ELECTRICAL MACHINES

HOW DO THEY WORK??

The components of the motor effect a current carrying conductor + a permanent magnetic field results in a force being exerted on the conductor which causes the conductor to move

Direction of the magnetic field: from N S Current direction is the direction of flow of the conventional current

Flemings Left Hand rule used to predict the direction of the force acting on the conductor in a magnetic field

The motor effect and the ammeter

An ammeter measures the amount of current flowing. When current flows in the conductor between the poles of the magnet, the conductor experiences a force.

The conductor is attached to the pointer which moves. The amount of movement in the conductor is determined by the amount of current flowing in the conductor.

The motor effect and the electric motor

When electric current passes through the coil in a magnetic field the magnetic field produces a torque which turns the motor.

Electric current supplied through the commutator

The commutator reverses the current each half turn to keep the torque turning the coil in the same direction

What factors affect the size of the motor effect (the movement)?
The strength of the current in the conductor; The strength of the magnetic field; The angle between the magnetic field direction and the direction of the current. The maximum effect is when te current flows at 90o to the magnetic field lines.

Energy changes
Electrical potential energy

Magnetic field

Magnetic field

Kinetic energy

Can you answer these questions? In what way is a galvanometer similar to an electric motor? What component of an electric motor allows it turn continuously in the same direction? How can an electric motor be made more powerful?