SPH 3U Electromagnetic Induction

Inquiry-based Learning

Use the PhET simulation: Faraday’s Law (http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/faradays-law) or link through my wiki: www.mackenziekim.pbworks.com under Physics Resources

Learning Goals: Students will be able to:

·  Identify equipment and conditions that produce induction

·  Predict how the current will change when the conditions are varied.

·  Compare and contrast how both a light bulb and voltmeter can be used to show characteristics of the induced current.

  1. When the magnet is moved near the wire, what happens to the

a)  Light bulb? b) Voltmeter?

  1. Move the magnet around. Where does the magnet have to move in order to produce the brightest light?
  1. In this next step, you will move the magnet in or out of the coil. The magnet can be flipped by checking the box. Monitor the direction of the arrow on the voltmeter, as well as the brightness of the light bulb. Complete the table.

Direction of Motion in the Coil / Current Induced? (Y/N) / Voltmeter Reading (+ve / -ve)
N to the left
N to the right
S to the left
S to the right
Magnet is stationary
  1. What happens when the N-pole of the magnet is pulled out of the coil to the right? In order to get the same voltmeter reading, what does the S-pole of the magnet have to do?
  1. Does it matter which direction either pole is moved in order to induce current?
  1. What happens when the magnet is held stationary in the coil?

Your findings above provide evidence for Faraday’s Law and electromagnetic induction. In your own words, state how electric current is induced.

  1. Insert the magnet into the coil. Observe the light brightness and the voltmeter reading.

Insert Magnet / Brightness / Voltmeter
Slowly
Quickly
  1. How is more current induced using the speed of the magnet?
  1. Click on “2 Coils”. Insert the magnet into each coil separately at the same speed.

Insert Magnet / Brightness / Voltmeter
Coil 1
Coil 2
  1. How is more current induced using the number of coils?
  1. Flip the magnet. Does it make any difference in how much current can be induced?
  1. Describe how to induce the most current using the apparatus in the simulation.
  1. How can you make the light bulb remain bright continuously?

Open the PhET simulation: Faraday’s Electromagnetic Lab and click on the “Pickup Coil” tab.

  1. What is one more way to increase the amount of induced current?

Click on the “Transformer” tab.

  1. Place the smaller coil inside the larger coil. Move the battery slide back and forth. Write down your observations.

THINK: How does the last step change or otherwise modify your statement of Faraday’s Law?

\sph3U\electromag\PhET Electromagnetic Induction Activity