YEAR 11 IGCSE SCIENCE - ELECTRIC MOTOR MODEL (Assessment 18)

TASK: To build an electric motor model. Students will build an electric motor model with the help of
magnets and an electric circuit and then write a lab report. They will be using materials from everyday
life to construct the model. Circuit materials and magnets will be provided for the students.

** The lab report must include: Title, aim, materials, hypothesis, procedure, observation, result,
discussion and conclusion.

Learning Outcomes:

Students should be able to …

 Demonstrate knowledge of how to safely use techniques, apparatus and materials.

 Evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements.
 Understand the principle of an electric motor and demonstrate the working of the electric
motor model.
 Write a scientific practical report using scientific terminology.

Introduction:
The electric motor is one of the cornerstones of modern engineering. It is a very simple concept, but
without it, some of the world's greatest and most complex machines wouldn't exist.
The idea of an electric motor is this:
- A coil of wire has a current in it so that it has its own magnetic field.
- The coil is in a separate, steady magnetic field – this may be produced by permanent magnets or by
more electromagnets.
- The result is a turning effect on the coil which causes it to spin round.

Procedure for the electric motor model:

1. Make a rectangular coil of copper wire of 80 -100 turns, this will work as a solenoid. Insert the
pencil/pen through the coil so that the pencil/pen will acts as an axle for the motor.
2. Wrap the loose wire a few times around the pencil/pen, the coil and pencil arrangement should
be fixed firmly.
3. Use two paper clips to support the pencil axle. Attach the paper clip to the flat surface with help
of a tape or hot glue gum.
4. Fix two copper strips on the pencil with the help of glue, this copper strips will act as a
commutator.
 5. Remove the insulation at the ends of the enameled wire and solder the copper wire ends to the
commutator.
6. Fix the paper clip stands and the axle on a thick card board.
7. Place pairs of strong magnets on both the side of the copper coil.
8. Take a 9V battery and connect the wires to it. Remove the plastic insulation from the end of the
wire so that only copper wire is visible.
9. Brush this wire against the metal section of the commutator and see the motor in action.

Discussion questions for practical report:

The practical report must answer the following questions:

1. Describe how the turning effect of a D.C. motor will change if the current flowing through the
motor coil is increased.

2. State what difference, if any, each of the following changes makes to the rotation of the coil:

a. Using a battery with a larger potential difference.

b. Using a coil with several turns of wire carrying the same current as in ‘a’.
c. Using a stronger magnetic field.

DUE DATE: Monday, 22 May 2023