E S

and magnetism?
What is electricity

What is force?

ured ?
How is force meas
Earth?
urce of energy on
What is the main so

t with heat?
How do liquids reac
usic instrument s produce
Why do different m
different sound?

139
 ter
p
Electricity and
7
Cha

Magnetism
How can wind be used to generate
electricity?
Which energy is needed for vehicles to
move?
What causes the formation of lightning?
Why does the compass always show the
north-south direction?

Let’s understand:
Electricity
The flow of electric current in a series circuit
and a parallel circuit
Magnetism

140
 Chapter 7 : Electricity and Magnetism

Science Blog

SCIENCE BLOG
The Electric Eel
The electric eel or scientifically known as
Electrophorus electricus is a type of freshwater
fish found in South America. The length of its
body can exceed 8 feet.
This fish has around 6 000 special cells
known as electrocytes. These cells are their
secret weapon that enables the electric eel to
discharge electricity up to 600 volts!
Electricity that is discharged is used to
protect the fish from its predators and to
catch smaller fishes. This fish’s eyesight is
limited because of its dark and muddy habitat.
This causes the fish to use the transmission
of electric charges as a guide for direction.

Keywords
Electric current Series circuit
Electric charge Resistors
Electrostatic Magnetic field
Ohm’s Law Magnet
Parallel circuit Electromagnet

141
 7.1 Electricity

D o you still remember the topic on electricity that you have learned during primary school?
Various home appliances such as the washing machine, television, computer and others use
electricity to function.
Energy
All living things need energy. A moving vehicle, a lighted bulb, and a sleeping cat use energy. What
does energy mean? Energy means the ability to do work. Can you state a few daily activities that
use energy?

Plants need energy

People use from the Sun to
energy to run continue living

Cars need energy The light from the

from fuel to bulb is produced by
move energy

Photograph 7.1 Various uses and needs of energy

What is the S.I.

unit for energy?

The S.I. unit for

energy is
joule (J).

142 7.1.1
 Chapter 7 : Electricity and Magnetism

Forms of Energy
Energy cannot be created nor destroyed but it can exist in various forms. Photograph 7.2 shows
various forms of energy that exist around us. Can you give another example for each of the following
types of energy?

Sound energy Kinetic energy Electrical energy

Gravitational potential energy Elastic potential energy Light energy

Nuclear energy Heat energy Chemical energy

Photograph 7.2 Various forms of energy

Sources of Energy
You have learned various forms of energy that exist. What are the sources used to generate energy?
Figure 7.1 shows various sources of energy that exist around us.

The Sun

Wind
Geothermal
Brain Teaser
Sources
Wave Does nuclear energy produce
of Water radioactive wastes?
energy

Radioactive
Biomass
substance
Fossil
fuel

Figure 7.1 Various sources of energy

143
 21
A ctivity 7.1
st

Century

Aim : To discuss energy.

Instruction
1. Work in groups.
2. Discuss:
(a) the importance of energy in our daily lives
(b) forms of energy
(c) sources of energy
3. Use various sources to gather these information.
4. Present your discussion in the form of a multimedia presentation.

Electrostatic Charges
Have you ever felt an electric shock when you touched a door knob? Why does this happen? It happens
as a result of the transfer of electric charges between our body and the door knob that has static electric
charges. These static charges are known as electrostatic charges. Let us carry out Activity 7.2 to show the
existence of electrostatic charges on different types of materials.

A ctivity7.2
Aim: To test the existence of electrostatic charges on certain materials. Note: Make sure that all the
Materials: Balloon, pieces of shredded paper and stream of apparatus are dry.
running tap water
Apparatus: Polythene rod, cellulose acetate strip and
Polythene rod
woollen cloth
Instruction
1. Rub a polythene rod with a woollen cloth.
2. Hold the rod close to pieces of shredded paper
(Photograph 7.3) and record your observation.
3. Repeat step 1. Pieces of shredded papers
4. Hold the rod close to a small stream of running tap
water and record your observation. Photograph 7.3
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 using a 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.

Tap Water and Electrostatic Charges

https://www.thoughtco.com/bend-water-
with-static-electricity-604268
Info
144 7.1.2
 Chapter 7 : Electricity and Magnetism

Based on your observation in Activity 7.2, how are the electrostatic charges between the objects
produced? Electric charges consist of positive charges (proton) and negative charges (electron). The
attraction and repulsion between the electric charges shown
in Figure 7.2 are known as electrostatic forces. Same charges
When two different types of objects are rubbed together, repel each
only the electrons are transferred from one object to the other
other, whereas the protons do not move. The object that
Opposite
gains electrons will be negatively charged. The object that
charges attract
loses electrons will be positively charged. The object that has
each other
equal number of protons and electrons is known as neutral.
Figure 7.2 Properties of electric charges

The number of protons is The number of electrons The number of protons

more than the electrons is more than the protons and electrons is equal
Positively charged Negatively charged Neutral
Figure 7.3 The number of electrons on objects

Look at Figure 7.4 to understand the effect of electrostatic charges on a plastic comb that has
been rubbed with a piece of woollen cloth.

Before being rubbed with the woollen cloth After being rubbed with the woollen cloth

+ – + – + – + – + + + +
– + – – – – – –
+ + – + + +
– – – – –

Neutral comb + +
+ +
– – –
– + – +
–
+ – + – The comb rubbed with the woollen cloth will gain
– + – +
– + – + electrons from the woollen cloth and will be negatively
Pieces of neutral charged. This enables the comb to attract the pieces
shredded paper of paper because of the force of attraction that exist
between the positive charges on the pieces of paper
and the negative charges on the comb.

Figure 7.4 Effect of production of electrostatic charges

145
 Electroscope Metal cap

An electroscope is a device used to detect the existence of Insulator

electric charges on an object.
Positively charged Negatively charged
strip strip
Neutral strip Gold leaf
++ +
++ –––
–+ – ––
–+–+ – – –+ –
+– +– + +
+– +–
e– e–
– – + + +
– +
–
+ + + ++ + +
– – – –
+ + + + +
– – – –
+ + – –
Photograph 7.4 An electroscope
(a) (b)
The gold leaf does not The gold leaf diverges because the
diverge because the same charges repel each other.
positive and negative Today
charges are attracted to
in History
one another. The first gold leaf
Figure 7.5 How the electroscope works electroscope was invented
by a physicist, Abraham
Bennet in 1787.

The further the divergence of

the gold leaf, the higher the
quantity of electrostatic charges
accumulated.

Examples of Electrostatic in Our Daily Life Science

The occurrence of lightning is one of the phenomena that is related
to electrostatic charges. The friction between clouds and air causes Lightning conductor
the clouds to be charged with electric charges. Lightning is a result of
the force of attraction that exists between the positive charges on the
ground and the negative charges in the clouds.
The upper part
of the cloud is
positively charged +
+
+ + + Cloud + + +
+ + + + + + + +
– – – – –– – – – – – –– –

The negative charges in

The bottom part The lightning conductor
the clouds are attracted
of the cloud is is installed at buildings to
to the positive charges on
negatively charged Lightning provide a path for the electric
the surface of the earth
charges to flow into the
ground. This method protects
the building from being struck
+ + + + + + + Earth + + + + + + + by lightning.

Figure 7.6 Lightning

146 7.1.3
 Chapter 7 : Electricity and Magnetism

Science
Simulation of lightning can be carried out in the school
laboratory by using a Van de Graaff generator or Wimhurst machine. Wimhurst machine
Carry out Activity 7.3 to observe the simulation of lightning. is a device for
generating high
voltages.

21
A 7.3
st

ctivity Century

Aim: To carry out a simulation 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 your 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 Photograph 7.5
dome of the Van de Graaff generator?

Solving Daily Life Problems Involving Electrostatic

I cleaned this TV screen

two days ago. Its dusty
again!

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 microfibre cloth, a type of anti-
electrostatic material so that it does not
become dusty too quickly.

A ctivity 7.4 STEM 21 st

Century

Aim: To gather information and solve daily life problems involving electrostatic.
Instruction
1. Work in groups.
2. Gather information on the following problems that involves electrostatic. Discuss how to solve them.
(a) The choice of fabric to be worn in hot weather
(b) Safe shelters during a thunderstorm (use Faraday’s cage concept)
3. Share your findings with the class.

147
Electric Current
Electrical appliances require electric charges to operate. Energy
that is needed for the electric charges to flow can be generated from
sources such as electrical generators, dry cells and solar cells. What
is the relationship between electric charges and electric current?

Photograph 7.6 Dry cells

A ctivity 7.5
Aim: To study the relationship between electric charges and electric current.
Safety
Apparatus: Van de Graaff generator, galvanometer and connecting wire Precaution
Make sure all the apparatus
Instruction are dry and neutral.
1. Set up the apparatus as shown in Figure 7.7.
2. Switch on the Van de Graaff generator and observe the pointer on the galvanometer.

Dome of Van de Graaff generator

Science

earthed A galvanometer is used to

Galvanometer detect very small electric
currents.
Figure 7.7
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.

The deflection of the galvanometer’s pointer indicates the flow of

the electric current. Electric current can be defined as the rate of flow
of electric charges through a conductor.

Measuring the Quantity of Electricity

The flow of electric current can be measured by using an ammeter.
You have learned in Form One that the S.I. unit for electric current is
ampere (A). The voltage is the potential difference between two points
that can be measured in volt (V) by using a voltmeter.
Photograph 7.7 Voltmeter

148 7.1.4
7.1.5
 Chapter 7 : Electricity and Magnetism

A ctivity 7.6
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 holder
Ammeter
A Measuring current using an ammeter Switch Connecting
wire
Instruction
1. Connect the circuit as shown in Photograph 7.8 using
one dry cell. Dry cell
2. Turn on the switch and record the reading of the ammeter. Crocodile
Observe the brightness of the bulb. clip
3. Record your observations.
Bulb Dry cell holder
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 using two dry cells.
Photograph 7.8
B Measuring the voltage using a voltmeter
Safety
Precaution
The voltmeter must be connected parallel to the bulb in order to measure the voltage.

Switch Connecting
Instruction Voltmeter
1. Connect the circuit as shown in Photograph 7.9 using wire
one dry cell. Dry cell
2. Turn on the switch and record the reading of the voltmeter.
Observe the brightness of the bulb.
3. Record your observations. Crocodile
clip
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 using two dry cells.
Bulb Dry cell holder

Observation Photograph 7.9

Reading of Reading of
Activity Number of dry cells Brightness of bulb
ammeter / A voltmeter / V
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?

Science

Multimeter can be used to measure current and voltage.

149
The Relationship between Current, Voltage and Resistance
The ability of a conductor to limit or resist the flow of electric current is known as resistance. The
unit for measuring resistance is ohm (Ω). A fixed resistor has resistance that cannot be adjusted
whereas a variable resistor or rheostat has resistance that can be adjusted. Current, voltage and
resistance are three electrical quantities that are closely related to one another in a circuit. The
changes in magnitude of one of the electrical quantities will have an effect in the magnitude of the
other quantities.

Let us carry out Experiment 7.1 to study the relationship between current, voltage and resistance.

Experiment 7.1
Aim: To study the effects 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.
Variables:
(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 in Photograph 7.10.
3. Place the jockey where the length of the nichrome 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.

Ammeter Connecting
Crocodile clip wire
Dry cells

Dry cell
Thumbtack
holder
Jockey Nichrome
Metre rule The length of
wire
nichrome wire
Photograph 7.10

150 7.1.6
 Chapter 7 : Electricity and Magnetism

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
Variables:
(a) Constant variable : Nichrome wire of 10 cm length Ammeter Voltmeter
(b) Manipulated variable : Number of dry cells Crocodile
(c) Responding variable : Reading of the ammeter clip
Apparatus: Ammeter, voltmeter, connecting Connecting
wire, nichrome wire of 10 cm length, dry cell and wire
crocodile clip Nichrome
wire
Procedure:
1. Set up the circuit as shown in Photograph 7.11
using one dry cell.
Dry cell
2. Record the reading on the ammeter and
voltmeter. Dry cell
3. Record your observations in a table. holder
4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 using two, three and four dry cells. Photograph 7.11
5. Plot a graph of current against voltage.
Observation:

Number of dry cells 1 2 3 4

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?

151
 Experiment 7.1 shows that the amount of current flowing through the circuit decreases as
the resistance increases. Besides, we can also observe that when a higher voltage flows through the
circuit, the amount of current flowing through the circuit also increases.
The relationship between the current, I, the voltage, V and the Science
resistance, R is known as the Ohm’s Law. The relationship among
these three electrical quantities can be written as:
Ohm’s Law Triangle can be
used to memorise the Ohm’s
V = IR Law. Put your finger over the
quantity that you are looking
for. Then, multiply or divide
Ohm’s Law states that the electric current that flows the other two quantities that
through a conductor is directly proportional to the are given.
voltage across two ends of the conductor, provided
V V
the temperature and other physical situations remain I R I R
unchanged. V=I!R

V V
I R I R
I=V
– R=V
–
R I

Formative Practice 7.1

1. State the forms of energy that exists in each of the following situations.
(a) Boiling water
(b) A chicken running
(c) Compressed spring

2. As the clouds move, a lot of electric charges are accumulated by the clouds.

Based on the statement above, explain the occurrence of lightning.

3. What is the resistance of a car light bulb that conducts 0.025 A current when connected to a 12 V
car accumulator? Is the current in the bulb steady?

7.2 Flow of Electric Current in a Series Circuit and Parallel

Circuit

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

Electrical Circuit Components

A complete electric circuit is made up of various electrical components which are represented by
symbols. These symbols are used to draw circuit diagrams.

152 7.2.1
 Chapter 7 : Electricity and Magnetism

Table 7.1 Electrical components and their symbols

Electrical component Symbol Electrical component Symbol

Switch Bulb

Dry cell Resistor

Voltmeter V Fuse

Galvanometer G Variable resistor or

Ammeter A

Series Circuit and Parallel Circuit

Why are all the bulbs

lighted up except for
one?
The bulbs are
connected in
parallel circuit.

An electric circuit can be connected in series or parallel. A series circuit is made up of electrical
components that are connected one after another where the current flows through in a single path
(Figure 7.8). A parallel circuit is separated into several different paths of electrical circuit and each
parallel path has electrical components (Figure 7.9).

Figure 7.8 Series circuit Figure 7.9 Parallel circuit

153
Current, Voltage and Resistance in a Series Circuit
Is the current that flows through each electrical component in a series circuit the same? Carry out
Activity 7.7 to study the current, voltage and resistance in a series circuit.

A ctivity 7.7
Aim: To study current, voltage and resistance in a series circuit.
I
Apparatus: Dry cell holder, connecting wire, bulb (1.5 V), dry cell, A
M N
switch, ammeter and voltmeter
Instruction (a)
1. Set up a series circuit as shown in Figure 7.10 (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 M I1 N
the ammeter between M and N as shown in Figure 7.10 (b). A
3. Measure the current that flows through bulb M and N by setting up (b)
the circuit as shown in Figure 7.10 (c).
4. Set up the voltmeter across bulb M, followed by bulb N as shown in I2
Figure 7.10 (d) to measure the voltage reading across the bulb. A
5. Set up the voltmeter as shown in Figure 7.10 (e) to measure the M N
voltage across two bulbs.
6. Calculate the resistance for each bulb separately and also for both (c)
the bulbs using Ohm’s Law.
7. Record all the readings in a table.
A
Questions M N
1. What is your conclusion on the current flow through the series
circuit?
V V
2. What will happen to the bulbs in the series circuit if one of the V1 V2
(d)
bulbs is removed?

M N

V
V
(e)
Figure 7.10

After carrying out Activity 7.7, you will notice that the current that flows through each bulb is
the same but the voltage is the sum of the voltages across each bulb. Effective resistance, R is the total
resistance across the components. We can conclude that:

Current, I = I1 = I2 Voltage, V = V1 + V2 Resistance, R = R1 + R2

154
 Chapter 7 : Electricity and Magnetism

Table 7.2 Advantages and disadvantages of a series circuit

Advantages Disadvantages
• Every component in the circuit receives the • When one of the electrical appliances is
same amount of current. damaged, other electrical appliances cease to
• Every component is controlled by the same function.
switch. • Adding more electrical appliances increases
• Increase in voltage supplies more electric resistance and decreases the flow of the
current. current.
• Each electrical appliance cannot be switched off
individually.

Current, Voltage and Resistance in a Parallel Circuit

Current, voltage and resistance in a parallel circuit is different from a series circuit. Carry out
Activity 7.8 to investigate the current, voltage and resistance in a parallel circuit.

A ctivity 7.8
Aim: To study current, voltage and resistance in a parallel circuit. I1 M
Apparatus: Dry cell holder, connecting wire, switch, bulb (1.5 V), dry A
cell, ammeter and voltmeter I2 N
A
Instruction (a)
1. Set up a parallel circuit as shown in Figure 7.11 (a).
2. Turn on the switch and measure the current that flows through M A I
bulb M. Measure the current that flows through bulb N by changing
the position of the ammeter. N
3. Measure the electric current that flows through both the bulbs, M
and N by setting up a circuit as shown in Figure 7.11 (b). (b)
4. Fix the voltmeter across bulb M followed by bulb N as shown in
V1
Figure 7.11 (c) to measure the voltage across the bulbs. V
5. Fix the voltmeter as shown in Figure 7.11 (d) to measure the voltage M
across two bulbs.
6. Calculate the resistance for each bulb separately and for both the V2
bulbs using Ohm’s Law. V
7. Record all the readings in a table. N

Questions
(c)
1. Is the value of voltage different for bulb M and N?
2. List out the advantages and disadvantages of a parallel circuit.
V
V
M

(d)

Figure 7.11

155
 Voltage, V that flows across each resistor in a parallel circuit is the same as the voltage that
flows across the dry cell. However, the current, I that flows in a parallel circuit is actually the total
amount of current that flows through each resistor. Therefore, the current and the voltage can be
concluded as:
Current, I = I1 + I2 Voltage, V = V1 = V2

1 1 1
Effective resistance, R can be calculated using the following formula: = +
R R1 R2

Table 7.3 Advantages and disadvantages of a parallel circuit

Advantages Disadvantages

• Every electrical appliance can be switched on • The voltage for every electrical appliance cannot
or off separately. be adjusted because the voltage is the same as
• The increase in the number of electrical the source of voltage.
appliances does not affect the function of
other appliances in the same circuit.

The electrical wiring system in our homes is

connected in parallel. For example, all the lights at home
are connected in parallel to ensure every light gets the
same voltage from its main power supply. The current
that flows from the main power supply to the circuit is
controlled by a distribution panel (Photograph 7.12).

Photograph 7.12 Distribution panel

Numerical Problems Related to Current, Voltage and Resistance in

Series Circuit and Parallel Circuit 6V
1. Two resistors, R1 and R2 are connected in series in a
circuit as shown in Figure 7.12. Calculate:
A
(a) the effective resistance, R
(b) the current, I in the circuit R1 = 2 V R2 = 2 V
(c) the voltage, V1 and V2

V1 V2
Figure 7.12

Solution:
(a) Effective resistance, R (b) Current, I (c) V1 = IR1
R= R1 + R2 V = 1.5 A× 2 Ω
I=
R=2Ω+2Ω R =3V
R=4Ω 6V V2 = IR2
=
4Ω = 1.5 A× 2 Ω
= 1.5 A =3V

156
 Chapter 7 : Electricity and Magnetism

2. Two resistors, R1 and R2 are connected in parallel in a circuit 6V

as shown in Figure 7.13. Calculate:
(a) the effective resistance, R
(b) the voltage, V I A
(c) the current, I in the circuit V1

Solution: I1 R1 = 2 V

(a) Effective resistance, R (b) Voltage, V

1 1 1 Voltage across each
= + R2 = 2 V
R R1 R2 resistor in a parallel I2
1 1 1 circuit is the same, that
= +
R 2Ω 2Ω is 6 V.
1
=1Ω
R (c) Current, I V2
R=1Ω V V2
I1 = 1 I2 = Figure 7.13
R1 R2
6V
Science
6V =
=
2Ω 2Ω
=3A =3A V
+ –
I = I1 + I2
I e– R
=3A+3A
=6A
• Direction of electron flow is
from the negative terminal
to the positive terminal of
an electrical source.
• Direction of current flow is
from the positive terminal
to the negative terminal of
an electrical source.

Formative Practice 7.2

1. Draw a parallel circuit using three bulbs, a dry cell, a switch and several connecting wires.
2. Based on Figure 1, calculate:
(a) the effective resistance 1V 3V 5V
(b) the current in the circuit 9V
(c) the voltage across each resistor
Figure 1
3. Based on Figure 2, calculate:
(a) the effective resistance
4V
(b) the voltage
(c) the current flowing through each resistor
3V

6V

Figure 2

157
 7.3 Magnetism

D o you know what causes button magnets to stick to

a whiteboard? These button magnets have pieces
of magnet attached to them to enable them to stick on
a whiteboard surface (Photograph 7.13). Magnets exist
naturally in the form of lodestones. However, man-made
magnets, made of materials such as iron, steel, cobalt and
nickel, are widely used in our everyday life.

Photograph 7.13 Button magnets

on whiteboard

Properties of a Magnet
You might have already known one of the properties of a magnet, that it only attracts magnetic
materials. Do magnets have other properties? Let us learn its properties (Figure 7.14).

Has poles
Attracts magnetic
(north pole and
materials
south pole)

Properties
of a
magnet

Like poles repel, Freely suspended

unlike poles magnet shows
attract north-south
direction

Figure 7.14 Properties of a magnet

Magnetic Field
Photograph 7.14 shows only steel balls that are
closer to the magnet are attracted by the magnet.
The area around the magnet with magnetic force is
known as magnetic field.

Photograph 7.14 Magnet and steel balls

158 7.3.1
 Chapter 7 : Electricity and Magnetism

A ctivity 7.9
Aim: To study the pattern of a magnetic field.
Materials: Iron filings and a piece of thin card Iron filings
Apparatus: Bar magnet, horseshoe magnet,
magnadur magnet, compass and drawing paper Card

Instruction Photograph 7.15

1. Sprinkle some iron filings evenly on a thin piece of card.
(Photograph 7.15).
2. Place the card on a piece of bar magnet (Photograph 7.16)
Card
and tap the card gently until a pattern is formed.
3. Draw the pattern that is formed. Bar
4. Arrange four compasses and a bar magnet on the piece of magnet
drawing paper as shown in Figure 7.15.
5. Mark the direction of the compass needle on the pattern that Photograph 7.16
you have already drawn in step 3.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 by replacing the bar magnet with a
horseshoe magnet and magnadur magnet. Bar
Questions magnet Compass
1. Which part of the magnet can you see the most magnetic field
N S
lines?
2. What is the direction of the magnetic field lines?
3. What is the relationship between the magnetic field lines and the Figure 7.15
strength of the magnetic field?

You have observed different patterns of magnetic field Brain Teaser

produced by the magnetic field lines. These magnetic field lines have
several characteristics. Does a magnet broken into
two pieces still have two
poles?
The magnetic field lines
begin from the north pole
and end at the south pole. The magnetic field lines Science
never meet or cross.

A magnetic field between

two like poles will produce a
neutral region (X ) which is
The magnetic field lines free from the effect of any
are closer to one another N S
magnetic force.
where the magnetic field
is stronger. N X N

Figure 7.16 Characteristics of magnetic field lines

159
Electromagnet
You have studied electric current in 7.1. Do you know that electric current has
magnetic effects? An electromagnet is a type of magnet that has temporary
magnetic effect when electric current flows through it. The electric bell is an
object that uses electromagnet (Photograph 7.17).
Photograph 7.17

A ctivity 7.10 Electric bell

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 filings
Apparatus: Compass, retort stand with clamp, power supply (D.C. 3 V),
connecting wire and crocodile clip
Instruction White
1. Set up the apparatus as shown in Figure 7.17. cardboard
2. Sprinkle some iron filings evenly on the white cardboard. Straight
Start the power supply and tap the cardboard gently until wire
a magnetic field pattern is formed. Retort
3. Stop the power supply and sketch the magnetic field stand
pattern that has been formed. with
4. Place four compasses around the straight wire as shown in clamp
Figure 7.18.
5. Restart the power supply and observe the direction of the
needle of the compasses. D.C. power Iron filings
6. Stop the power supply. Mark the direction of the current supply
flow and the direction of the magnetic field in the pattern Figure 7.17
you have drawn in step 3.
Compass
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. Straight
wire
Questions Figure 7.18
1. What is the purpose of using the iron filings 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?

The pattern of the magnetic field depends on the shape of the

Direction
conductor used. For example, the magnetic field lines produced by a of current
straight wire and a coiled wire are concentric circles. Magnetic field Direction of
lines are closer where the magnetic field is stronger. The strength of magnetic field
the magnetic field reduces as it moves away from the centre of the
conductor. The pattern of the magnetic field produced is not affected by
the direction of the current that flows through the conductor.
Straight wire
The direction of the magnetic field is determined by the direction Figure 7.19 Right-hand
of the electric current. The right-hand grip rule determines the direction grip rule
of the magnetic field of the current flow in a straight wire (Figure 7.19).

160 7.3.2
 Chapter 7 : Electricity and Magnetism

Science

Direction
Solenoid polarity can be
of current
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
Straight Direction Current Current
the south pole.
wire of current out in

Straight wire Coiled wire Solenoid

Figure 7.20 Pattern and direction of magnetic fields produced by

conductors

Experiment 7.2
Aim: To study the factors that 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 flow affect the strength of the magnetic field?
Hypothesis: The larger the current that flows 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 7.21 with Iron rod
10 coils of copper wire around the iron rod.
2. Turn on the power supply and adjust the rheostat to Retort
obtain 0.5 A of current. stand with
clamp
3. Replace the Petri dish containing pins with an empty Copper
Petri dish. wire
Ammeter

4. Turn off the power supply to let all the pins to fall A
back into the empty Petri dish. Pins
5. Count the number of pins attracted by the iron rod. Petri
6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 using 1.0 A, 1.5 A, 2.0 A and 2.5 A dish
of current. Record your observations.
Conclusion: Rheostat Switch D.C. power
Is the hypothesis accepted? Give your reasons. supply
Figure 7.21

7.3.3 161
 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.
Variables:
(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 7.21 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.
7. Record your observations.
Conclusion:
Is the hypothesis accepted? Give your reasons.

Application of Magnets and Electromagnets in Daily Life

The needle of Credit cards The magnetic lock
a compass and debit on doors uses an
uses a magnet cards have an electromagnet
to show the electromagnetic to lock the doors
direction of the poles. strip that stores information. automatically.

Photograph 7.18 Uses of magnets and electromagnets in daily life

Formative Practice 7.3

P
1. What is a magnetic field? Iron
2. Figure 1 shows an iron nail coiled with insulated copper wire nail Dry cell
connected to a dry cell of 1.5 V.
(a) What happens when the switch is turned on? Copper
wire
(b) Mark the direction of the current flow in the copper wire
around the iron nail.
(c) State the poles of the magnetic field at P and Q. Switch
(d) What happens to the strength of the magnetic field if another
Q
dry cell of 1.5 V is added? Figure 1
3. State True or False for the following statements.
(a) If an object is attracted to magnet, the object is a magnetic material.

(b) A straight wire produces magnetic field lines in the shape of concentric
circles.

162
 Summary
Electricity and Magnetism

Energy Electrostatic charges Electric circuit Magnetism

Importance of Existence of
energy electrostatic Series circuit Parallel circuit Ohm’s Law Magnet Electromagnet
charges

Forms of Examples of V = V1 + V2 V = V1 = V2 V = IR
energy electrostatic Characteristics of Patterns and
in daily life I = I 1 = I2 I = I 1 + I2 magnets directions of
magnetic field
Sources of Solving daily 1 = 1 + 1
energy R = R1 + R2 R R1 R2 Patterns and The strength of
life problems
directions of the the magnetic field
magnetic field

Uses of magnets Uses of

in daily life electromagnets in
daily life

Interactive Quiz 7

Quiz

163
Chapter 7 : Electricity and Magnetism
 SELF-REFLECTION
After learning this chapter, you are able to:
7.1 Electricity
Describe and communicate about energy.
Explain and communicate the existence of electrostatic charges.
Explain with examples electrostatic in daily life.
Draw a conclusion that the flow of charges produces electric current.
Characterise current, voltage and resistance, and their units.
Draw a conclusion on the relationship between current, voltage and resistance.
7.2 The Flow of Electric Current in a Series Circuit and Parallel Circuit
Elaborate and communicate about the flow of electric current in series circuit and parallel circuit.
7.3 Magnetism
Draw a conclusion about the characteristics of a magnet.
Describe and communicate about electromagnets.
Carry out an experiment and communicate the uses of magnets and electromagnets
in daily life.

Summative Practice 7
1. Tick (3) the correct statement about electrostatic charges.

(a) Earthing causes positive charges to flow from the object to the ground.

(b) Similar types of electric charges attract one another.

(c) An electroscope is used to determine the presence of electrostatic charges.

2. Imran’s office floor is covered with a nylon carpet.

(a) What is the effect of electrostatic charges on Imran if he touches an iron chair? Explain your
answer.
(b) Suggest a method to overcome the effect of the electrostatic charges mentioned in
2 (a).

3. (a) Why doesn’t a Van de Graaff generator function properly in damp weather?
(b) Why is the shock from the Van de Graaff generator not as dangerous as the electric shock
from a domestic power supply?

164
 Chapter 7 : Electricity and Magnetism

4. Complete the following crossword puzzle regarding electricity.

(e)
Across

(d) (b) allows the electric current to

P E flow through it.
(d) A circuit connected in has
the same voltage across the bulb.

Down
(a)
(a) is the quantity of electricity
(c)
(b)
that is measured by the ammeter.
C O R (c) The unit for resistance is
(e) resists the electric current
from flowing through a conductor.

12 V

5. What is the most suitable circuit to be used in a fire alarm system? A1 2.4 A
Explain your answer. 1.2 A 10 V

V1
6. Figure 1 shows a parallel electric circuit. Calculate the value
of current A1, A2 and the voltage V1, V2 that is not stated. 10 V
A2
V2

Figure 1

HOTS Mastery 7
7. Why does the copper coil
in the electromagnet used
in lifting scrap metals
(Photograph 1) have many
turns?

Copper coil

Photograph 1

165