Click on the link above, and follow the directions to work through the simulation: Faraday’s Electromagnetic Lab

Part 1: The Pickup Coil

Open the simulation, click the Pickup Coil tab at the bottom. 

Within the experimental setup options, make sure the Magnetic Field and Electrons options are checked. The Bar Magnet Strength should be 75%, the Indicator should be a light bulb, Loops should be at 2, and the Loop Area should be 50%. 

1A. The Physics of Motion

Step 1: Click on the magnet and hold it completely still inside the center of the coil. Look closely at the blue electrons inside the wires.

A. Do the electrons move?



B. Does the lightbulb glow?

Step 2: Slowly move the magnet back and forth inside the coil, and then stop.

A. Do the electrons move?

B. Does the lightbulb glow?

C. Why does the lightbulb turn off the exact instant the magnet stops moving? Hint: Think about what the electrons are doing.

1B: Maximizing the Output

A. Set up these experiments to see what variables increase the induction voltage. Induction voltage is the electrical “push” created when a magnet moves near a coil. A larger induction voltage makes electrons move more easily, causing the light bulb to glow brighter.

B. Synthesize: Write a mathematical “recipe” for creating the absolute largest flash of electricity possible by manipulating Bar Magnet Strength, Number of Loops, and Loop Area variables.

Part 2: The Generator

Return to the options page and switch to the Generator tab.

In the tables to the right, make sure Magnetic Field, Electrons and Compass options are checked. The Bar Magnet Strength should be 75%, the Indicator should be a light bulb, Loops should be at 2, and the Loop Area should be 50%

2A: Tracking the Field

Step 1: Turn on the water faucet slightly so the wheel spins at a low speed. Look at the compass on the right.

A. Describe its movement. 

B. Why do you think the compass needle makes that continuous movement? Hint: Look at the movement of the bar magnet.

C. Watch the blue electrons inside the coil wire as the wheel turns. Describe their movement. Do they flow in a continuous loop like a race car track, or do they oscillate (move) back and forth?

2B: Pushing the Limits

Step 1: Adjust the water faucet open to 100% max flow.

A. What happens to the motion of the moving electrons?

B. What happens to the lightbulb? 

Step 2: With the faucet still at 100%, lower the Loop Area of the coil to 20%.

C. Explain what happens to the lightbulb and why changing the size of the coil alters the electricity generated.

Challenge 1
Trace the chain of energy transformations taking place in this simulation. Fill in the missing forms of energy below.

Word Bank

• Step 1: Falling water has ______________________________ energy. 
• Step 2: The spinning turbine turns this into ______________________________ energy.
• Step 3: The rotating magnetic field creates changing magnetic flux, resulting in ______________________________  energy in the wires.
• Step 4: The lightbulb converts this into ______________________________  (heat) and ______________________________  (light) energy.

Challenge 2
You are the Lead Engineer for a hydroelectric power plant that supplies electricity to a nearby city. On a hot summer day, electricity demand increases during the late afternoon and early evening. Businesses, schools, and factories are still using electricity, while people are returning home and turning on lights, air conditioners, and appliances. Your power plant must generate more electricity to help meet this increased demand. 

Based on your observations in the Generator tab, what are two distinct ways you can mechanically alter your power plant’s generators in the evening to meet this high electricity demand?

Method 1 (Water Control):

Method 2 (Hardware Design):