Electric Motor Science Project
Electric Motor Science Project - Wire Size and Motor Speed
This electric motor science project examines the relationship between wire size and motor speed.Background:
Before beginning this experiment, research several facts about electric motors such as:
- What are electric motors and how do they work?
- What materials are used to build an electric motor?
- How does wire size affect electric motor efficiency?
Based on your research, predict what wire size will allow an electric motor to run fastest.
Materials: (Adult supervision of kids is always recommended.)
- Electric motor kit - Suggested electric motor kit:
Scientifics Online: The World's Simplest Motor - Ages 7 and up
- 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26 Gauge enameled copper magnet wires
(Wires can also be found at a local hardware store.)
- Ruler
- Stopwatch
- 2 D batteries
- Sharp scissors
- Wire strippers
- Electrical tape (optional)
1. Gather the materials needed for your electric motor science project experiment.
2. Read the instructions in your motor kit for how to construct your electric motor. Assemble your motor but do not use the copper wire included in your kit.
3. Take your 18 gauge wire and wrap it around one of your D batteries to form a loop. Make sure to start wrapping 10 centimeters after the beginning of the wire. Count the number of times you wrapped the wire. The wire loop should be able to fit in your motor.
4. Cut the copper wire 10 centimeters from the loop end.
5. Carefully slide the loop off the battery. Make sure the loop does not fall apart.
6. Wrap the 10 centimeter portions of the wire around opposite ends of the loop a few times. This will hold the coil together. Make sure that some of the copper wire is jutting out from the loop. See the picture above in the materials section for a visual representation.
7. Next, place the loop on the pegs of your motor to make sure that it fits. If it does not, make the necessary adjustments so that the wire fits on the pegs.
8. If you are using insulated wire, use the wire strippers to remove the insulation from the two ends of your loops (the pieces you placed on your motor's pegs in step 7). Remove enough insulation so that the copper inside will touch the motor's pegs when you assemble your electric motor. Cut any extra wire if necessary.
9. Finish assembling your electric motor. Make sure to follow all safety precautions while handling the live motor.
10. Using your stopwatch, count how many times the electric motor rotates in thirty seconds. If you have difficulty keeping up with the loop, disconnect the motor and place a piece of electrical tape on the wire loop. Then, repeat steps 9-10 while observing the electrical tape as it rotates.
11. Record the number of rotations in your data table.
12. Disconnect the motor by removing the copper wires and then the battery.
13. Repeat steps 3-12 substituting the 20, 22, 24 and 26 gauge copper wires for the 18 gauge copper wire. Make sure to wrap these wires around the battery the same number of times you did for the 18 gauge wire.
| 18 Gauge | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Gauge | |||
| 22 Gauge | |||
| 24 Gauge | |||
| 26 Gauge | |||
Results:
Observe your results for this electric motor science project experiment. When did the electric motor spin the fastest? When did it spin the slowest? Graph and chart your data and make sure you can explain how the size of the wire affected the electric motor.
Conclusion:
Summarize what happened in your electric motor science project experiment based on your results. Did the electric motor behave as you predicted? If not, why? Evaluate your project and hypothesis, note any experimental sources of error, and make suggestions for improvements.
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