BlogPhysics20 Practice Questions for HSC Physics Module 6: Electromagnetism

20 Practice Questions for HSC Physics Module 6: Electromagnetism

Run out of practice questions for HSC Physics Module 6: Electromagnetism? No need to fear, we’re here to help!

The new syllabus makes finding relevant questions from the old syllabus difficult, hence we have selected and derived 20 practice questions split evenly across the 4 Inquiry Questions of this module.

We are going to discuss:

  • Charged Particles, Conductors & Electric and Magnetic Fields
  • The Motor Effect
  • Electromagnetic Induction
  • Applications of the Motor Effect

So, let’s get stuck into some practice questions for HSC Physics Module 6: Electromagnetism!

Charged Particles, Conductors & Electric and Magnetic Fields
The Motor Effect
Electromagnetic Induction
Applications of the Motor Effect

Charged Particles, Conductors & Electric and Magnetic Fields

Question 1

An electric field has a strength of 50 Vm-1 and a potential difference of 2V. Find the distance between the two plates in centimetres. (2 marks)

(L1.1.1: investigate and quantitatively derive and analyse the interaction between charged particles and uniform electric fields, including electric fields between two plates)

Question 2

An object travelling in an electric field is of mass 3 x 10-2 m. If the work done on the charge is 20 Nm-1 and the speed of the particle was initially stationary, find the final velocity of the particle (once the work done is completed) (4 marks)

(L1.1.3: investigate and quantitatively derive and analyse the interaction between charged particles and uniform electric fields, including work done on the charge)

Question 3

Ignoring any gravitational forces, draw in a diagram between an up to down electric field two charges A and B, where both are fired into the left of the field and each have a positive charge whilst the charge A has is twice the magnitude of charge B. (4 marks)

(L1.2: model qualitatively and quantitatively the trajectories of charged particles in electric fields and compare them with the trajectories of projectiles in a gravitational field)

Question 4

What is the charge of the particle that enters a left to right magnetic field from the bottom of the page with a force directed out of the page? (2 marks)

(L1.4.2: analyse the interaction between charged particles and uniform magnetic fields)

Question 5

An electron enters with a velocity of 10^7m/s from the left travelling horizontally in the plane of a 0.5m x 0.5m into-the-page magnetic field. If the particle exits the field at 5cm above the lower left corner, determine the force needed for this radius of curvature. (5 marks)

(L1.5.2: compare the interaction of charged particles moving in magnetic fields)

The Motor Effect

Question 6

Explain, in a motor, what condition must exist for zero force to be generated and for when maximum force is to be generated. (2 marks)

(L2.1.1&3: investigate qualitatively and quantitatively the interaction between a current-carrying conductor and a uniform magnetic field)

Question 7

Describe why the use of curved magnets for the exterior of a motor cause a motor to be more efficient (2 marks)

(L2.1.2: investigate qualitatively and quantitatively the interaction between a current-carrying conductor and a uniform magnetic field)

Question 8

A square coil has an area of 49cm and has a force of 2N applied to it whilst placed perpendicularly to a magnetic field of 0.5 T. Determine the current flowing through the wires. (4 marks)

(L2.1: investigate qualitatively and quantitatively the interaction between a current-carrying conductor and a uniform magnetic field)

Question 9

The following diagram shows 3 equally spaced current carrying wires:

Determine the current, x, of l2, if the wire does not move. (3 marks)

(L2.2&3: conduct a quantitative investigation to demonstrate the interaction between two parallel current carrying wires)

Question 10

 Explain the relationship between the International System of Units definition of the Ampere and Newton’s Third Law. (3 marks)

(L2.3: analyse the interaction between two parallel current-carrying wires and determine the relationship between the International System of Units (SI) definition of an ampere and Newton’s Third Law of Motion)

Electromagnetic Induction

Question 11

Describe how Magnetic Flux can be changed, referencing one formula in your answer. (4 marks)

(L3.1: describe how magnetic flux can change)

Question 12

Determine the size of electromotive force generated by a solenoid of 50 turns experiencing a change of flux of 20N in 2 seconds. (2 marks)

(L3.2: analyse qualitatively and quantitatively, with reference to energy transfers and transformations, using examples of Faraday’s Law and Lenz’s Law)

Question 13

A step-up transformer increases the voltage between two coils by 20%. Find the number of turns in the primary coil if the secondary coil has 60 turns. (3 marks)

(L3.3: analyse quantitatively the operation of ideal transformers)

Question 14

 Explain two limitations of transformers and why our ideal transformer model isn’t an accurate picture of the real world (6 marks)

(L3.4: evaluate qualitatively the limitations of the ideal transformer model and the strategies used to improve transformer efficiency)

Question 15

Draw a labelled flow chart depicting the journey from a power station to a residential house of electricity, using step-up and step-down transformers (4 marks) 

(L3.5: analyse applications of step-up and step-down transformers)

Applications of the Motor Effect

Question 16

Analyse the function of the split ring commutator in a DC Motor (3 marks)

(L4.1.1: investigate the operation of a simple DC motor to analyse the functions of its components)

Question 17

Determine the maximum torque on a rectangular coil with side lengths 10cm and 30cm, a current of 2A and a Magnetic field of 50mT. (3 marks)

(L4.1.2: investigate the operation of a simple DC motor to analyse the production of a torque)

Question 18

 Describe how back EMF changes from when a motor is stationary to when it is at maximum speed. (3 marks)

(L4.1.3: investigate the operation of a simple DC motor to analyse the effects of back emf)

Question 19

Explain two advantages and two disadvantages of AC induction motors. (4 marks)

(L4.2: analyse the operation of simple DC and AC generators and AC induction motors)

Question 20

Explain, with the use of relevant diagrams, how magnetic braking is used in regards to high speed trains. (6 marks)

(L4.3: relate Lenz’s Law to the law of conservation of energy and apply the law of conservation of energy)

And that wraps up our 20 practice questions for HSC Physics Module 6: Electromagnetism! Good luck!

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Sean Stephen graduated in 2018 with an ATAR of 97.1 and is currently studying a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies / Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) at UNSW. Beginning at Art of Smart in 2019, Sean works across the Resource Design, Innovation and Blogging Teams to support thousands of students throughout their HSC. When away from studying, Sean enjoys everything pop culture from video games to TV, music and movies.

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