Introduction

Students doing this investigation should investigate the factors that affect the amount of current arising in a coil of wire due to the motion of a magnet. In the Preliminary Observation, students will observe an ammeter connected to a coil of wire as the instructor passes a magnet into and out of the coil. Students will then investigate factors that affect the amount of current that is generated.

This investigation can be qualitative or quantitative, depending on the equipment available. Some variables may be challenging to control, such as the speed of a magnet being moved relative to a loop of wire.

Objectives

Relate the current (or voltage) generated to one or more factors related to magnets moving near or through a coil of wire.