Segment K: Generators and Motors
Segment K: Generators and Motors
We see the relationship between electricity and magnetism in action as we learn about generators and motors at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.
Science
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about electrical and magnetic force interactions.
Plan and carry out investigations to clarify the relationship between electric currents and magnetic fields.
Plan and carry out investigations to determine the relationship between magnetism and the movement of electrical charge.
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about gravity, electricity, and magnetism as major forces acting in nature.
Construct an argument using evidence to support the claim that fields (i.e., magnetic fields, gravitational fields, and electric fields) exist between objects exerting forces on each other even when the objects are not in contact.
Plan and carry out investigations to identify the factors (e.g., distance between objects, magnetic force produced by an electromagnet with varying number of wire turns, varying number or size of dry cells, and varying size of iron core) that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces.
-Define the terms generator and motor.
-Compare and contrast generators and motors.
-Understand Faraday’s Law and how it explains electromagnetic induction.
-Explain how electromagnetic induction is used to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy and vice-versa.
alternating current - current that reverses direction multiple times per second.
commutation - the electromechanical process by which direct current is turned into alternating current.
direct current - current that runs in only one direction.
electromagnetic induction - a phenomenon that creates a current in a circuit when there is relative motion between the wire and the magnetic field.
Faraday’s Law - a law that predicts how a magnetic field will interact with an electric circuit to produce an electromotive force.
generators - devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
motors - devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.
rotor - a moving component of an electromagnetic system in an electric motor or generator. Its rotation is due to the interaction between the windings and magnetic fields which produces a torque around the rotor's axis.
stator - the stationary component of an electric motor or generator.
The Physics in Motion teacher toolkit provides instructions and answer keys for study questions, practice problems, labs for all seven units of study. GPB offers the teacher toolkit at no cost to Georgia educators.To order your teacher toolkit, complete and submit this form to request the teacher toolkit. You only need to submit this form one time to get materials for all seven units.
