Electric Motor
What is the main purpose of an electric motor?
To convert electrical energy into mechanical energy (motion)
What is the basic function of an electric generator?
To convert mechanical energy into electrical energy
What type of force is a magnetic force?
non-contact- can attract or repel magnetic materials
What is an electromagnet?
a magnet created by an electric current
What is an electric current?
The flow of electric charges through a conductor.
Name one component of an electric motor.
commutator, permanent magnet, coils, battery,
What is one way to generate electricity into electricity in a generator?
Rotating a coil of wire within a magnetic field.
What materials are attracted to magnets?
iron, nickel, metals
wire, iron core, power source
Name one factor that affects the strength of an electric current?
Voltage, material of the conductor, resistance in the wire
How does a magnetic field assist an electric motor?
It interacts with the current to produce spinning motion of the coil (attracting and repelling)
Describe the relationship between movement and electricity produced in a generator.
Movement of coils through a magnetic field creates (induces) an electric current.
Describe how magnetic forces can affect objects at a distance.
The magnetic field extends through space without direct contact with materials.
How does increasing the number of loops of wire affect the strength of an electromagnet?
It increases the strength.
Explain the relationship between electric current and magnetic fields.
An electric current creates a magnetic field around it.
Explain how a motor converts energy.
It uses the magnetic forces generated by the current to create motion.
What is a key component of an electric generator?
coil of wire, permanent magnets, crank,
Explain how a magnetic field is used in a generator.
The wire coil rotates through the magnetic field which produces an electric current in the circuit.
What role does the power source play in an electromagnet?
It provides the electric current needed to generate the magnetic field.
What is the relationship between current and the components of a circuit?
Current flows through the circuit if it is closed and does not flow through if it is open.
What is the role of the electromagnet in an electric motor?
It creates a magnetic field that attracts or repels the permanent magnet to create the spinning motion.
How are generators and motors different?
Motors convert electricity to motion, and generators convert motion to electricity.
Explain how a magnet is used in a motor.
A permanent magnet attracts or repels the charges produced by the coils and makes the coil spin.
Describe the cause and effect relationship between current and magnetic field strength in an electromagnet.
Increasing the current increases the strength of the magnetic field produced.
What happens to the current when you move a magnet into a coil, stop, and then pull the magnet out?
A current is created when you move the magnet into the coil. The current stops when the magnet stops. Current is created when you move the magnet out.