Electromagnetic Induction Lab
Purpose: Experimentally observe how magnet polarity affects induced current in a wire loop
Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Question: How does magnet polarity affect the current flowing in
...
Electromagnetic Induction Lab
Purpose: Experimentally observe how magnet polarity affects induced current in a wire loop
Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Question: How does magnet polarity affect the current flowing in a loop of wire?
Hypothesis: If the polarity of a moving magnet is reversed, then the current induced in a loop of
wire will reverse in direction, because magnet polarity determines the direction of the
electromagnetic force.
Variables:
Independent Variable: magnet polarity
Dependent Variable: induced current
Constant: magnet strength
Materials: Electronic device, Gizmo “Electromagnetic induction” simulation
Procedures:
Step 1: Open the simulation.
a) Be sure to follow all the directions provided in the lab guide as well as on screen
during the virtual lab.
b) Open the Gizmo “Electromagnetic Induction,” and familiarize yourself with the
controls.
c) Locate the “Show magnetic field” checkbox and click it; magnetic field lines should be
present around the magnet.
d) Click on the “Show loop data” checkbox to select it. This will display current data that
you will record in your table.
e) Click on the “Oscillation” checkbox under the speed setting. This will allow the
magnet to move back and forth without requiring manual operation, and allow for easier
reading of maximum current levels.
Step 2: Identify induced current when the magnet is in motion (magnetic polarity normal).
a) In the “Magnet” control box in the lower right, be sure the speed is set to 10 cm/s,
which is adjusted by using the slider.
b) Click on the “Forward” radio button and observe the change of current value (I) in the
wire loop box of the Gizmo. Current and magnetic flux will also be displayed graphically
over the magnetic field lines.
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