ZIMSEC O Level Combined Science Notes: Experiment: Demonstrating how current is induced
Aim: To demonstrate electromagnetic induction
Materials: an electric coil (you can make one using varnished copper), galvanometer with a zero at the centre, connecting leads with crocodile clips, a strong magnet
Method
- Connect the coil to the galvanometer
- Push the north pole of the magnet into the coil
- Pull the magnet out of the coil
- Push the south pole of the magnet into the coil
- Pull the magnet out of the coil
- Push the magnet in and out of the coil
- Try using a stronger magnet
- Use a coil with more or less turns instead and observe the result
Results and Observations
- A current is induced (created) in the coil when either pole of the magnet is induced and this is shown by the movement in the galvanometer’s needle
- A current is also induced when the magnet is pulled/moved away from the coil but the galvanometer’s needle moves in the opposite direction
- The current keeps flowing if the magnet is pulled in and out the moves to the left and then to the right repeatedly
- A stronger magnet results in a higher current reading
- More turns in the coil results in a higher current reading
Conclusion
- A current is induced when a magnet is inserted into the coil
- A current is induced in the opposite direction when the a magnet is pulled out of the coil
- The current induced increases when a stronger magnet is used
- The current induced increases if a coil with more turns in sued.
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