Physics FOR THE IB DIPLOMA

11 Electromagnetic Induction
Activity: Alternating current generators
Once you have seen or experimented with some ac generators, try out the generator
simulator at the link below, and then complete the following questions:
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/generator

Screenshot from 'Generator' from PhET Interactive Simulations (University of Colorado)

1 Turn on the tap. What happens? Explain.

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2 When the tap is off is there still a magnetic field? Does the bulb light? Explain.

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3 Exchange the bulb for a voltmeter. Is the reading direct or alternating? Explain.

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Colin Cuthbert/Hodder & Stoughton Limited 1

Physics FOR THE IB DIPLOMA
4 What happens to the reading if the tap water flows faster? Explain.

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5 What happens if the strength of the bar magnet is increased?

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6 What happens if the loop size is increased?

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7 What happens if the rotating magnet is brought closer?

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Now look at this simulation, and answer the questions that follow:
www.walter-fendt.de/ph14e/generator_e.htm

Walter Fendt: Screengrab from 'Generator' (www.walter-fendt.de, 2015)

8 What is the job of the commutator?

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9 How does it change the measured voltage?

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10 Why is the measured voltage sinusoidal?

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Colin Cuthbert/Hodder & Stoughton Limited 2

Physics FOR THE IB DIPLOMA
Next look at this animation:
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/electromag/java/generator/ac.html
11 What effect does the frequency at which the coil turns have on the measured voltage?

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Colin Cuthbert/Hodder & Stoughton Limited 3