Generator PhET
Introduction:
Why was Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) built eighty years ago? In 1936 the generators in the dam
started transmitting power to Los Angeles and later generators were brought online to power
oth
...
Generator PhET
Introduction:
Why was Hoover Dam (Boulder Dam) built eighty years ago? In 1936 the generators in the dam
started transmitting power to Los Angeles and later generators were brought online to power
other cities, including your hometown. When high-pressure water flows through the dam’s
power plant, the water turns turbines in generators. A magnetic in the generator spins in the
generator’s magnetic field. This moving-magnet-in-a-magnetic field causes electrons to move,
eventually ending up in your TV, ipod, Wii, etc.
Important Formulas:
Procedure, Part I:
• Begin with the “Bar Magnet.” Click “See Inside” and observe the magnetic domains in
the magnet and the field those domains create. Draw a diagram of the bar magnet in the
box. (Use the Shapes tool in Word.)
Light Grey Dark Grey Red
Half Red and Half Black
S N
What happens as the compass moves in the
magnetic field?
The direction changes when the compass moves in the magnet field.
Part II: A Moving Magnet in a Magnetic Field (Pickup Coil)
• What happens when a magnet moves through a coil in which electrons can move?
When a magnet moves through a coil in which electrons can move it causes the light bulb to get
brighter and brighter.
• Investigate the brightness of the light (current) as the number of loops is changed, as the
speed of the magnetic changes, the area of the wire coil is changed, and the polarity of
the moving magnet is changed.
Changing Speed of the magnet
Results Light is not as bright
Changing Area of the wire coil
Results The direction changes to the North
Changing Polarity
Results The Direction of the Electron changes
Changing Number of Loops
Results Brighter Light
Part III: Creating a Magnetic Field (Electromagnet)
• Just like a changing magnetic field (from a magnet moving in a magnetic field) can cause
electrons to move, moving electrons can create magnetic fields.
• Investigate how the properties of an electromagnet affect the magnetic field created.
Changing Higher Voltage
Results Stronger Resultant Field
Changing Greater Current
Results Stronger Magnetic Field
Changing Voltages
Results Direction changes
Changing No current
Results Strength of magnetic field vary
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