Electromagnets, Motors, Generators

Electromagnetism is magnetism created by the flow of electricity

The biggest advantage to electromagnetism is that it can be turned on and off with the press of a button

The simplest electromagnet requires only 3 items:

1. a power source (usually a battery)

2. a solenoid (a coil of wire with electricity flowing through it)

3. an iron core

Electromagnets can become stronger by:

1. increasing the size of the iron core

2. increasing the number of coils in the solenoid

3. strengthening the power source

Electromagnets are used in various different places including doorbells and junkyards, medicine and headphones, computers and transportation

Generators are devices that transform kinetic energy into electrical energy through electromagnetism

Using the picture to the right as a model here is how it works:

1. Person push down on the pedals

2. The pedals are connected to a generator with a belt

3. The belt turns a small coil placed inside a huge magnet

4. As the move coil inside the magnet, it creates electricity

5. Electricity is sent through the white wire to the light bulb

6. The light bulb lights up

Notice how the light bulb gets brighter each time he pushes down on the pedal (why do you think that happens?)

Hydroelectric dams use generators can even be used to provide electricity to residents in nearby cities (some of our power hear in Coosa comes from Rocky Mountain Hydroelectric Plant)

Motors are devices that uses electromagnets to change electrical energy into kinetic energy

Using the picture to the left, here is how it works:

1. Battery acts as a power source

2. Electricity runs through the wire

3. The magnets repel the electric field created by the flowing electricity

4. The repulsion causes motion

You can build this at home too!

Motors are used in fans to make the them move​