In this unit we studied electricity and magnetism, as well as practical applications of each. We learned about the directions of magnetic fields, and about how the field flows from the north pole of the magnet to the south pole of the magnet, and about why the like poles repel each other, while opposite poles are attracted to each other. We also built an electric motor, made out of a magnet, a battery, a coil of copper wire and a paperclip. A motor is like the reverse of a generator, in that a motor takes electrical power and generates force, while a generator takes force and uses it to move a turbine to generate electrical power. Certain electric cars can convert their motors to generators when they are coasting. We also learned about transformers, and about how they only work with alternating current and not direct current. The equation to find the change in voltage from primary to secondary, (input to output) is Vp/Tp = Vs/Ts where V is voltage and T is turns. we also learned about how magnets generate a magnetic field due to the fact that they have aligned domains, which are groups of electrons and that any ferrous metal exposed to a magnetic field will start to generate an identical magnetic field of it's own. This includes nails exposed to the earths magnetic field and hit with a hammer.
I had no particular difficulties with this chapter, but once again, the formulas were troublesome.
No comments:
Post a Comment