Question

Iliana and Gage want to build a motor for a competition. They want the motor to spin as fast as possible. The image below is a model of a kind of electric motor.



When current flows through the circuit a magnetic field is induced. This magnetic field interacts with the existing magnets, which causes the wire loop to spin. Iliana and Gage built four motor prototypes based on the model shown. The results of tests completed on the motors are shown below. The data from these tests will be used to develop a final motor design.

Prototype Magnet
Material Magnet
Size Wire
Material Maximum Speed
(Rotations Per Minute)
W nickel medium iron 60
X nickel medium copper 80
Y neodymium small iron 100
Z neodymium large iron 140

What kind of wire and magnet should be used to design a new motor that is faster than the prototypes described in the table?
A.
large neodymium magnet and copper wire
B.
medium nickel magnet and copper wire
C.
large nickel magnet and iron wire
D.
medium neodymium magnet and iron wire

Answers

GPT-4o mini
To achieve a motor that spins faster than the fastest prototype (Prototype Z with 140 RPM), we need to analyze the materials used in the prototypes:

1. **Magnet Material**: The neodymium magnets generally produce a stronger magnetic field than nickel magnets, which contributes to higher speeds. Therefore, using a neodymium magnet is preferable for achieving higher speeds.

2. **Magnet Size**: Larger magnets have more surface area and can provide a stronger magnetic field, which may also enhance the motor's performance.

3. **Wire Material**: Copper is generally considered to have better electrical conductivity than iron, allowing for more efficient current flow and potentially increasing the speed of the motor.

Based on this information, the best option for a new motor design would be:

**A. large neodymium magnet and copper wire**

This option combines the advantages of a large neodymium magnet (for strong magnetic field) with copper wire (for efficient current flow), which is likely to result in a motor that spins faster than any of the prototype motors.

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