z),
as shown in the diagram. The voltage regulator maintains a constant output voltage across the load
by regulating the current through the load. The voltage regulator can be either a linear regulator or a
switching regulator, depending on the specific application.
The operation of the power supply regulator can be explained as follows: the voltage regulator
monitors the output voltage and adjusts the current through the load to maintain a constant output
voltage, even if the input voltage or load current varies. This provides a stable and reliable source of
DC power for electronic devices.
Question THREE
a) Explain how electromagnetic waves carry coded information during transmission (6 marks)
Electromagnetic waves carry coded information during transmission by modulating their amplitude,
frequency, or phase. This process is known as modulation. The modulated wave then carries the
information in a form that can be transmitted over a distance. In amplitude modulation (AM), the
amplitude of the electromagnetic wave is varied according to the strength of the signal being
transmitted. In frequency modulation (FM), the frequency of the electromagnetic wave is varied
according to the strength of the signal being transmitted. In phase modulation (PM), the phase of
the electromagnetic wave is varied according to the strength of the signal being transmitted.
b) Calculate the wavelength in millimeters of a sound wave whose frequency is 35 KHz Assume the
speed of sound is 350m/s. (4 Marks)
The wavelength of a sound wave can be calculated using the formula:
c) Differentiate between digital data over analog data signals, provide advantages for each form.
(6 Marks)
Digital data signals transmit information in the form of binary code (0 or 1) and can transmit large
amounts of data over long distances with minimal noise interference. They also have a higher level
of accuracy and reliability. Analog signals transmit information in the form of continuous variations
of voltage or frequency and are useful for transmitting audio and video signals. They also have a
more natural and continuous flow of data. The advantages of each form depend on the specific
application.
Transverse waves are waves that vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, while
longitudinal waves are waves that vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Sound
waves are longitudinal waves, while electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.
Question FOUR
a) A diode is an electronic component used in various electronic circuits,
1. Rectifier diode - used to convert AC to DC power in power supplies and battery chargers.
2. Zener diode - used as voltage regulators and protection devices in electronic circuits.
3. Schottky diode - used in high-speed switching circuits, voltage clamping circuits, and power
supplies.
4. LED (Light Emitting Diode) - used as indicators, displays, and in lighting applications.
5. Photodiode - used in light sensors, solar cells, and optical communication systems.
An inductor is an electronic component that stores energy in a magnetic field when a current flows
through it. The working principle of an inductor is based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic
induction, which states that a changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in a
conductor
Question FIVE
a) A ball is thrown vertically up with an initial velocity of 58.8m/s . Calculate
The time taken to reach maximum height can be calculated using the formula:
t = u/g
where u is the initial velocity and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s^2).
t = 58.8/9.81 = 6 seconds
At maximum height, the vertical velocity of the ball is zero. Using the equation of motion:
s = ut + (1/2)gt^2
where s is the distance travelled, u is the initial velocity, t is the time, and g is the
acceleration due to gravity.
When the ball reaches maximum height, its velocity becomes zero. Therefore, the time
taken to reach maximum height is divided by 2 to get the time taken to travel half the total
distance.
t/2 = 6/2 = 3 seconds
Now, using the above equation, we can calculate the distance travelled in 7 seconds:
s = ut + (1/2)gt^2
s = 58.8(7) + (1/2)(9.81)(7^2)
s = 205.26 meters
b) A car moving at 10m/sec strikes a tree, and the tree is seen to dent the front by 0.4m. Assume
constant deceleration of the car. Find the deceleration and the time it took the car to stop.
(8 marks)
Let's assume that the car comes to rest after hitting the tree.