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Lab #36.8   Magnetism: Motor Madness

Purpose
In this activity, students will investigate the principles that make electric motors possible.

Discussion
Perhaps the most important invention of the 19th century was the electric motor. You use a motor whenever you use electric power to make something move. A motor is used to start the engine of a car. Motors are used to spin compact discs. Motors are used to move elevators up and down. A list of motor applications would go on and on. But how do motors turn electric energy into mechanical energy? Let’s find out!

Required Equipment

Hand-held generator (Genecon® or equivalent), connecting wires, about 50 cm of lead-free solder,
2 collar hooks (or 2 10-cm lengths of lead-free solder), about 30 cm of 1/4" diameter wood dowel,
support rod with base and rod clamp, 2 bar magnets (strong alnico magnets are recommended)
small block of wood (about 2" x 2" x 1"), 2 rubber bands, 2 D-cell batteries
 

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Student Worksheet   Teacher Notes

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Genecon     P6-2631    
 
 
Ideal as a battery replacement for a wide variety of basic electricity experiments, the Genecon generator is a low voltage power source that lets you create electrical current by simply turning a crank.  More Info
           
$50.00
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Hand Generator     P6-2550    
 
 
This electricity hand generator is an economical alternative to our Genecon. Made with a clear plastic casing, students can clearly see the motor, gears and wiring.  More Info
           
$19.95
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Solder

Alnico Bar Magnets (150 x 12 x 7 mm) Pair     P8-1127    
 
 
Pair of Alnico Bar Magnets (150 x 12 x 7 mm)  More Info
           
$14.95
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D Battery (2 pack)     04-2106    
 
 
D size Batteries in a convenient pack of 2.  More Info
           
$1.50
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Ring Stand Base with Rod     66-4220    
 
 
Heavy duty ring stand with base 5" x 8" and rod 20" long  More Info
           
$11.00
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S Clamp, Diecast w/ T Screws     66-8290    
 
 
Die cast alloy S Clamp with nickel plated T screw heads. Will accept rods up to 16mm in diameter.  More Info
           
$5.50
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Photogate Mounting Rods     PC-7502    
 
 
Phototgate Mounting Rod conveniently screws into the side of a photogate which than allows it to be easily attached to a physics workshop stand. Sold in pairs.  More Info
           
$8.00
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The "Small Block" is not specific and can be fashioned from scrap lumber. Each lab group would need access to one of each; see lab detail for specific use.