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From: Infinite Potential Mission 3: Power to the People (pp: 59)
Generating Electricity

In this activity, you will explore the relationship between magnetism and electricity. Then, you will consider ways in which the efficiency of electricity-generating devices might be improved.
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Generating Electricity

Power Tower

Although our country’s coal reserves are substantial, we need to improve the way this fuel is transformed into electrical energy. Engineers and researchers, such as Larry Shadle, accept this challenge and are devising and testing innovations in coal technologies.

In this activity, you will explore the relationship between magnetism and electricity. Then, you will consider ways in which the efficiency of electricity-generating devices might be improved.

Materials

Lab Prep
  1. Obtain a length of coated wire about 150 cm in length. Sand the enamel coating from both ends of this wire.
  2. Bend the wire into a large, flat loop.
  3. kdUse connecting wires with alligator clips to attach the exposed ends of this wire to the leads of a multimeter.
  4. Set the multimeter to measure DC voltage. Does the tool detect any voltage in the wire? Explain.
  5. Hold a magnet still at a variety of locations both inside and outside the coil of wire. Record the voltage in each location.
  6. Move the magnet in a variety of ways both inside and outside the coil of wire. Record the voltage each time you change location or motion.
  7. Undo the connections, and wrap the wire around a cardboard tube forming a tight coil of wire. Leave the ends of the wire free, projecting out from the coil. Use a piece of masking tape to secure the coil shape.
  8. Repeat steps 5 and 6, recording your observations.
  9. Which combination of loop size, magnet location and motion-type produced the maximum voltage? Explain.
  10. Based on what you have observed so far, compile a list of the factors that could affect the output or efficiency of electricity generation. Design and perform an experiment that investigates how changing one of these factors affects output or efficiency.

Making Observations
  1. Create the electricity generator as indicated in the Tools section at the back of the book.
  2. Adjust the assembly so that the magnets align within the wire coil. Spin the magnet/ pencil assembly. Note the role that inertia plays in maintaining rotation. How is inertia an advantage? How is it a limitation?
  3. Use alligator clips on the connecting wires to attach the sanded ends of the coil to the leads of the multimeter. Turn on the meter and set it to measure DC voltage.
  4. What happens when you spin the inner assembly? How does spin speed and direction affect output?
  5. Consider ways to improve the efficiency of your generator. Make a list of changes that might increase the output of electrical energy. Include a list of materials and a blueprint. With your instructor’s permission, build your new and improved generator and test it.
Journal Question

Journal Question
Compare and contrast a generator with an electrical motor.

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