Download Electromagnetic Experiments

Phy101: Electromagnetic Experiments - In & Out of Class
Electricity and Magnetism are Interdependent
Experiment Set #1
A magnetic field can be produced by sending current through a coil of wire
(creating what is known as an electromagnet).
Experiment #1: Wrap wire around nail loosely. Then pull out nail. Complete
circuit as shown in picture below with JUST the wire coil.
See how many paper clips your electromagnet can pick up.
This effect, the magnetic field, is made stronger by placing a material which can
be magnetized such as an iron nail in the center of the coil.
Experiment #2: Replace the magnet and tighten your coil around it. Tape it if
necessary. Then, once again complete the circuit as shown in the picture, wire and
nail.
See what difference the nail makes in ability to pick up paper clips.
Q.
What things could you do to increase the magnetic field even more?
The reverse process also works, demonstrating the interdependence of
electric and magnetic fields.
Now
we see
that
the
motion of a magnet through a coil of wire produces current.
A generator can be formed using this valuable
quality.
A generator is at the heart of all electric power plants with the partial exception
of solar power. In electric power plants, current is produced by either a) rotating
a coil in a magnet, or b) rotating a magnet in a coil. The rotation is produced when
the power plant's turbine rotates.
Experiment Set #2
Go to the following website:
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/generator
Select: Run now (which uses Java to open and run the
program.)
Look at the tabs labeled on top of PhET window (as listed on
next page).
Directions for Each Tab Listed Below That You Should Conduct Simulated
Experiments With:
In each case, list the variable you changed. Change it from a low to high value.
Then record what happens with each change. Be sure to activate any
measurement instruments available to you for ease of recording changes. Also,
list what you see and conclusions you draw as a result of each variable’s range.
1. Bar magnet -- see magnetic field lines -- play with different variables on tool
box on right -- record what happens with each change. What conclusions do you
draw?
2. Pickup coil -- again see field lines and light bulb -- using your mouse, move the
magnet in and out of the coil -- see what happens -- change a few variables on tool
box -- record what happens with each change. What conclusions do you draw?
3. Electromagnet -- Look familiar??!! Predict what will happen when you change a
few variables on tool box -- record what happens with each change. How does this
compare with what you did yourself?
4. Generator -- Here a magnet’s motion is producing current in a wire loop. This is
a “hydroelectric” plant. Predict what will happen when you change a few variables
on tool box -- record what happens with each change. What conclusions do you
draw?