The Simple Motor is an engaging experiment that introduces participants to the principles of electromagnetism and how electric currents can generate motion. In this activity, participants will create a simple motor using basic materials to observe and understand the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical motion.
Materials Needed:
- D battery or any low-voltage battery (for example, 1.5V)
- Large paperclip or small piece of stiff wire
- Small neodymium magnet
- Insulated copper wire (enameled wire)
- Masking tape or electrical tape
- Optional: Small piece of cardboard or foam board, small rubber band or adhesive putty
Instructions:
- Introduction: Begin by introducing the concept of electromagnetism and how electric currents create magnetic fields that can generate motion.
- Battery Setup: Lay the battery on a flat surface with the positive (+) terminal facing upward.
- Coil of Wire: Take the insulated copper wire and wrap it around the battery’s positive terminal (the coil should be about 10-15 turns). Leave approximately 2-3 inches of wire on each end of the coil.
- Secure the Coil: Use masking tape or electrical tape to secure the ends of the coil in place, ensuring the wire stays tightly wound around the battery’s positive terminal.
- Attach the Wire: Gently slide the coil off the battery while keeping its shape intact. Make sure the coil remains tightly wound and doesn’t unravel.
- Create Motor Stand: Optional – If desired, create a small motor stand using cardboard or foam board. Attach the coil to the stand using a small rubber band or adhesive putty to keep it upright.
- Attach Magnet: Attach the small neodymium magnet to the end of the paperclip or stiff wire. This will serve as the motor’s rotor.
- Motor Assembly: Insert the paperclip or wire with the attached magnet into the center of the coil, ensuring the magnet can spin freely.
- Complete Circuit: Place the free ends of the coil onto the battery’s positive and negative terminals, completing the circuit.
- Observe Motion: When the circuit is completed, the coil should start spinning, and the magnet attached to the paperclip or wire will rotate.
- Discussion: Discuss how the flow of electric current through the coil creates a magnetic field, causing the coil to spin due to the interaction between the magnetic field and the magnet.
Safety Precautions:
- Be cautious when handling small magnets, as they can attract and stick to metallic objects.
- Avoid touching the battery terminals with metal objects to prevent short circuits.
The Simple Motor provides an opportunity for participants to explore the principles of electromagnetism in a hands-on and interactive manner. It promotes curiosity, observation, and understanding of how electric currents can generate mechanical motion. Additionally, the activity encourages participants to explore the broader applications of electromagnetism, such as in electric motors used in various devices and machinery.
| STEM Concept | Explanation and Application |
| Science Concepts | |
| Electromagnetism | Understanding the relationship between electric currents and magnetic fields, leading to the motor’s motion. |
| Magnetic Fields | Exploring how magnetic fields interact with magnets, which causes the coil to spin in the simple motor. |
| Electric Current | Understanding the flow of electric current through the coil, creating the magnetic field that drives motion. |
| Technology Concepts | |
| Electric Motors | Introducing the technology and design principles behind electric motors used in various devices and machinery. |
| Magnetism | Understanding the technology of magnets and how they interact with electric currents in the motor. |
| Electrical Circuits | Identifying the technology involved in creating a complete circuit to power the motor. |
| Engineering Concepts | |
| Motor Design | Applying engineering principles to design a simple motor using the coil, magnet, and battery components. |
| Mechanical Motion | Understanding how the motor’s engineering design translates electrical energy into mechanical motion. |
| Motor Applications | Exploring real-world applications of electric motors in devices such as fans, appliances, and robotics. |
| Mathematics Concepts | |
| Rotation Speed | Measuring and calculating the rotational speed of the motor’s coil as it spins in response to the electric current. |
| Magnetic Force | Exploring the mathematical concepts related to magnetic force and its interaction with the magnet in the motor. |
| Electrical Resistance | Understanding the mathematical relationship between the coil’s resistance and the electric current. |
| Energy Conversion | Calculating and understanding the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy in the motor. |
Simple Motor. Each concept can be further explored and expanded based on the age, understanding, and interests of the participants. The activity provides an interdisciplinary learning experience, integrating scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical concepts while fostering curiosity and understanding of electromagnetism and electric motors. Additionally, it encourages participants to explore the significance of electric motors in various technological applications and how they contribute to modern society.