Electromagnetic Generator
You wonder, how do you create electrical energy from mechanical energy? Build a simple generator that will light up a lightbulb when spun.
But first, let's look at what are electrical generators and how they work.
- An electric generator is a device that converts mechanical energy from another source into electrical energy
- A generator does not 'create' energy, but transforms it.
- A generator is simply a motor working in reverse.
- Essentially, when you apply motion energy to a generator, the copper coil within the magnet rotates repeatedly, creating a magnetic field.
- When you move an electric wire inside a magnetic field, you allow electricity to flow through the wire, generating electricity.
Supplies
Materials Needed:
- Cardboard
- DC motor
- LED Light
- CDs
- Glue
- Rubber band
- Craft Sticks
Part #1
- Glue the two CDs together while using the black gear. (Remember, the gear's purpose is to create space between the CDs, and be able to spin it easily.)
- Use a piece of cardboard to hold the CDs and be able to spin them.
- Use a toothpick, craft sticks, or a bamboo skewer, and put it through the hole created between the CDs and the gear.
- This way, you would be able to spin it, and light up the LED.
Part #2
- With the use of tape, put the DC generator on the cardboard to hold it.
- Put the rubber band between the two CDs and connected it to the gear of the DC generator.
Part #3
- Use sandpaper or the edge of a knife to scrape the thin plastic coating off 2cm of the wire ends. Remove every bit of red coating.
- Twist each wire of the bulb to one end of the coil.
- Don't let them touch together or the bulb won't light up.
- Turn the nail really fast and watch the bulb light up.