Electric current

• All bodies of universe consist of atoms which contain sub-atomic particles

like electron, proton & neutron.
• Among these particles, protons are positively charged and electrons are
negatively charged.
• An atom is naturally neutral because it contains equal number protons &
electrons.
• An electric charge is created in atoms or in bodies due to alteration in the
number of valence electrons.
• Electric Charge: While rubbing two bodies of different nature, valence
electrons are transferred from atom of one body to another. These bodies
are said to be charged or electrified or possess electricity. Hence electric
charge is defined as electrical property of a body.
• The electric charge can flow in the conducting wire from higher potential to
lower potential.
• In 1752, Ben Franklin given the conventional direction of current flow i.e
from positive terminal to negative terminal.
Continued:-
• The flow of positive charge from positive terminal to the negative
terminal is called electric current.
• After the discovery of electron by J.J Thomson in 1897A.D it was
known that electron flow from negative terminal to positive terminal.
• The flow of free electrons is called electric current.
• But conventional current flow is still in use worldwide.
• Scientists considered the current direction is in the opposite
direction of electron flow.
 Electricity
• The term electricity comes from Greek word ‘electron’ which means amber (a kind
of resin).
• Electricity: The flow of electrons through conductor or wire is simply known as
electricity. It is of two types.
1. Static electricity: Electricity which is produced by friction between two bodies is
called Static electricity. The flow of electron is caused by change in number of
electrons.
2. Current electricity: Electricity that flows through wire is known as Current
electricity. The flow of electron through wire/conductor is called Current electricity.
Commonly, the term electricity is used for Current electricity.
Sources of electricity:-
a. Cells:-battery and photocell
b. generator and dynamo
• Electricity is generated by both renewable & non renewable sources.
• Renewable sources: Wind, hydropower, solar power, biomass & geothermal power.
• Non renewable source: Natural gas, nuclear energy, coal and petroleum fuel.
Static electricity
Conventional direction of current flow:
current electricity:-
• It is main source of energy that makes our life easier & comfortable.
• It is the most convenient form of energy which can be easily converted
into other forms of energy like heat, light, sound, magnetic , etc.
• It is renewable source of energy which is pollution free.
• Thus, it is widely used in field of transportation, medical, industrial,
engineering, etc.
• Some important uses of electricity are:
Useful for heating(heater, boiler), cooling(AC, freeze, cooler) , lighting
(bulb, light), etc.
Used in transportation like train, car, motorcycle, buses, etc.
Used to power electrical device like TV, Computer, Radio, Mobile, etc.
Used in telecommunication.
Used to run industries & factories.
 Type of Current Electricity
Direct Current (DC)
• Magnitude of current remains
constant.
• The polarity of electricity is not
changed.
• It is produced by cell or battery.
• It can not be transmitted to longer
distance.
• DC Voltage can not be altered by
transformers.
• DC can be converted to AC by
Invertor.
Alternating Current (AC)
• Magnitude of current is variable.
• The polarity of electricity is
changed.
• It is produced by AC generator.
• It can be transmitted to longer
distance.
• AC Voltage can be altered by
transformers.
• AC can be converted to DC by
Rectifier.
 In Nepal, the frequency of AC is 50 Hz. It means the polarity of AC changes 100 times (50 times
positive to negative & 50 times negative to positive) in one second.
 Magnet & Magnetism
• A magnet is a material that produces a field that attracts or repels other such materials
of magnetic nature.
• Magnetism is defined as an attractive and repulsive phenomenon produced by a moving
electric charge
• Lodestone is a naturally occurring magnet. It attracts materials like Iron, Nickel, Cobalt,
etc.
• A magnet is always bipolar, with poles named north and south poles. These two poles
always exist together and can not be separated.
• The north pole of a magnet is the side which points to the Earth’s geographic north when
it is freely suspended.
• Similar to charges, poles attract and repel. Like poles repel while unlike poles attract
each other.
 Bar magnet
• A bar magnet is a rectangular object composed of iron, steel or any
form of a ferromagnetic substance that shows permanent magnetic
properties.
• It has two different poles, a north and a south pole, such that when
suspended freely, the north pole aligns itself towards the geographic
north pole of the Earth.
 Magnetic Field
• The region around a magnet where its magnetic influence can be
experienced is called a magnetic field.
• The direction and strength of a magnetic field are represented by
magnetic lines of force.
Magnetic lines of force/Magnetic field lines

• The magnetic lines of force can be explained as imaginary lines that

graphically represent the magnetic field that is acting around any
magnetic substance.
• It starts at the north pole and moves towards the south pole outside
the bar magnet and from south → north inside the magnet.
• Thus, it forms closed loops. The closer or denser the magnetic field
lines, the greater the magnetic field’s strength.
• There is no intersection between the magnetic lines of force.
Magnetic lines of force
 Magnetic effect & magnetic field of electric
current
• The phenomenon of producing magnetic field around current
carrying conductor is known as magnetic effect of electric current.
• The effect was first observed by Hans Christian Oersted in 1819 AD.
• The experiment concludes that “when electric current pass through
conductor it behaves like a magnet.”
 Magnetic Field Due to a Current Carrying
Conductor
• Oersted’s Experiment
When electric current flows through a current-carrying conductor, it produces a magnetic
field around it.
This can be seen with the help of a magnetic needle which shows deflection.
The more the current, the higher the deflection.
 If the direction of the current is reversed, the direction of deflection is also reversed.
 A. Magnetic Field Due to a Straight Current-
Carrying Conductor
• When current is passed through a straight current-carrying conductor,
a magnetic field is produced around it.
• Using the iron filings, we can observe that they align themselves
in concentric circles around the conductor.
 B. Magnetic Field Due to Current through a
Circular Loop
• The right-hand thumb rule can be used for a circular conducting wire as
well as it comprises of small straight segments. Every point on the wire
carrying current gives rise to a magnetic field that appears as straight lines
at the center.
 Right-Hand Thumb Rule
• If a straight conductor is held in the right hand in such a way that the
thumb points along the direction of the current, then the tips of the
fingers or the curl of the fingers show the direction of the magnetic
field around it.
Magnetic Field Due to Current in a Solenoid
• A solenoid is a coil of many circular windings wrapped in the shape
of a cylinder. When current is passed through it, it behaves similarly
to a bar magnet, producing a very similar field pattern as that of a bar
magnet. To increase the strength, a soft iron core is used.
 Maxwell’s Right Hand Grip Rule
• Right hand grip rule for polarity of a solenoid: If the solenoid be
grasped in the right hand, so that the fingers point in the direction in
which the current is flowing in the wires, the thumb extended will
point in the direction of the north pole [of the solenoid].”
• The polarity of ends of current carrying solenoid depends on the
direction of current flowing.
 Magnetic flux
Magnetic flux is defined as the number of magnetic field lines
passing through a given closed surface. It provides the measurement
of the total magnetic field that passes through a given surface area.
Magnetic Flux Symbol
Magnetic flux is commonly denoted using the Greek letter Phi or Phi
suffix B.
• Magnetic flux symbol: Φ or ΦB
Magnetic Flux Unit
Magnetic flux is usually measured with a flux meter.
The SI unit of magnetic flux is Weber (Wb).
 Electromagnetic Induction
• Whenever magnetic flux linked to the closed coil changes an
electromotive force (emf) is induced in the coil. This phenomenon is
known as electromagnetic induction.
• Simply, electromagnetic induction is defined as the phenomenon by
which electricity is produced due to relative motion between coil &
magnet.
• Michael Faraday proposed the laws of electromagnetic induction in
the year 1831.
Demonstration of electromagnetic induction in a solenoid
(electromagnet or coil)
Faraday’s Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
1. Whenever there is change in magnetic flux linked with a coil, an induced
emf is produced in it.
2. The magnitude of induced emf is directly proportional to the rate of
change of magnetic flux within the closed coil.
Induced emf α Rate of change of magnetic flux
3. The induced emf last until the change in magnetic flux continues.
• Note: The emf which is induced or produced due to electro magnetic
induction is called induced emf & the resulting current is called induced
current.
• Electromotive force (emf) is defined as the electric potential produced by
either an electrochemical cell or by changing the magnetic field.
Application of electromagnetic induction
A. Bicycle Dynamo
• A device which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy is called
Dynamo.
• Principle: It is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. That is
whenever the magnetic flux passing through closed circuit coil changes then an
emf is induced in it. As a result, current flows in the coil.
• Construction: It consists of
1. A wheel & axle
2. A permanent magnet (Rotor)
3. A solenoid (Soft iron core with coils of wire)
• Working: When the magnet rotates the magnetic flux is changed in the coil and
current is induced in the coil. Thus, the induced current light up the bicycle bulb.
The brightness of the bulb increases when the rotation of the paddle of the
bicycle increases.
Bicycle Dynamo
B. AC generator (AC dynamo)
• It is a device which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
• It is used to produce large amount of electric current in industries, factories,
building, etc.
• Principle: It is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. That is
whenever the magnetic flux passing through closed circuit coil changes then an
emf is induced in it. As a result, current flows in the coil.
• Construction: It consists of
1. Armature: A rectangular solenoid of copper wire.
2. Field magnet: Permanent magnet with concave north & south poles.
3. Slip Rings & Carbon brushes: Rings connected with Armature are called Slip
rings. The brushes make contact with slip rings and transfer the current from
armature to external load (electrical appliances; bulb, fan)
• Working: When the armature rotates the magnetic flux of field magnet is
changed and current is induced in the armature. Thus, the induced current flows
through slip rings & carbon brushes to external load.
Working principle of AC generator
Sources for large amount of electricity
a. Hydroelectric power plant:
• The power plant which converts kinetic energy of fast running water
into electrical energy is called Hydroelectric power plant.
Principle: It is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction
where the potential energy of stored water behind dam is converted to
kinetic energy to mechanical energy to turn the turbine. Then the
turbine rotates the connected armature in generator moves . As a
result, electricity is produced.
Component: It consists of
1. Water reservoir with dam: Storage of water (P.E) behind large dam.
2. Turbine: Having curved blade mounted on a shaft (P.E to M.E)
3. Generator: Device which converts M.E to E.E (Electrical energy)
Working: Firstly, the potential energy of stored water behind dam is
converted to kinetic energy and then to mechanical energy to turn the
turbine. When the turbine rotates the connected armature (coil of
dynamo) in generator moves . As a result, electricity is produced.
Flow Chart of Hydroelectric Power Plant
 b. Thermal power plant
• Thermal power plants are power stations which convert heat energy
into electric energy. Thermal power plant is a collective term which
includes fossil fuels, geothermal, solar and nuclear power plants as
well as waste incineration plants.

• The power plant which converts

thermal (heat) energy by burning
fossil fuels like coal, petroleum etc.
to electrical energy is knows as
Thermal power plant.
Principle: It is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction
where the chemical energy stored in the fuel is converted to heat
energy (steam) by burning the fossil fuel. Then heat to mechanical
energy (turbine) is converted to electrical energy (generator).

Component: It mainly consists of

1. Boiler: Converts water to steam by burning fossil fuel.
2. Turbine: Having blade mounted on a shaft which converts heat
energy (steam) to mechanical energy (M.E)
3. Generator: Device which converts M.E to E.E (Electrical energy)
4. Condenser: Condense warm water to cold to reuse in boiler.
Working: The basic mechanism is that:
• Produce heat energy by any means fossil fuels, geothermal or solar
and nuclear power.
• Use the heat energy to boil water, producing steams.
• The steam turbine spins and then drives the electric generator and
produce electricity
• Condense the steam into water for reusing
• Repeat the cycle
Thermal power plant
 Wind power plant
• The power plant which converts kinetic energy of fast moving large
mass of air (wind) into electrical energy is called Wind power plant.
• The history of using wind mill is very old since 644 AD (Persian Mill
Wright).
• Working: When wind blows across the blade, the air pressure on one
side of blade decreases. The difference in air pressure across the two
sides of blade causes wind mill to spin. The rotor is connected to
generator. Speed of the rotation creates electricity. Thus, the
electricity produced is transmitted to nearest power station for supply
through transformer.
• Wind mill is efficiently used in Nepal in the Mahabharata Hills.
• It is renewable & pollution free.
Thermal power plant
 Motor Effect
• We know that electric current flowing through a conductor produces
magnetic field. This field exerts a force on a magnet placed near the
conductor.
• The motion produced in a current carrying conductor when is placed
to move freely in another magnetic field of a permanent magnet is
called motor effect.
• This effect was first given by French scientist Andre Marie Ampere in
1820 AD.
• Electric motor works on the principle of motor effect.
Electric Motor
Electric Motor
• An electric motor is a rotating device that converts electrical energy
into mechanical energy.
• Principle: It is based on the principle of motor effect. When a current
carrying conductor is placed in magnetic field is experiences force as a
result motion in conductor occurs.
• There are two types of electric motor used in our daily life.
1. AC Motor: Uses AC supply, For example: Fan, AC, Grinder, etc.
2. DC Motor: Uses DC supply, For example: Toys, DC Fan, etc.
 Parts of Motor
• A simple DC motor has the following parts:
1. Power Source: A simple motor usually has a DC power source. It
supplies power to the motor armature or field coils.
2. Stator : The stationary parts of motor e.g. field magnets.
3. Rotor (Armature) : The coil mounted on a axle which spin at a high
speed.
4. Commutator(split rings): It reverses the current each time the coil
makes half turn. These are copper rings.
5. Brushes: carbon brushes are connected to the terminals of power
supply to allow electric current to flow into the commutator.
Electric motor
 Difference Between Motor and Generator
Differentiating
S. No. Motor Generator
Property
An electric motor is a machine that An electric generator is a machine that
1 Definition converts electrical energy to mechanical converts mechanical energy to electrical
energy. energy.`
Electric motor follows Fleming’s left-hand Electric generator follows Fleming’s right-
2 Rule
rule. hand rule.
The working principle of a motor is based
on the current-carrying conductor that The working principle of the generator is
3 Principle
experiences a force when it is kept in the based on electromagnetic induction.
magnetic field.
The shaft of an electric motor is driven by The shaft of an electric generator is
Driving force
4 a magnetic force which is developed connected to the rotor which is driven by a
for shaft
between the armature and field. mechanical force.
In a motor, current is supplied to the In a generator, current is produced in the
5 Current Usage
armature winding. armature winding.
Ceiling fans, cars, etc. are all examples of In power stations, generators are used to
6 Example
motors. generate electricity.
 Transformer
• A transformer is an electric device which converts low voltage of
alternating current into high voltage of alternating current & vice
versa.
• A transformer is a device used in the power transmission of electric
energy. The transmission current is AC.
• The transformer works on the basic principles of ‘Mutual Induction’
:When an alternating current is passed into one coil an induced
current is produced in the adjacent coil.
 Construction of transformer
• There are there major parts.
1. Soft iron core: It consists of a rectangular frame of thin laminated
sheets of soft iron having high magnetic permeability (concentrate
magnetic lines of force) . Each sheet is laminated by varnish or
Shellac to prevent the loss of energy.
2. Primary coil: The coil of copper supplied with alternating current is
called Primary coil. The voltage supplied in primary coil is known as
Primary voltage. The current supplied in primary coil is known as
In-put current.
3. Secondary coil: The coil of copper from which electric current is
taken out is called Secondary coil. The voltage of secondary coil is
known as Secondary voltage. The current produced from secondary
coil known as Out-put current.
 Diagram of Transformer

Laminated Soft iron core

Secondary coil
Primary coil
• The current supplied in transformer is called input current (Ip or I1) & the
current produced from the transformer is called output current (Is or I2) .
• Relationship between primary/secondary coil & primary/secondary voltage
and formula.
Primary voltage (Vp) = Number of turning in primary coil (Np)
Secondary voltage (Vs) Number of turning in primary coil (Ns)

i.e. Vp = Np or v1 = n1
Vs Ns v2 n2

I2 = N1
I1 N2
 Types of Transformer

• Commonly used transformer types, depending on the voltage, are

classified as following two types:
1. Set-up transformer 2. Step-down transformer
Diagram of types of transformer:-
1. Step-up transformer: A transformer which converts low voltage of
alternating current into high voltage of alternating current is called
step-up transformer.
The primary coil consists of small number turns of thick copper wire
& the secondary contains large number turns of thin copper wire.
It is connected between power generating station & pylon (power
house) near our home.
Used in television,
X-ray tubes, etc.
2. Step-down transformer: A transformer which converts high voltage
of alternating current into low voltage of alternating current is called
step-down transformer.
The primary coil consists of large number turns of thin copper wire &
the secondary contains small number turns of thick copper wire.
It is connected between electric tower to consumer’s houses.
Used in electric bells, radio sets, battery charger, etc.
 Reason behind transmission of electricity at
high voltage
 The transmission of electricity at high voltage helps to reduce the
power loss (due to heating effect) and the cost of transmission. At,
high voltage of electric power, the current become low. The power
with low current can easily be transmitted through relatively thin wire
of aluminium which is of low cost & the power loss due to heating
effect of current in wire becomes low.
Advantages of transformer:
• It converts high voltage of alternating current into low voltage & vice
versa.
• It is responsible for long distance transmission of alternating current
through aluminium wire.
Uses of transformer:
• They are used in electric grids to save electric energy during
transmission through overhead wire.
• Step-up transformers are used in television, X-ray tubes, etc.
• Step down transformers are used in electric bells, radio sets, battery
charger, etc.
• Step-up cum step-down transformer is used for protecting sensitive
devices such as fridge, television, etc.
 Transformer-related Solved Examples
• 1. A transformer has 600 turns of the primary winding and 20 turns of
the secondary winding. Determine the secondary voltage if the
secondary circuit is open and the primary voltage is 140 V.
Given
• Total number of turns of the primary coil (N1) = 600 turns
• Total number of turns of the secondary coil (N2) = 20 turns
• Primary voltage (V1) = 140 V
• Secondary voltage (V2) = ?
Solution:
N1 = V1
N2 V2
or, 600/20 = 140/ V2
or, V2 =140X20/600
Thus; V2 = 4.6 V
• 2. A transformer has a primary coil with 1600 loops and a secondary coil
with 1000 loops. If the current in the primary coil is 6 Ampere, then what
is the current in the secondary coil?
• Given:
• Primary coil (N1) = 1600 loops
• Secondary coil (N2) = 1000 loops
• The current in the primary coil (I1) = 4 A
• Solution :
I2 = N 1
I1 N 2
or, I2/4 = 1600/1000
• I2 = 6.4 A
• The current on the secondary coil is 6.4 Ampere.