CHAPTER – 13

MAGNETIC EFFECT
OF
CURRENT
The term magnetic effect of electric current means that an electric current flowing in a wire produces a
magnetic field around it.
A current flowing in a wire always gives rise to a magnetic field around it. The magnetic effect of current
is also called electromagnetism which means electricity produces magnetism. In figure, the deflection of
compass needle by the current carrying wire in the below experiment show that an electric current
produces a magnetic field around it.

MAGNET
A magnet is an object, which attracts pieces of iron, steel, nickel and cobalt. It has two poles at ends –
South and North Pole.
 Like magnetic poles repel each other.
 Unlike magnetic poles attract each other.

MAGNETIC FIELD
The space surrounding a magnet in which the force of attraction and repulsion is exerted is called a
magnetic field.
MAGNETIC FIELD LINES
The magnetic field lines are the lines drawn in a magnetic field along which a north magnetic pole
would move. These are also known as magnetic lines of forces.
PROPERTIES OF MAGNETIC FIELD LINES
1. A magnetic field lines originate from north pole and end at its south pole.
2. A magnetic field line is a closed and continuous curve.
3. The magnetic field lines are closer near the poles of a magnet where the magnetic field is strong and
farther apart where the magnetic field is weak.
4. The magnetic field lines never intersect each other.
5. A uniform magnetic field is represented by parallel and equidistant field lines.
INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 224
1. Why does a compass needle get deflected when brought near a bar magnet? Ans. A compass gets
deflected due to the forces acting on its poles due to the magnetic field of the bar magnet.

MAGNETIC FIELD DUE TO A CURRENT THROUGH A STRAIGHT CONDUCTOR

The magnetic field lines around a straight conductor carrying current are concentric circles whose
centres lies on the wire.
The magnitude of magnetic field produced by a straight current carrying wire at a point-
 directly proportional to current passing in the wire.
 inversely proportional to the distance of that point from the wire.

RIGHT-HAND THUMB RULE

When a current-carrying straight conductor is holding in right hand such that the thumb points towards
the direction of current. Then fingers will wrap around the conductor in the direction of the field lines of
the magnetic field, as shown in below figure. This is known as the right-hand thumb rule
Thumb-points in the direction of current then direction of fingers encircle the wire give the direction of
magnetic field around the wire.

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 228

1. Draw magnetic field lines around a bar magnet.
Ans.

2. List the properties of magnetic lines of force.

Ans. Refer in page no. 1

3. Why don’t two magnetic lines of force intersect each other?

Ans. If two magnetic lines of force intersect then there would be two directions of magnetic field at
that point, which is absurd. That is why they never intersect.

MAGNETIC FIELD DUE TO A CURRENT THROUGH A CIRCULAR LOOP

The magnetic field lines are circular near the current carrying loop. As we move away, the concentric
circles becomes bigger and bigger. At the centre, the lines are straight.
At the centre, all the magnetic field lines are in the same direction due to which the strength of magnetic
field increase.
The magnetic of magnetic field produced by a current carrying circular loop at its centre is
 directly proportional to the current passing
 inversely proportional to the radius of the circular loop
The strength of magnetic field produced by a circular coil carrying current is directly proportional to
both number of turns(n) and current(I) but inversely proportional to its radius(r).
MAGNETIC FIELD DUE TO A CURRENT IN A SOLENOID
The insulated copper wire wound on a cylindrical tube such that its length is greater than its diameter is
called a solenoid. The solenoid is from greek word for channel.
 The solenoid is a long coil containing a large number of close turns of insulated copper wire.
 The magnetic field produced by a current carrying solenoid is similar to the magnetic field produced by
a bar magnet.
 The current in each turn of a current carrying solenoid flows in the same direction due to which the
magnetic field produced by each turn of the solenoid ads up, giving a strong magnetic field inside the
solenoid.

The strong magnetic field produced inside a current-carrying solenoid can be used to magnetise a piece
of magnetic material like soft iron, when placed inside the solenoid. The magnet thus formed is called
an electromagnet.
So, a solenoid is used for making electromagnets.
The strength of magnetic field produced by a carrying current solenoid depends on
 number of turns(n)
 strength of current(I)
 nature of core material used in solenoid – use of soft iron as core in a solenoid produces the
strongest magnetism.
ELECTROMAGNETS AND PERMANENT MAGNETS
An electromagnet is a temporary strong magnet and is just a solenoid with its winding on soft iron core.
A permanent magnet is made from steel. As steel has more retentivity than iron, it does not lose its
magnetism easily.
Difference between Electromagnet and permanent magnet
Electromagnet Permanent magnet
1. An electromagnet is a temporary 1. A permanent magnet cannot be
magnet as it can readily demagnetized readily demagnetized.
by stopping the current through the
solenoid.
2. Strength can be changed. 2. Strength cannot be changed.
3. It produces very strong magnetic 3. It produces weal forces of
forces. attraction.
4. Polarity can be changed by changing 4. Polarity is fixed and cannot be
the direction of the current. changed.

Q. Why soft iron is used for making the core of an electromagnet?

Soft iron is used for making the core of an electromagnet because soft iron loses all of its magnetism
when current in the coil is switched off.
Q. Why steel is not used for making the core of an electromagnet?
Steel is not used for making the core of an electromagnet because steel does not loses all of its
magnetism when current in the coil is switched off.

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 229 and 230

1. Consider a circular loop of wire lying in the plane of the table. Let the current pass through the loop
clockwise. Apply the right-hand rule to find out the direction of the magnetic field inside and outside
the loop.
For downward direction of current flowing in the circular loop, the direction of magnetic field lines
will be as if they are emerging from the table outside the loop and merging in the table inside the loop.
Similarly, for upward direction of current flowing in the circular loop, the direction of magnetic field
lines will be as if they are emerging from the table outside the loop and merging in the table inside the
loop, as shown in the given figure.
2. The magnetic field in a given region is uniform. Draw a diagram to represent it.

3. Choose the correct option: The magnetic field inside a long straight solenoid- carrying current (a) is
zero. (b) decreases as we move towards its end. (c) increases as we move towards its end. (d) is the
same at all points.
The magnetic field for a point inside a long straight solenoid carrying current is double than for a
point situated at one of its ends. Thus, the correct option is (b).
FORCE ON A CURRENT-CARRYING CONDUCTOR IN A MAGNETIC FIELD
When a current carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field it experiences a force, except when it is
placed parallel to the magnetic field.
The force acting on a current carrying conductor in a magnetic field is due to interaction between:
1. Magnetic force due to current-carrying conductor and
2. External magnetic field in which the conductor is placed.

In the above figure, a current-carrying rod, AB, experiences a force perpendicular to its length and the
magnetic field.
The displacement of the rod in the above activity suggests that a force is exerted on the current-carrying
aluminium rod when it is placed in a magnetic field. It also suggests that the direction of force is also
reversed when the direction of current through the conductor is reversed. Now change the direction of
field to vertically downwards by interchanging the two poles of the magnet. It is once again observed that
the direction of force acting on the current-carrying rod gets reversed. It shows that the direction of the
force on the conductor depends upon the direction of current and the direction of the magnetic field. We
considered the direction of the current and that of the magnetic field perpendicular to each other and
found that the force is perpendicular to both of them.

FLEMING’S LEFT HAND RULE

Fleming's left hand rule (for electric motors) shows the direction of the thrust on a conductor carrying a
current in a magnetic field. The left hand is held with the thumb, index finger and middle finger
mutually at right angles.
The First finger represents the direction of the magnetic Field. (north to south)
The Second finger represents the direction of the Current (the direction of the current is the direction of
conventional current; from positive to negative).
The Thumb represents the direction of the Thrust or resultant Motion.

FLEMING’S RIGHT HAND RULE

Fleming's right hand rule (for generators) shows the direction of induced current when a conductor moves
in a magnetic field.

The right hand is held with the thumb, first finger and second finger mutually perpendicular to each
other {at right angles}, as shown in the diagram .

The Thumb represents the direction of Motion of the conductor. The First finger represents the direction
of the Field. (north to south)
The Second finger represents the direction of the induced or generated Current (the direction of the
induced current will be the direction of conventional current; from positive to negative).

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 231 AND 232

1. Which of the following property of a proton can change while it moves freely in a magnetic field?
(There may be more than one correct answer.) (a) mass (b) speed
(b) velocity (d) momentum
 Whenever a charged proton moves in a magnetic field, its velocity changes and as a result of this its
momentum change. Thus (c) and (d) are the properties which change when a proton moves freely in
a magnetic field.

2. In Activity 13.7, how do we think the displacement of rod AB will be affected if

(i) current in rod AB is increased; (ii) a stronger horse-shoe magnet is used; and
(iii) length of the rod AB is increased?
(i) If the current in the rod AB is increased, force also increases.
(ii) When a stronger horse-shoe magnet is used, magnetic field increases as a result force also
increases.
(iii) If the length of the rod AB is increased, force also increased.

3. A positively-charged particle (alpha-particle) projected towards west is deflected towards north by a

magnetic field. The direction of magnetic field is (a) towards south (b) towards east (c) downward (d)
upward
The direction of the motion of proton is the direction of current. The direction of force o the proton
is towards north. Applying Fleming’s left hand rule, the direction of magnetic field is upward. The
correct option is (d).

ELECTRIC MOTOR
An electric motor is a rotating device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. Electric motor
is used as an important component in electric fans, refrigerators, mixers, washing machines, computers,
MP3 players etc.
Principle: When a coil carrying current is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a torque. As a result
of this torque, the coil begins to rotate.
Construction:
It consists of a rectangular coil ABCD of insulated copper wire. The coil is placed between the two poles
of a magnetic field such that the arm AB and CD are perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field.
The ends of the coil are connected to the two halves P and Q of a split ring. The inner sides of these
halves are insulated and attached to an axle. The external conducting edges of P and Q touch two
conducting stationary brushes X and Y, respectively, as shown in the below figure

Working:
Current in the coil ABCD enters from the source battery through conducting brush X and flows back to
the battery through brush Y.
Notice that the current in arm AB of the coil flows from A to B. In arm CD it flows from C to D, that is,
opposite to the direction of current through arm AB.
On applying Fleming’s left hand rule for the direction of force on a current-carrying conductor in a
magnetic field.. We find that the force acting on arm AB pushes it downwards while the force acting on
arm CD pushes it upwards. Thus the coil and the axle O, mounted free to turn about an axis, rotate anti-
clockwise.
At half rotation, Q makes contact with the brush X and P with brush Y. Therefore the current in the coil
gets reversed and flows along the path DCBA. A device that reverses the direction of flow of current
through a circuit is called a commutator. In electric motors, the split ring acts as a commutator.
The reversal of current also reverses the direction of force acting on the two arms AB and CD. Thus the
arm AB of the coil that was earlier pushed down is now pushed up and the arm CD previously pushed
up is now pushed down. Therefore the coil and the axle rotate half a turn more in the same direction.
The reversing of the current is repeated at each half rotation, giving rise to a continuous rotation of the
coil and to the axle.
Uses of electric motor:
The commercial motors use (i) an electromagnet in place of permanent magnet; (ii) large number of turns
of the conducting wire in the current-carrying coil; and (iii) a soft iron core on which the coil is wound.
The soft iron core, on which the coil is wound, plus the coils, is called an armature. This enhances the
power of the motor.

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 231 AND 232

1. State Fleming’s left-hand rule.
Ans. Fleming’s left hand rule states that if we arrange the thumb, the centre finger, and the
forefinger of the left hand at right angles to each other, then the thumb points towards the direction of
the magnetic force, the centre finger gives the direction of current, and the forefinger points in the
direction of magnetic field.

2. What is the principle of an electric motor?

Ans. The working principle of an electric motor is based on the magnetic effect of current. A current-
carrying loop experiences a force and rotates when placed in a magnetic field. The direction of
rotation of the loop is given by the Fleming’s left- hand rule.
3. What is the role of the split ring in an electric motor?
Ans. The split ring in the electric motor acts as a commutator. The commutator reverses the
direction of current flowing through the coil after each half rotation of
 the coil. Due to this reversal of the current, the coil continues to rotate in the same direction.

ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION
The production of electricity from magnetism is called Electromagnetic induction. When a straight wire
is moved up and down rapidly between the poles of magnet, then an electric current is produced in the
wire. This is an example of electromagnetic induction
The process of electromagnetic induction has led to the construction of generators for producing
electricity at power stations
The current produced by moving a straight wire in a magnetic field is called an induced current. In the
below figure, moving a magnet towards a coil sets up a current in the coil circuit, as indicated by
deflection in the galvanometer needle.

If the bar magnet moved towards south pole of the magnet towards the end B of the coil, the deflections
in the galvanometer would just be opposite to the previous case. When the coil and the magnet are both
stationary, there is no deflection in the galvanometer. It is, thus, clear from this activity that motion of a
magnet with respect to the coil produces an induced potential difference, which sets up an induced
electric current in the circuit.

ELECTRIC GENERATOR

In an electric generator, mechanical energy is used to rotate a conductor in a magnetic field to produce
electricity.
Principle: Whenever in a closed circuit, the magnetic field lines change, an induced current is
produced.
Construction:
 An electric generator, as shown in the below figure, consists of a rotating rectangular coil ABCD
placed between the two poles of a permanent magnet.

 The two ends of this coil are connected to the two rings R1 and R2.
 The inner side of these rings are made insulated.
 The two conducting stationary brushes B1 and B2 are kept pressed separately on the rings R1 and
R2, respectively.
 The two rings R1 and R2 are internally attached to an axle.
 The axle may be mechanically rotated from outside to rotate the coil inside the magnetic field.
 Outer ends of the two brushes are connected to the galvanometer to show the flow of current in the
given external circuit.
Working:
When the axle attached to the two rings is rotated such that the arm AB moves up (and the arm CD
moves down) in the magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet. Let us say the coil ABCD is
rotated clockwise in the arrangement shown in the above figure.
By applying Fleming’s right-hand rule, the induced currents are set up in these arms along the directions
AB and CD. Thus an induced current flows in the direction ABCD. If there are larger numbers of turns in
the coil, the current generated in each turn adds up to give a large current through the coil. This means
that the current in the external circuit flows from B2 to B1.
After half a rotation, arm CD starts moving up and AB moving down. As a result, the directions of the
induced currents in both the arms change, giving rise to the net induced current in the direction DCBA.
The current in the external circuit now flows from B1 to B2. Thus after every half rotation the polarity of
the current in the respective arms changes. Such a current, which changes direction after equal intervals
of time, is called an alternating current (abbreviated as AC). This device is called an AC generator.
To get a direct current (DC, which does not change its direction with time), a split- ring type commutator
must be used. With this arrangement, one brush is at all times in contact with the arm moving up in the
field, while the other is in contact with the arm moving down. We have seen the working of a split ring
commutator in the case of an electric motor Thus a unidirectional current is produced. The generator is
thus called a DC generator. The difference between the direct and alternating currents is that the direct
current always flows in one direction, whereas the alternating current reverses its direction periodically.

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 236

1. Explain different ways to induce current in a coil.
The different ways to induce current in a coil are as follows:
(a) If a coil is moved rapidly between the two poles of a horse-shoe magnet, then an electric
current is induced in the coil.
(b) If a magnet is moved relative to a coil, then an electric current is induced in the coil
INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 237
1. State the principle of an electric generator.
An electric generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction. It generates electricity by
rotating a coil in a magnetic field.
2. Name some sources of direct current.
Some sources of direct current are cell, DC generator, etc
3. Which sources produce alternating current?
AC generators, power plants, etc., produce alternating current
4. Choose the correct option: A rectangular coil of copper wires is rotated in a magnetic field. The
direction of the induced current changes once in each (a) two revolutions (b) one revolution (c) half
revolution (d) one-fourth revolution
(c) When a rectangular coil of copper is rotated in a magnetic field, the direction of the induced
current in the coil changes once in each half revolution. As a result, the direction of current in the coil
remains the same

DOMESTIC ELECTRIC CIRCUITS

When does an electric short circuit occur?

If the resistance of an electric circuit becomes very low, then the current flowing through the circuit
becomes very high. This is caused by connecting too many appliances to a single socket or
connecting high power rating appliances to the light circuits. This results in a short circuit.
When the insulation of live and neutral wires undergoes wear and tear and then touches each other,
the current flowing in the circuit increases abruptly. Hence, a short circuit occurs.
What is the function of an earth wire? Why is it necessary to earth metallic appliances?
The metallic body of electric appliances is connected to the earth by means of earth wire so that any
leakage of electric current is transferred to the ground. This prevents any electric shock to the user.
That is why earthing of the electrical appliances is necessary.
What is Electric fuse? What is the important of electric fuse?
Electric Fuse consists of a piece of wire made of a metal or an alloy of appropriate melting point, for
example aluminium, copper, iron, lead etc. If a current larger than the specified value flows through
the circuit, the temperature of the fuse wire increases. This melts the fuse wire and breaks the circuit.
Fuse is the most important safety device, used for protecting the circuits due to short-circuiting or
overloading of the circuits. The use of an electric fuse prevents the electric circuit and the appliance
from a possible damage by stopping the flow of unduly high electric current. The fuses used for
domestic purposes are rated as 1 A, 2 A, 3 A, 5 A, 10 A, etc.

INTEXT QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 238

1. Name two safety measures commonly used in electric circuits and appliances.
Two safety measures commonly used in electric circuits and appliances are as follows:
(i) Each circuit must be connected with an electric fuse. This prevents the flow of excessive
current through the circuit. When the current passing through the wire exceeds the maximum limit of
the fuse element, the fuse melts to stop the flow of current through that circuit, hence protecting the
appliances connected to the circuit.
 (ii) Earthing is a must to prevent electric shocks. Any leakage of current in an electric appliance is
transferred to the ground and people using the appliance do not get the shock.
2. An electric oven of 2 kW power rating is operated in a domestic electric circuit (220 V) that has a
current rating of 5 A. What result do you expect? Explain. Current drawn by the electric oven can be
obtained by the expression,
P=VI
P
I
V
Where, current = I. Power of the oven, P = 2 kW = 2000W Voltage supplied, V = 220V
2000
I  9.09 A
220
Hence, the current drawn by the electric oven is 9.09 A, which exceeds the safe limit of the circuit.
Fuse element of the electric fuse will melt and break the circuit.
3. What precaution should be taken to avoid the overloading of domestic electric circuits?
The precautions that should be taken to avoid the overloading of domestic circuits are as follows:
(a) Too many appliances should not be connected to a single socket.
(b) Too many appliances should not be used at the same time.
(c) Faulty appliances should not be connected in the circuit
(d) Fuse should be connected in the circuit.

MAGNETISM IN MEDICINE
An electric current always produces a magnetic field. Even weak ion currents that travel along the nerve
cells in our body produce magnetic fields. When we touch something, our nerves carry an electric impulse
to the muscles we need to use. This impulse produces a temporary magnetic field. These fields are very
weak and are about one-billionth of the earth’s magnetic field. Two main organs in the human body
where the magnetic field produced is significant, are the heart and the brain. The magnetic field inside the
body forms the basis of obtaining the images of different body parts. This is done using a technique
called Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Analysis of these images helps in medical diagnosis.
Magnetism has, thus, got important uses in medicine.

EXERCISE QUESTIONS PAGE NO. 240

1. Which of the following correctly describes the magnetic field near a long straight wire?
(a) The field consists of straight lines perpendicular to the wire
(b) The field consists of straight lines parallel to the wire
(c) The field consists of radial lines originating from the wire
(d) The field consists of concentric circles centred on the wire
Ans. (d) The magnetic field lines, produced around a straight current-carrying conductor, are
concentric circles. Their centres lie on the wire.

2. The phenomenon of electromagnetic induction is

(a) the process of charging a body
 (b) the process of generating magnetic field due to a current passing through a coil
(c) producing induced current in a coil due to relative motion between a magnet and the coil
(d) the process of rotating a coil of an electric motor
Ans. (c) When a straight coil and a magnet are moved relative to each other, a current is induced in
the coil. This phenomenon is known as electromagnetic induction.

3.
The device used for producing electric current is called a
(a) generator. (b) galvanometer. (c) ammeter. (d) motor.
Ans. (a) An electric generator produces electric current. It converts mechanical energy into
electricity.

4. The essential difference between an AC generator and a DC generator is that

(a) AC generator has an electromagnet while a DC generator has permanent magnet.
(b) DC generator will generate a higher voltage.
(c) AC generator will generate a higher voltage.
(d) AC generator has slip rings while the DC generator has a commutator.
Ans. (d) An AC generator has two rings called slip rings. A DC generator has two half rings called
commutator. This is the main difference between both the types of generators.
5. At the time of short circuit, the current in the circuit
(a) reduces substantially. (b) does not change.
(c) increases heavily. (d) vary continuously.
Ans. (c) When two naked wires of an electric circuit touch each other, the amount of current that is
flowing in the circuit increases abruptly. This causes short- circuit.
6. State whether the following statements are true or false.
(a) An electric motor converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
(b) An electric generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
(c) The field at the centre of a long circular coil carrying current will be parallel straight lines.
(d) A wire with a green insulation is usually the live wire of an electric supply.
Ans. (a) False
An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
(b) True
A generator is an electric device that generates electricity by rotating a coil in a magnetic field. It
works on the principle of electromagnetic induction.
(c) True
A long circular coil is a long solenoid. The magnetic field lines inside the solenoid are parallel lines.
(d) False
Live wire has red insulation cover, whereas earth wire has green insulation colour in the domestic
circuits.

7. List three sources of magnetic fields.

Ans. Three sources of magnetic fields are as follows:
(a) Current-carrying conductors
(b) Permanent magnets
(c) Electromagnets
8. How does a solenoid behave like a magnet? Can you determine the north and south poles of a
current–carrying solenoid with the help of a bar magnet? Explain.
Ans. A solenoid is a long coil of circular loops of insulated copper wire. Magnetic field lines are
produced around the solenoid when a current is allowed to flow through it. The magnetic field
produced by it is similar to the magnetic field of a bar magnet. The field lines produced in a current-
carrying solenoid is shown in the following figure.

In the above figure, when the north pole of a bar magnet is brought near the end connected to the
negative terminal of the battery, the solenoid repels the bar magnet. Since like poles repel each other,
the end connected to the negative terminal of the battery behaves as the north pole of the solenoid and
the other end behaves as a south pole. Hence, one end of the solenoid behaves as a north pole and the
other end behaves as a south pole.

9. When is the force experienced by a current–carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field largest?
Ans. The force experienced by a current-currying conductor is the maximum when the direction of
current is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field.

10. Imagine that you are sitting in a chamber with your back to one wall. An electron beam, moving
horizontally from back wall towards the front wall, is deflected by a strong magnetic field to your
right side. What is the direction of magnetic field? Ans. The direction of magnetic field is given by
Fleming’s left hand rule. Magnetic field inside the chamber will be perpendicular to the direction of
current (opposite to the direction of electron) and direction of deflection/force i.e., either upward or
downward. The direction of current is from the front wall to the back wall because negatively
charged electrons are moving from back wall to the front wall. The direction of magnetic force is
rightward. Hence, using Fleming’s left hand rule, it can be concluded that the direction of magnetic
field inside the chamber is downward.

11. Draw a labelled diagram of an electric motor. Explain its principle and working. What is the function
of a split ring in an electric motor?
Ans. An electric motor is a rotating device that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy.
Electric motor is used as an important component in electric fans, refrigerators, mixers, washing
machines, computers, MP3 players etc.
Principle: When a coil carrying current is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a torque. As a
result of this torque, the coil begins to rotate.
 Construction:
It consists of a rectangular coil ABCD of insulated copper wire. The coil is placed between the two
poles of a magnetic field such that the arm AB and CD are perpendicular to the direction of the
magnetic field. The ends of the coil are connected to the two halves P and Q of a split ring. The inner
sides of these halves are insulated and attached to an axle. The external conducting edges of P and Q
touch two conducting stationary brushes X and Y, respectively, as shown in the below figure

Working:
Current in the coil ABCD enters from the source battery through conducting brush X and flows back
to the battery through brush Y.

Notice that the current in arm AB of the coil flows from A to B. In arm CD it flows from C to D,
that is, opposite to the direction of current through arm AB.

On applying Fleming’s left hand rule for the direction of force on a current- carrying conductor in a
magnetic field.. We find that the force acting on arm AB pushes it downwards while the force acting
on arm CD pushes it upwards. Thus the coil and the axle O, mounted free to turn about an axis,
rotate anti-clockwise.
At half rotation, Q makes contact with the brush X and P with brush Y. Therefore the current in the
coil gets reversed and flows along the path DCBA. A device that reverses the direction of flow of
current through a circuit is called a commutator. In electric motors, the split ring acts as a
commutator.
The reversal of current also reverses the direction of force acting on the two arms AB and CD. Thus
the arm AB of the coil that was earlier pushed down is now pushed up and the arm CD previously
pushed up is now pushed down. Therefore the coil and the axle rotate half a turn more in the same
direction. The reversing of the current is repeated at each half rotation, giving rise to a continuous
rotation of the coil and to the axle.
12. Name some devices in which electric motors are used.
Ans. Some devices in which electric motors are used are as follows:
(a) Water pumps (b) Electric fans (c) Electric mixers (d) Washing machines
13. A coil of insulated copper wire is connected to a galvanometer. What will happen if a bar magnet is
(i) pushed into the coil, (ii) withdrawn from inside the coil, (iii) held stationary inside the coil?
 Ans. A current induces in a solenoid if a bar magnet is moved relative to it. This is the principle of
electromagnetic induction.
(i) When a bar magnet is pushed into a coil of insulated copper wire, a current is induced
momentarily in the coil. As a result, the needle of the galvanometer deflects momentarily in a
particular direction.
(ii) When the bar magnet is withdrawn from inside the coil of the insulated copper wire, a current
is again induced momentarily in the coil in the opposite direction. As a result, the needle of the
galvanometer deflects momentarily in the opposite direction.
(iii) When a bar magnet is held stationary inside the coil, no current will be induced in the coil.
Hence, galvanometer will show no deflection.
14. Two circular coils A and B are placed closed to each other. If the current in the coil A is changed,
will some current be induced in the coil B? Give reason.
Ans. Two circular coils A and B are placed closed to each other. When the current in coil A is
changed, the magnetic field associated with it also changes. As a result, the magnetic field around
coil B also changes. This change in magnetic field lines around coil B induces an electric current in
it. This is called electromagnetic induction.
15. State the rule to determine the direction of a (i) magnetic field produced around a straight conductor-
carrying current, (ii) force experienced by a current-carrying straight conductor placed in a magnetic
field which is perpendicular to it, and (iii) current induced in a coil due to its rotation in a magnetic
field.
Ans. (i) Maxwell’s right hand thumb rule
(ii) Fleming’s left hand rule
(iii) Fleming’s right hand rule
16. Explain the underlying principle and working of an electric generator by drawing a labelled diagram.
What is the function of brushes?
Ans. In an electric generator, mechanical energy is used to rotate a conductor in a magnetic field to
produce electricity.
Principle: Whenever in a closed circuit, the magnetic field lines change, an induced current is
produced.
Construction:
 An electric generator, as shown in the below figure, consists of a rotating rectangular coil ABCD
placed between the two poles of a permanent magnet.
 The two ends of this coil are connected to the two rings R1 and R2.
 The inner side of these rings are made insulated.
 The two conducting stationary brushes B1 and B2 are kept pressed separately on the rings R1
and R2, respectively.
 The two rings R1 and R2 are internally attached to an axle.
 The axle may be mechanically rotated from outside to rotate the coil inside the magnetic field.
 Outer ends of the two brushes are connected to the galvanometer to show the flow of current in
the given external circuit.
Working:
When the axle attached to the two rings is rotated such that the arm AB moves up (and the arm CD
moves down) in the magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet. Let us say the coil ABCD is
rotated clockwise in the arrangement shown in the above figure.
By applying Fleming’s right-hand rule, the induced currents are set up in these arms along the
directions AB and CD. Thus an induced current flows in the
direction ABCD. If there are larger numbers of turns in the coil, the current
 generated in each turn adds up to give a large current through the coil. This means that the current in
the external circuit flows from B2 to B1.

After half a rotation, arm CD starts moving up and AB moving down. As a result, the directions of
the induced currents in both the arms change, giving rise to the net induced current in the direction
DCBA. The current in the external circuit now flows from B1 to B2. Thus after every half rotation
the polarity of the current in the respective arms changes. Such a current, which changes direction
after equal intervals of time, is called an alternating current (abbreviated as AC). This device is called
an AC generator.

To get a direct current (DC, which does not change its direction with time), a split-ring type
commutator must be used. With this arrangement, one brush is at all times in contact with the arm
moving up in the field, while the other is in contact with the arm moving down. We have seen the
working of a split ring commutator in the case of an electric motor Thus a unidirectional current is
produced. The generator is thus called a DC generator. The difference between the direct and
alternating currents is that the direct current always flows in one direction, whereas the alternating
current reverses its direction periodically.

17. When does an electric short circuit occur?

Ans. If the resistance of an electric circuit becomes very low, then the current flowing through the
circuit becomes very high. This is caused by connecting too many appliances to a single socket or
connecting high power rating appliances to the light circuits. This results in a short circuit.
When the insulation of live and neutral wires undergoes wear and tear and then touches each other,
the current flowing in the circuit increases abruptly. Hence, a short circuit occurs.

18. What is the function of an earth wire? Why is it necessary to earth metallic appliances?
Ans. The metallic body of electric appliances is connected to the earth by means of earth wire so that
any leakage of electric current is transferred to the ground. This prevents any electric shock to the
user. That is why earthing of the electrical appliances is necessary.