Math Problem Statement

a)      What would be the voltage at the transistor’s base if the luminosity level is 5kLux and the potentiometer P1 is set at 14kOhms? Explain your reasoning and write all your calculations. (5 marks)a)      Explain under what conditions the diode will conduct and what function it performs in the circuit.  (5 marks)

    

What would be the voltage at the transistor’s base if the luminosity level is 5kLux and the potentiometer P1 is set at 14kOhms? Explain your reasoning and write all your calculations. (5 marks) Explain under what conditions the diode will conduct and what function it performs in the circuit. (5 marks)

Solution

To solve these questions, we need to analyze the light-activated switch circuit in Figure C3.1 and understand how the Light-Dependent Resistor (LDR), potentiometer P1P1, op-amp, transistor, and diode function within this setup. Here's the approach for each part of the question:


Part (a)

  1. Finding the luminosity level where the switch changes state:

    • The potentiometer P1P1 is set at 20kΩ20 \text{k}\Omega.
    • From the op-amp configuration in Figure C3.1, this is likely a comparator circuit. The op-amp will compare the voltage at its non-inverting terminal (+) to that at its inverting terminal (-).
    • The inverting input has a reference voltage created by P1P1 and R1R1 (forming a voltage divider with R2R2). We will set up equations based on this voltage divider.
  2. LDR Resistance and Luminosity:

    • The LDR’s resistance changes with light intensity (lux) as shown in Figure C3.2.
    • For an LDR resistance RLDRR_{LDR}, at different lux values (like 1k, 2k, etc.), use the graph to find the approximate LDR resistance at each level.
    • Calculate the voltage across the LDR to determine at what lux level the op-amp output changes.

Part (b)

  1. Transistor’s Base Voltage at 5kLux and P1=14kΩP1 = 14 \text{k}\Omega:

    • First, use the LDR curve in Figure C3.2 to determine the resistance of the LDR at 5kLux.
    • With P1P1 set to 14kΩ14 \text{k}\Omega, calculate the voltage divider between R1R1, P1P1, and R2R2.
    • Calculate the op-amp’s output based on the input voltage comparison.
  2. Diode Conduction Conditions:

    • Analyze when the diode D1D1 conducts (likely when the op-amp’s output is high).
    • Explain its purpose, which might be to protect or control current flow in certain conditions.

Would you like further step-by-step calculations and explanations for each part?

Follow-Up Questions

  1. How would changing the potentiometer P1P1 setting affect the switching threshold?
  2. What happens if the LDR value is below the calculated threshold luminosity?
  3. How does the transistor configuration affect the relay switch activation?
  4. What role does the op-amp’s supply voltage play in the circuit's overall function?
  5. How would you modify the circuit to make it less sensitive to light changes?

Tip

When working with LDR circuits, remember that LDR resistance decreases as luminosity increases. This behavior can help in setting thresholds for light-activated switches.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Ohm's Law
Voltage Divider
Op-Amp Comparator Circuits
LDR Characteristics

Formulas

V = IR (Ohm's Law)
Voltage Divider: V_out = V_in * (R2 / (R1 + R2))
Op-Amp Comparator: V_output depends on comparison of inverting and non-inverting inputs

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12