Dynamo Torch Kit(Teresa Glass)

Author

Teresa Glass Arleta High School

Principles

1.The principle of using electromagnets to design a generator

2. The principle of electrical force

3. Using components to construct a clean energy device.

Standards

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

MS-PS2-3.

Ask questions about data to determine the factors that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces. [Clarification Statement: Examples of devices that use electric and magnetic forces could include electromagnets, electric motors, or generators. Examples of data could include the effect of the number of turns of wire on the strength of an electromagnet, or the effect of increasing the number or strength of magnets on the speed of an electric motor.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment about questions that require quantitative answers is limited to proportional reasoning and algebraic thinking.]

S-PS3-3.

Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.* [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on both qualitative and quantitative evaluations of devices. Examples of devices could include Rube Goldberg devices, wind turbines, solar cells, solar ovens, and generators. Examples of constraints could include use of renewable energy forms and efficiency.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment for quantitative evaluations is limited to total output for a given input. Assessment is limited to devices constructed with materials provided to students.]

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Materials needed

LED lamp with holder and wires connected, toy motor, two gears , dynamo torch casing, transparent torch cover, screws, pocket screw driver.

Procedure 1. Affix the Light Emitting Diode to the torch casing and gently thread the wires throgh the holes.

2. Install both gears.

3. Align the two halves of the torch casing and secure with the screws provided.

4. Attach the crank handle to the casing.

5. Connect the wires to the motor as indicated. follow the position for different colored wires as indicated. Thread the metal ends of the wires through the holes of the metallic plates protruding from the motor. Gently twist the wire ends to secure the connection.

6. Insert the end of the motor into the torch casing.

7.Using 2 screws , secure the motor by aligning the cover to the base.

8. Cover the LED with the transparent cover. Press gently until it fixes into place. Turn the crank in the clockwise direction and the torch will light up.

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Explanation

In this motor wires are coiled around the center axle. There are two magnets paced at the inside wall of the motor casing. When the crank is turned the center axle spins, and a current is produced which is strong enough to light up an LED lamp. this is called electromagnetic induction which is the basis of a generator.

Questions

  1. How did Michael Faraday invent the electric motor? He conducted experiments with electricity and magnets that eventually led him to invent the electric motor. If he passed a magnet through coiled loops of wire he figured out he could generae an electric current.

  2. What fuels are used to power electric generators today and why is this a concern. Fosil fuels are used to power electric generators today . Oil can power a spinning turbine to generate electricity. This is a concern because fosil fuel releases carbon dioxide whichis hazardous to the environment.

  3. How does the torch work? In this motor two magnets are placed at the inside of the wall casing. Wires are coiled around the center axle.When the crank is turned the center axle spins and an electric current is generated.

Everyday examples of the principles illustrated

Basically these concepts help run most electric motors and generators. This is how electricity is produced in electric appliances and in communities..

Photos

Movies

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