1 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

2 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

Electromagnetism and movement
What is the link between movement, magnetism and electric
current?

3 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

Wire in a magnetic field

4 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

Changing the direction of the force
The direction of the force acting on a wire in an
electromagnetic field can be reversed by:

reversing the current reversing the magnetic field

The direction of the force is therefore relative to both the

direction of the magnetic field and the current.

5 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

Flemings left-hand rule
It is possible to predict the direction of the force acting on
a wire its motion if the direction of the current or the
magnetic field are known. Flemings left-hand rule is
used to do this.
thuMb = Motion

First finger = magnetic Field

seCond finger = Current

6 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

Increasing the size of the force

7 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

Coil in a magnetic field

8 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

The motor effect: true or false?

9 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

10 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007
What are electric motors?
How many items do you own that contain an electric motor?

An electric motor is a device that

converts electrical energy into
mechanical energy to produce a
turning effect.

Most motors are powered using direct

current (DC), which is produced by
cells and batteries.

Motors powered by mains electricity

use alternating current (AC).
These motors use electromagnets
rather than permanent magnets.

11 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

How does an electric motor work?

12 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

DC electric motor simulation

13 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

How do we increase motor strength?
Would the same strength motor be used in both of these?

How can the strength of an electric motor be increased?

increase the current flowing through the coil
increase the strength of the magnet
increase the number of turns on the coil

14 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

15 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007
Inducing current in a wire

16 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

 Flemings right-hand rule
It is possible to predict the direction of the induced current
produced by a generator if the direction of the force (or
motion) or the magnetic field are known. Flemings right-
hand rule is used to do this.
thuMb = Motion

First finger = magnetic Field

seCond finger = Current

17 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

What is electromagnetic induction?
When current flows through a wire held in a magnetic field,
a force is created that moves the wire.

The opposite is also possible: if a

wire is moved across a magnetic
field, a current is produced. This is
called electromagnetic induction.

Induction also occurs if a magnet is

moved in a coil of wire, or if a coil of
wire rotates in a magnetic field.

In all these methods of inducing a current, the wire and

magnetic field move perpendicular to each other. If they
move parallel to each other, no current is induced.

18 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

Inducing current in a coil

19 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

What are generators?
A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy
into electrical energy. It is the opposite of an electric motor.
Power stations use generators
to produce electricity on a large
scale. Mechanical energy is
provided by rotating turbines
that can be powered by:
high-pressure steam in
coal, oil, gas and nuclear
power stations
wind in wind turbines
falling water in hydroelectric power stations

20 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

How do AC generators work?

21 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

AC generator simulation

22 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

Increasing the size of the induced current
How can the size of an induced current be increased?
increase the speed at which the coil rotates
increase the strength of the magnetic field
increase the number of turns in the coil
increase the total area of the coil.
In a power station
generator, an
electromagnet is often
used as this can provide
a stronger magnetic field
than is possible with a
permanent magnet.

23 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

Factors affecting induced current

24 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

Induction: true or false?

25 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

26 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007
 Glossary

alternating current A current that constantly changes

direction. It is produced by most electrical generators.
commutator The part of a motor that enables the coil to
rotate using direct current.
direct current A current that always flows in the same
direction. It is produced by cells and batteries.
generator A device that converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy.
induction Generating a current in a wire by moving the
wire in a magnetic field, or by moving a magnet inside a coil.
motor A device that converts electrical energy into
mechanical energy.
slip rings The parts of a generator that enable the
rotating coil to produce alternating current.

27 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

Anagrams

28 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007

Multiple-choice quiz

29 of 29 Boardworks Ltd 2007