Performance Task in Science 10

HOW A SIMPLE MOTOR

(ELECTRIC MOTOR) AND
GENERATOR WORKS
Submitted by:
Erich Benedict B. Clerigo
Submitted to:
Mrs. Queenie M. Cuabo
 HOW DOES A GENERATOR WORK?
An electric generator works on the principle of electromagnetic induction
phenomenon. According to it, whenever a coil is rotated between a magnet’s
poles, an induced current is set up in the coil, whose direction is given by
Fleming’s right-hand rule. Electric generators work on the principle of
electromagnetic induction. A conductor coil (a copper coil tightly wound onto
a metal core) is rotated rapidly between the poles of a horseshoe type
magnet. The conductor coil along with its core is known as an armature. The
armature is connected to a shaft of a mechanical energy source such as a
motor and rotated. The mechanical energy required can be provided by
engines operating on fuels such as diesel, petrol, natural gas, etc. or via
renewable energy sources. When the coil rotates, it cuts the magnetic field
which lies between the two poles of the magnet. The magnetic field will
interfere with the electrons in the conductor to induce a flow of electric
current inside it.
HOW DOES A GENERATOR WORK?
HOW DOES AN ELECTRIC MOTOR WORK?
An electric motor is used to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Let’s go through
an instance: What does the mixer in your house do for you? The rotating blades mash and mix
things for you. And if someone were to ask you how that works, what would you say? You
would probably say that it works on electricity. Well, that’s not incorrect. Motors convert electric
energy to mechanical work. The opposite is done by generators that convert mechanical work
to electrical energy. The working of an electric motor is based on the fact that a current
carrying conductor produces a magnetic field around it. To better understand, imagine the
following situation. Take two bar magnets and keep the poles facing each other with a small
space in between. Now, take a small length of a conducting wire and make a loop. Keep this
loop in between the space between the magnets such that it is still within the sphere of
influence of the magnets. Now for the last bit. Connect the ends of the loop to battery
terminals. Once electricity flows through your simple circuit, you will notice that your loop
“moves”. So why does this happen? The magnetic field of the magnets interferes with that
produced due to electric current flowing in the conductor. Since the loop has become a magnet,
one side of it will be attracted to the north pole of the magnet and the other to the south pole.
This causes the loop to continuously rotate. This is the principle of working of electric motor.
HOW DOES AN ELECTRIC MOTOR WORK?