Download Electricity and Magnetism have a special relationship

Generators: The Magnetism & Electricity Connection
Amazing Discovery!
In 1831, two scientists named Faraday and Henry were investigating the
relationship between magnetism and electricity. They observed that when a
magnet was moved back and forth inside a coil of wire, electrons started to flow
through the coil.
These scientists had made a very important
discovery about the relationship between electricity
and magnetism –magnets can be used to make, or
generate, a flow of electrons! This discovery became
known as “Faraday’s Principle”.
Electricity & Magnetism: How it Works
A magnetic field is the invisible area around a magnet where a magnet’s force can
be felt. When a magnet moves, the magnetic field moves too. This movement of
the magnetic field has an effect on the electrons inside the copper coil. The
electrons in the copper coil start to flow, which produces electricity!
Movement of the magnetic field causes electrons to flow in the copper coil.
Move
magnetic field
Electrons start
to flow in the
copper coil
Faraday’s Principle and Generators
A generator is a machine that uses kinetic energy (movement) to make electricity
using a magnetic field and a copper wire. Generators make it possible for homes
and businesses to have electricity. One type of generator moves a powerful
magnet through a coil of copper wire (like our shakelight). As long as there is some
movement of the magnetic field, electrons will start flowing in the coil. This
electricity in the coil can then be transferred wherever it is needed.
How a Shakelight Works
You have observed that in addition to the circuit and light bulb that all flashlights
contain, shakelights also contain a magnet and coil of copper wire.
Switch
Copper Coil
Magnet
Light Bulb
Rechargeable
Battery
Wire
There is a mini-generator in a shakelight! The magnet and copper coil are used to
generate a flow of electrons that can be stored in the shakelight’s rechargeable
battery. The magnetic field moves back and forth inside the copper coil when you
shake the shakelight. The movement of the magnetic field causes electrons in the
coil to flow.