Mastery Check #5 - Strength of Magnetic Forces
Electricity and magnetism are closely related. A moving magnet produces electricity. Electricity moving through a wire produces a magnet (see picture #1). The strength of this force depends on a number of variables. Look at the electromagnet in picture #2 on the right. What are the variables that can affect the strength of this magnetic force? Here are some of the variables that we tested in class:
Electric motors use the fact that electricity moving through a wire creates a magnet. They produce magnetic forces that produce forces that make the motor spin. Look at picture #3 on the right. When electricity moves through the wires it creates a magnet that will cause it to spin. Picture #4 shows the inside of an electric motor. Turbines Most of the electricity we use comes from turbines. Turbines use moving magnets to produce electricity in a wire. The turbines can be moved by wind, water, or from burning fossil fuels such as coal. Picture #5 on the right shows a wind turbine. The generator has a magnet inside that creates an electric current. |
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