9.

3 Motor and
Generators




Practical Portfolio
1.2.2
Motor Effect
Perform a first-hand investigation to demonstrate the motor effect.
Aim
To showcase the effect an external magnetic field has on a current carrying conductor.
Safety Issues
Safety goggles or glasses should be worn as the wire may deflect into ones eyes if too close.
All metallic jewellery and accessories should be removed prior to the experiment as metallic
objects may come into contact with the magnet and cause injury to the occupant. Metallic
objects may also come into contact with the current and could electrocute you.
Materials
Transformer
Variable Resistor
Retort Stand
Conducting Wire
Horseshoe Magnet
Method
1. Set up experiment as shown below:

2. Set voltage to 6 volts on DC current and obverse what happens to the conductor when
turned on.
3. Increase the voltage and turn on the transformer. Record observations.
4. Decrease the voltage and turn on the transformer. Record observations.
5. Set voltage back to 6 volts but reverse the current.
6. Turn on the transformer and record observations.
7. Set the current back to original orientation and reverse the horseshoe magnet.
8. Turn on the transformer and record observations.
9. Tabulate results.

Results
Independent Variable Observation
Original Settings (6V, current, horseshoe
magnet)
Conducting wire gets deflected
Increase Voltage Conducting wire gets deflected more compared
to original
Decrease Voltage Conducting wire gets deflected less compared to
original
Reverse Current Conducting wire deflects in opposite way
compared to original
Reverse the Horseshoe Magnet Conducting wire deflects in opposite way
compared to original

Conclusion
When a current carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a force. This is the
result of the interaction between the two magnetic fields (the magnetic field generated by the
current carrying conductor and the external magnetic field). This phenomenon is known as the
motor effect.
Discussion
This experiment was a non-destructive experiment as all the materials used can be used again in
their original form.
In order to keep the experiment accurate, constant variables were used to keep the wire equally
spaced apart between the two magnetic poles. Despite of this, because we didn't use any equipment
to measure the distance, the wire often deflected in different directions which affected the accuracy
of our results
The reliability of the experiment could be improved. This can be done by repeating the experiment
with different voltage settings whenever the current and horseshow magnet were reversed.
Overall the experiment was relatively valid. This is because the results obtained clearly showed a
relationship between a current carrying conductor and an external magnetic field.





2.2.1
Generating an Electric Current Faradays Law
Perform an investigation to model the generation of an electric current by moving a magnet
in a coil or a coil near a magnet.
Aim
To model the generation of an electric current by moving a magnet in a coil or a coil near a magnet.
Materials
500 turn solenoid
Milliammeter
Permanent magnet
Method
1. A 500 turn solenoid was connected to a milliammeter.
2. The north pole of a permanent magnet was pushed into the coil, held stationary and pulled
out of the solenoid again. The reading of the milliammeter was observed during these three
stages.
3. This was repeated three times. The same was repeated with the south pole of the
permanent magnet.
4. The permanent magnet was placed vertically on the bench with the North Pole facing
upwards. The solenoid, while connected to the milliammeter, was held above the magnet,
brought down over it, held stationary and brought up again. The milliammeter was observed
during these three stages.
5. This was repeated five times. The same was done with the south pole of the permanent
magnet.
Results

The movement of the pointer on the milliammeter indicated there had been an induced
current.
Because the pointer moved only when there was relative motion between the coil and
magnet and not when they were both stationary shows that there must be relative motion
between the coil and magnet for there to be an induced current.
The change in direction of the relative movement reverses the direction of current flow.
The relative motion generated a current because it caused a change in magnetic flux


Relative motion of
magnet to coil
Movement of pointer on
milliammeter
North pole South pole
Pushed towards
solenoid
Left Right
Held stationary At zero At zero
Pulled away from
solenoid
Right Left
Relative motion of
coil to magnet
Movement of pointer
on milliammeter
North pole South pole
Brought over
magnet
Left Right
Held stationary At zero At zero
Brought away
from magnet
Right Left
Conclusion
A current was generated when there was relative motion between the coil and magnet.
Discussion

The reliability of this experiment was established by repeating each method five times. A consistent
result was obtained for each. The accuracy was not required as only qualitative observations were
needed. However in note of this a milliammeter was used instead of an ammeter because it is
sensitive enough to detect the very small currents that was generated. Thus the experiment was also
valid. It was established using a control a stationary magnet next to a coil and also using the north
and south pole of the permanent magnet and moving the coil towards the magnet and the magnet
towards the coil.

Independent: relative motion between coil and magnet.
Dependent: induction of current.
Constant: milliammeter, coil and magnet used.




















2.2.2
Effects on a Generated Currents in Different Scenarios
Plan, choose equipment or resources for, and perform a first-hand investigation to predict
and verify the effect on a generated electric current when:
- The distance between the coil and magnet is varied
- The strength of the magnet is varied
- The relative motion between the coil and the magnet is varied
Aim
To predict and verify the effect of varying the distance between the coil and magnet; strength of the
magnetic field; and relative motion between the coil and magnet, on a generated electric current.
Materials
500 turn solenoid
Milliammeter
Permanent magnet
Method
1. A 500 turn solenoid was connected to a milliammeter.
Part 1
1. The solenoid was placed on its side.
2. The magnet was held 5cm away from the solenoid and moved 5cm towards the solenoid.
The milliammeter was observed.
3. This was repeated, but with the magnet held 10cm away and moved 5cm towards the
solenoid with the same velocity.
4. This was repeated 5 times.
Part 2
1. The solenoid was placed on its side.
2. A bar magnet was held 5cm away from the solenoid and moved 5cm towards the solenoid.
The milliammeter was observed.
3. This was repeated with a neodymium magnet connected to a bar magnet.
4. This was repeated 5 times.
Part 3
1. The solenoid was placed vertically with a permanent magnet also standing vertically inside
it.
2. The solenoid was slowly pulled upwards and the milliammeter observed. This was repeated
with the solenoid being removed with a greater speed.
3. This was repeated 5 times.



Results
Part 1

Part 2

Part 3
Relative motion between the coil and magnet Current generated (mA)
Slow 15
Fast 40

A current was generated in all three parts because there was relative motion between the
coil and magnet, i.e. the coil experienced a change in flux.
Part 1: The generated current was greater when the magnet wand coil were closer together
because the magnetic flux is greater near the magnet, so the coil cuts more flux lines.
Part 2: The generated current was greater when there was a stronger magnet field. Because
a stronger magnet will have more flux lines than a weak magnet in an equal area the same
distance from the magnet itself, the coil will cut more flux lines, inducing a greater current.
Part 3: The generated current was greater when the relative motion between the coil and
magnet was faster. This is because the coil cuts more flux lines per unit time and so will
generate a greater current.
Conclusion

The generated current was increased when:
The distance between the coil and magnet decreased.
The magnetic field strength increases.
The relative motion between the coil and magnet increases.
Discussion
The reliability of the experiment were established through the repetition which gave consistent
results. Accuracy was not taken into consideration as only approximate values were required.
Therefore the experiment was valid. All the variables that affected the generated current were kept
constant (besides that being tested).
Independent variable: the variable whose effect on the generated current is being tested.
Dependent variable: magnitude of generated current.
Constant: solenoid, milliammeter, the other two variables not being considered.

Distance between the coil and magnet (cm) Current generated (mA)
5 30
10 15
Magnet used Current generated (mA)
Bar 30
Neodymium 40
3.2.1
Production of an AC
Plan, choose equipment or resources for, and perform a first-hand investigation to
demonstrate the production of an alternating current.
Aim
To demonstrate the production of an alternating current.
Materials
500 turn solenoid
Microammeter
Bar magnet
Method
1. Connect a 500-turn solenoid to a microammeter.
2. Repeatedly push and pull a bar magnet into and out of the solenoid.
3. Observe the reading on the microammeter.
4. Record observations.

Results
The reading on the microammeter oscillated, reaching both positive and negative values. A higher
maximum was reached when the magnet was moved in and out of the solenoid quicker.
The movement of the needle on the microammeter indicated that there was a potential
difference and thus current flowing through the circuit.
The movement of the magnet towards and away from the solenoid created a change in flux.
This change in flux was able to induce a potential difference in the solenoid. Because the
magnet was moved in alternating directions, the change in flux also changed polarity.
Therefore, the current produced was alternating.
A greater current is produced when the magnet is moved quicker because the rate of flux
change increases and so according to Faradays Law (induced voltage is proportional to the
rate of change of magnetic flux), the induced voltage is greater.
Conclusion
An alternating current was produced in a solenoid by producing alternating relative motion between
the solenoid and permanent magnet.
Discussion
The reliability of this experiment was ensured through repetition and comparison with other groups
results. This showed a consistent result. The accuracy was not considered as no quantitative data
was required. Thus the experiment was valid. A control was used and the experiment was correctly
set up with no relative motion between the solenoid and bar magnet.
Possible problems involved in this experiment could include loose wire connection, movement of the
magnet is too slow or the microammeter is not sensitive enough. These problems can be easily fixed
through taking more care.
Independent: relative motion between the magnet and solenoid.
Dependent: generation of an alternating current.
Constant: permanent magnet, 500-turn solenoid, wires and microammeter used.






























4.2.1
Secondary Voltage
Perform an investigation to model the structure of a transformer to demonstrate how
secondary voltage is produced.
Aim
To model the structure of a transformer to demonstrate how secondary voltage is produced
Materials
Soft iron core wound around with insulated copper wire
500-turn solenoid
AC voltmeter
Method
1. A soft iron core was wound with insulated copper wire 64 times and placed in a 500-turn
solenoid
2. The 500-turn solenoid was connected to an AC voltmeter and AC power source.
3. The 64-turn coil was connected to another AC voltmeter
4. The power was momentarily switched on and the voltmeters observed. This was repeated 5
times.
5. The coils were reconnected so that the 64-turn was connected to the power supply instead
and the same method followed.

Results
Trial Turns Voltage
Primary Secondary Primary Secondary
1 500 64 9.0 0.8
2 64 500 5.0 10.0

The readings on the voltmeters indicated there was an induced voltage in the secondary coil. The AC
running through the primary coil provided an area with constant changes in flux. This induced a
voltage across the secondary coil.
Conclusion
A transformer was successfully modelled whereby a primary coil with an applied AC voltage induced
a voltage in an electrically isolated secondary coil. The output voltage was higher than the input
voltage if the secondary coil had more turns than the primary coil, and vice-versa.
Discussion
The reliability of this experiment was ensured through repetition and comparison with other groups
results. This showed a consistent result. The accuracy of the experiment was not established
because measurements were taken from mere observations of the voltmeter. A multimeter or data
logger may have been more accurate. Thus the experiment was valid. A control was used and the
experiment was correctly set up.
Possible problems involved in this experiment could include poor flux linkage between primary and
secondary coil, heat lost to the surroundings and eddy currents may have been produced in the soft
iron core which leads to resistive energy losses as heat. These problems can be easily fixed through
taking more care.
Independent: number of primary and secondary turns.
Dependent: primary and secondary voltage.
Constant: AC power source, solenoids used, AC voltmeters.

























5.2.1
Induction Motor
Perform an investigation to demonstrate the principle of an AC induction motor.
Aim
To demonstrate the principle of an AC induction motor.
Materials
Retort stand
String
Aluminium/ copper disc
Drill
Solenoid
Method
1. The apparatus was set up as shown below:







2. The drill was switched on, allowing the solenoid to rotate. Observations to the aluminium
disc were observed and recorded.
3. The experiment was repeated 5 times.
Results
Rotating the magnet caused the aluminium plate to spin in the same direction. The rotating magnet
creates relative motion between the aluminium plate and itself. Thus the aluminium plate will rotate
in the same direction as the solenoid to reduce this relative motion due to Lenzs law.
The faster the magnet was rotated, the faster the aluminium plate spun.
Conclusion
The principle of an AC induction motor was demonstrated as a result of Lenzs law.
Discussion
The reliability of this experiment was ensured through repetition and comparison with other groups
results. This showed a consistent result. The accuracy was not considered as no quantitative data
was required. Thus the experiment was valid. A control was used and the experiment was correctly
set up with no change during each repetition.