Magnetic effects of electric current class 10 notes
Magnetic Effects of Electric Current Class 10 Notes | Asterisk Classes

Magnetic Effects of Electric Current Class 10 Notes

Class 10 Complete Notes | Electromagnets, Motors, Generators & Applications

What You’ll Learn:

1 Fundamentals of Magnetism

Magnetic Field Lines

Key properties of magnetic field lines around a bar magnet:

  • Originate from North pole, terminate at South pole
  • Never intersect each other
  • Denser near poles (stronger field)
  • Closed continuous curves

Field direction: N→S outside magnet, S→N inside

Magnetic field lines around bar magnet with compass directions>

Fig 1.1: Field lines of bar magnet

Right-Hand Thumb Rule

Determines magnetic field direction around current-carrying conductor:

  1. Grasp wire with right hand
  2. Thumb points in current direction (→)
  3. Fingers curl in field direction

Application: Used to find polarity of electromagnets

Right hand thumb rule demonstration with current and field directions>

2 Electromagnets and Solenoids

Solenoid

A coil of wire that produces magnetic field when current passes:

  • Field lines: Similar to bar magnet
  • Strength depends on:
    • Number of turns (∝ n)
    • Current (∝ I)
    • Core material (soft iron enhances)

Magnetic field inside solenoid: B = μ₀nI

Magnetic field pattern of current-carrying solenoid>

Electromagnet vs Permanent Magnet

FeatureElectromagnetPermanent Magnet
StrengthAdjustable (depends on I)Fixed
PolarityReversibleFixed
UsesCranes, MRI, RelaysCompass, Speakers

Real-World Application: Electric Bell

  1. Button pressed → circuit completes
  2. Electromagnet attracts hammer
  3. Hammer strikes gong (sound)
  4. Circuit breaks → process repeats
Working diagram of electric bell with electromagnet>

3 Fleming’s Hand Rules

Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule (Motor Rule)

Determines force direction on current-carrying conductor in magnetic field:

  1. Extend thumb, index, middle finger mutually perpendicular
  2. Index = Field (N→S)
  3. Middle = Current (+→-)
  4. Thumb = Force direction
Fleming's left-hand rule demonstration>

Application: Used in electric motors

Fleming’s Right-Hand Rule (Generator Rule)

Determines current direction in conductor moving through magnetic field:

  1. Extend thumb, index, middle finger mutually perpendicular
  2. Thumb = Motion
  3. Index = Field (N→S)
  4. Middle = Induced current
Fleming's right-hand rule demonstration>

Application: Used in generators

Memory Tip

“Left for Motor, Right for Generator” – Remember the ‘L’ in Left aligns with ‘L’ in Motor (both have 5 letters), while ‘R’ in Right aligns with ‘G’ in Generator.

4 Electric Motor

DC Motor Construction

Key components of a 4-pole DC motor:

  • Armature: Rotating coil (ABCD)
  • Field Magnets: Static N-S poles
  • Split-ring Commutator: Reverses current every half-rotation
  • Brushes: Carbon contacts to commutator

Force on conductor: F = IBL (B=magnetic field, L=length)

Labeled diagram of dc motor with armature, commutator and brushes>

Working Principle

  1. Current flows through armature via brushes
  2. Armature experiences torque (Fleming’s LHR)
  3. At 90° rotation, commutator reverses current
  4. Continuous rotation achieved
Animation showing dc motor rotation with current reversal>
Split-ring commutator function diagram>

5 Electric Generator

AC Generator

Converts mechanical to electrical energy (Fleming’s RHR):

  • Uses slip rings (no current reversal)
  • Produces alternating current (sinusoidal)
  • Frequency = 50Hz (India), 60Hz (USA)
Ac generator diagram with slip rings and output waveform>

DC Generator

Similar to AC generator but with commutator:

  • Split-ring commutator rectifies output
  • Produces pulsating DC
  • Used in automobiles (dynamo)
Dc generator diagram with commutator and output waveform>

Numerical: EMF Calculation

Problem: A coil with 100 turns rotates at 50Hz in 0.1T field. Peak EMF if coil area is 0.01m²?

Given: N=100, B=0.1T, f=50Hz, A=0.01m²

Peak EMF (ε₀) = NBAω = NBA(2πf)

= 100 × 0.1 × 0.01 × 2 × 3.14 × 50

= 3.14 × 10 = 31.4V

6 Domestic Electric Circuits

3-Pin Plug Wiring

Standard color codes and safety features:

  • Live (Brown): 220V AC supply
  • Neutral (Blue): Return path (0V)
  • Earth (Green/Yellow): Safety wire to ground
  • Fuse: Protects against overcurrent

Power (P) = VI cosφ (for AC)

Wiring diagram of 3-pin plug with fuse and earth wire>

Safety Devices

  • Fuse: Thin wire melts at overcurrent (5A, 15A ratings)
  • MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker): Automatic switch for overload
  • Earthing: Diverts leakage current to ground

Circuit Calculation

Problem: A 1500W heater runs on 220V. What fuse rating is appropriate?

I = P/V = 1500/220 ≈ 6.8A → Use 10A fuse

FAQs & Chapter Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a current-carrying conductor experience force in magnetic field?

Due to interaction between the conductor’s magnetic field and external field. Force direction is given by Fleming’s LHR (F = IBL).

What’s the difference between AC and DC generators?

FeatureAC GeneratorDC Generator
RingsSlip ringsSplit-ring commutator
OutputSinusoidal ACPulsating DC

Key Concepts

  • Right-Hand Thumb Rule: Field around current-carrying wire
  • Fleming’s LHR: Motor principle (Force direction)
  • Fleming’s RHR: Generator principle (Current direction)
  • Motor vs Generator: Energy conversion directions
  • Domestic Safety: Fuse, earthing, MCB

Exam Tips

  • Always draw diagrams for motor/generator questions
  • Remember hand rules with mnemonics
  • Fuse rating = 1.5× appliance current

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