Motor Lab

Introduction

We will learn how to build the simplest motor in the world in this experiment. We know there are many different forms of energy coming in. By machines which are electric motors, electric power can be converted into useful work or mechanical energy. The motor functions the interaction of the current and magnetic field due to electromagnetic interactions. Mostly the simplest motor in the world is a rotating machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Equipment

• One “The World’s Simplest MotorTM kit which consists of
• Coil of insulated wire (ends need to be stripped)
• Magnet
• 2 Battery to coil connectors

• 5 V D battery
• A sharp edge from a quarter, scissors,
• The smartphone camera with a slow-motion feature
• Excel sheet

Procedure

1. Follow the instructions on the back of the package to build the simple motor with 10 turns.
2. Set your smartphone cameral to SLO-MO and record the spinning coils for 10 seconds
3. Watch your video and count the number of turns of the coil and record it in your excel file.
4. Repeat 1-3 for 8 turns.
5. Repeat 1-3 for 6 turns.
6. Repeat 1-3 for 4 turns.
7. Determine the number of rotations per minute (RPM) for each configuration of turns.
8. In Excel, plot RPM vs # of turns

Data Results

Below are links to videos of the experiment

4 Rings

6 Rings

8 Rings

Conclusion

The lesson we learn that we create an electromagnetic field when electricity passes through a wire coil, which pushes the coil away from the magnet. When we give the coil a spin, we interrupt the chain such that the coil uses its momentum to continue spinning. The motor will go on running for hours before the battery dies.