Cameron+F

= Electromagnetic Energy =

Electromagnetic energy is energy that has to do with the interactions of the protons and electrons. Examples of electromagnetic energy are electricity, magnetism, and light. Electricity has to do with the energy of moving electrons down a conductor. Lightning is an example of electromagnetic energy. Lighting occurs between the attraction of electrons that build up in the clouds which are negative and items on the ground that are positive and results in a flash of energy where the electrons travel through the air to get to the ground. While we have learned to make and distribute electricity, lightning is unpredictable and uncontrollable.

We use electricity for heating/cooling, cooking, lighting, and communicating in our homes and businesses. Power plants mass produce electricity with large scale generators. The electricity flows from the power plant through the electrical power lines to our homes and businesses. When we plug a device or appliance into the electrical socket, we complete the electric circuit and the electricity flows to the device or appliance and powers it. For example, in a light bulb, the electricity flows into the tungsten filament where the electrons bump into the tungsten atoms, causing the electrons to jump and emit light.



The purpose of the experiment was to determine which type of wire would generate a magnetic field and turn a simple motor. A simple motor was built according to the kit “The World’s Simplest Motor”. The battery was placed in the container and the magnet was placed on top. The un-insulated wire was made into a loop with tape holding it and the ends were placed in the groves on the battery container to complete the circuit. It was then observed to see if the simple motor spun. Then the process was repeated with an insulated wire with alligator clips. The results were that the simple motor built with the insulated wire and the alligator clips did not spin but just got very hot and the simple motor built with the un-insulated wire included in the kit spun. The simple motor built with the un-insulated wire spun because a magnetic field was generated interacting with the magnet below but the insulation on the second insulated wire prevented a magnetic field from being generated.