Motor Effect

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In this activity about electricity and magnetism, learners examine what happens when a magnet exerts a force on a current-carrying wire. Using a simple device, learners discover that when an electrical current flows through a magnetic field, a force is exerted on the current and this force can be used to make an electric motor. Learners will experiment to find out what happens when they reverse the direction of current flow. They will also discover a mathematical tool called the "right-hand rule."

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 4 to 6 small disk magnets (Radio Shack sells inexpensive 1-inch (2.5 cm) diameter disk magnets.)
  • One or two 1.5 volt flashlight batteries
  • Approximately 2 feet (60 cm) of flexible wire, such as solid or multistranded hookup wire, or magnet wire (available at Radio Shack)
  • Masking tape
  • A wooden board approximately 2 x 4 x 6 inches (5 x 10 x 15 cm)
  • A knife or sandpaper
  • Adult help

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
      • Electromagnetic Fields
      • Electric Motors
    • Motion and Forces
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Electronics

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation
  • California Department of Education
  • NEC Foundation of America