Inducing a current using a magnet. Image credit youtube.com

Inducing a current using a magnet. Image credit youtube.com

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

  1. Connect the coil to the galvanometer
  2. Push the north pole of the magnet into the coil
  3. Pull the magnet out of the coil
  4. Push the south pole of the magnet into the coil
  5. Pull the magnet out of the coil
  6. Push the magnet in and out of the coil
  7. Try using a stronger magnet
  8. 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.

To access more topics go to the Combined Science Notes page.