IMAT 2013 Q55 [AC Generators]

IMAT Past Papers Solutions
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#1

In an AC (alternating current) generator, a coil of wire rotates in a magnetic field.

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Which of the following would change the potential difference measured by the voltmeter in the system above?

  1. Use more turns of wire in the coil
  2. User thicker wire
  3. Change the speed of rotation

A. 3 only
B. 1, 2 and 3
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 2 only
E. 1 and 3 only

#2

Let us review each statement:

  1. Using more turns of wire in the coil would increase the potential difference measured by the voltmeter in this system of an AC generator.

By having more and more loops of turns of the wire, the crests and troughs overlap the flux line at a faster rate or increasing the amount of times they cut through the magnetic field, and therefore the induced e.m.f will increase. This statement is therefore, correct.

  1. Using a thicker wire in the coil would increase the potential difference measured by the voltmeter in this system of an AC generator.

The diameter or thickness of the wire could have an effect on it’s resistance on the current- but it has no relation to the induced potential difference in this system. Therefore, this answer is incorrect.

  1. Changing the speed of rotation of the wire in the coil would increase the potential difference measured by the voltmeter in this system of an AC generator.

If the same coil of wire passed through the magnetic field, but it’s velocity or speed increases, the wires will cut the flux lines at a faster rate, therefore the induced e.m.f produced would also increase. Hence making this statement correct.

Our final answer will now be, considereing statements 1 and 3 are correct, E.

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