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Electromagnets PhET

Last updated over 5 years ago

6 questions

1

1

Question 2

2.

What happens when you INCREASE the number of coils?

1

1

1

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Question 1

1.

Once the simulator window opens, select the Electromagnet Tab at the top of the simulator window.

Review: Notice the circuit that appears in the window. The copper wire is coiled and attached to both ends of the battery terminal, creating a closed circuit and allowing electrical current to begin to flow.
(ahhh - remember this from 7th grade)

This creates a magnetic field! (Shown by the red and white "needles" all around the screen)

On the right, select the option to reduce the number of loops (coils) in the copper wire.

Decrease and then increase the number of loops/coils and observe what happens to the magnetic field each time. (The more needles that are "lit up" in the magnetic field, the stronger the magnet)

Describe the apparent relationship between the number of coils/loops and the strength of the magnetic field.

In other words, how does the magnet's strength change when you REDUCE the number of coils?

Question 3

3.

Notice that you can also change the voltage by moving the button in the middle of the battery (fuel cell).

Describe what happens to the electrical current and electromagnetic field when you decrease the voltage of the fuel cell from 10V to 5V. (Slide the button to the left)

Question 4

4.

Describe what happens to the electrical current and electromagnetic field when you change the voltage of the fuel cell from 5V to 0V.

Question 5

5.

Describe what happens when you change the direction of the (+) and (-) terminals of the battery.
(Slide the button all the way to the left)

Question 6

6.

Look at the two diagrams below that show when the battery at 10V and is facing two different directions.
What happened to the direction of the flow of electrons through the circuit?
What did this change do to the magnetic field lines?

Be sure to answer both question!