In a generator, the crank rotates a wire coil through the magnetic filed of a small permanent magnet. This produces and electric current in the circuit. The current continues only as the crank rotates the coil within the magnetic field.
A useful energy transfer occurs in a generator. As you turn a hand generator it gains mechanical energy. When the wire coils rotate through a magnetic field an electric current is produced. The rotating coils transfer mechanical energy to electrical energy. When the wire coils rotate through a magnetic field an electric current is produced. The rotating coils transfer mechanical energy to electric energy. The more mechanical energy put into the generator the more electrical energy produced.
Explain how mechanical energy can be converted into electrical energy.
The electric current produced by a battery differs from the current produced by a generator. The current produced by a battery flows in a circuit in only one direction. An electric current that flows in one direction is called DIRECT CURRENT (DC).
The current produced by a generator changes directions as the poles of the rotating coil line up with the poles of the magnet. An electric current that changes direction in a regular pattern is ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC).
Step 1: Wrap the wire around the cardboard tube to make a coil of about 20 turns. Remove the coil form the tube.
Step 2: Use the sandpaper to remove 2cm of insulation from each end of the wire.
Step 3: Connect the ends of the wire to ammeter. An ammeter measures the the current in the wire. Record the reading of your meter in the Data and Observations section.
Step 4: Insert one end of the magnet into the coil and then remove it. Record the current measured by the meter.
Step 5: Move the magnet at different speeds inside the coil, and record the current in the data and observations section.
Step 6: Watch the meter, and move the bar magnet in different ways around the outside of the coil. Record your observations.
Step 7: Repeat steps 4 and 5, keeping the magnet stationary and removing the wire coil.
Step 8: Clean up
Record your Data and Observations
What is your conclusion from your observations? Your conclusion must be 4-5 sentences.