Question
Part 1: Test Your Electromagnet’s Performance
Materials
For each of the following tests, you will need some or all of the materials listed below:
2 D-cell Batteries
nail, 3-inch (7.6 cm) or longer (made of zinc, iron, or steel, but not aluminum)
3 feet (.6 m) insulated copper wire (at least AWG 22 or higher)
box of small metal paper clips
masking tape
Procedures
Several procedures are listed in the Practice section of the portfolio. Follow the instructions for each test, and record your data in the tables provided below.
Tables
Number of Loops Test
Tested Component
Trials
1. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil without a core
2. Number of paper clips picked up by the 60-turn coil without a core
3. Average for the trials in column 2
4. Ranking
Number of turns in the coil
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Diameter of Loops Test
Tested Component
Trials
1. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil without a core
2. Number of paper clips picked up by the large diameter 30-turn coil without a core
3. Average for the trials in column 2
4. Ranking
Diameter of the coil
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Place an Iron Core in the Coil Test
Tested Component
Trials
1. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil without a core
2. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil with a core
3. Average for the trials in column 2
4. Ranking
Iron Core
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Double the Current Through the Coil Test
Tested Component
Trials
1. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil without a core
2. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil with a core but with 2 D-cell batteries
3. Average for the trials in column 2
4. Ranking
Doubling the current
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Part 2: Evaluate Your Electromagnet’s Performance
Data Analysis and Questions
Find the average for each of the three trials in column 2 and record your answer in column 3 for each of the data tables.
Which coil configuration served as the control during this experiment? Why was it important to use a control in this experiment?
In column 4 of each data table, rank the electromagnet changes from 1 to 4, with 1 being the change that picked up the most paperclips and 4 being the least paperclips picked up.
Based on your ranking in column 4 of the Electromagnet Data Table, changes to which component yields the greatest change in electromagnet strength?
Given unlimited resources (amount of wire, space to put electromagnet, number of batteries or electric source, etc.), describe how you would build the best (strongest) electromagnet below. Draw a picture of your “better electromagnet” and label the important features. Scan and insert your picture below your description.
Part 3: Show What You Know
Show What You Know
Consider the diagram of changes in kinetic and potential energy of a roller coaster as it moves up and down its track.
Draw a simple graph. Label the horizontal (x) axis “Time” and label the vertical (y) axis “Kinetic energy.” Do not include units, as you will be plotting only general increases and decreases.
Use this blank graph for activity A below.
Source: Oxford Designers & Illustrators Ltd/Pearson Education Ltd
On the graph, draw a curve showing the changes in the kinetic energy of the roller coaster pictured in the illustration, starting at the point where the cars are pictured. (Hint: The kinetic energy increases when potential energy decreases because the potential energy converts to kinetic energy.)
How does your graph compare to the illustration of the roller coaster?
Try This
Observe your surroundings and consider processes that you experience every day. Identify three or more other examples of processes and devices that convert energy from one form to another. If you are unsure of the forms of energy that are converted, carry out a quick online search.
Present your ideas to your Learning Coach. You may do this verbally or by writing or drawing. Explain the reasoning behind your ideas. Be open to discussion. Review the glossary to prepare for your next assignment.
1.
2.
3.
Part 4: Reflect
Reflect
Review your completed activities that are to be submitted to your Learning Coach, including your design plan and table of evaluation results, and consider the following:
1. How did you assess your electromagnet’s performance, and how did you improve its performance?
2. What was the most difficult step in designing, constructing, and testing your electromagnet?
3. Do you think your electromagnet’s design and your approach to assessing its performance are the only correct ones? Explain.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
### Part 1: Test Your Electromagnet’s Performance
#### Tables
**Number of Loops Test**
| Tested Component | Trials | Avg (Column 3) | Ranking (Column 4) |
|----------------------------------------------|--------------|------------------|---------------------|
| 1. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil without a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 2. Number of paper clips picked up by the 60-turn coil without a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 3. Average for the trials in column 2 | | | |
| 4. Ranking | | | |
---
**Diameter of Loops Test**
| Tested Component | Trials | Avg (Column 3) | Ranking (Column 4) |
|----------------------------------------------|--------------|------------------|---------------------|
| 1. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil without a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 2. Number of paper clips picked up by the large diameter 30-turn coil without a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 3. Average for the trials in column 2 | | | |
| 4. Ranking | | | |
---
**Place an Iron Core in the Coil Test**
| Tested Component | Trials | Avg (Column 3) | Ranking (Column 4) |
|----------------------------------------------|--------------|------------------|---------------------|
| 1. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil without a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 2. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil with a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 3. Average for the trials in column 2 | | | |
| 4. Ranking | | | |
---
**Double the Current Through the Coil Test**
| Tested Component | Trials | Avg (Column 3) | Ranking (Column 4) |
|----------------------------------------------|--------------|------------------|---------------------|
| 1. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil without a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 2. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil with a core but with 2 D-cell batteries | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 3. Average for the trials in column 2 | | | |
| 4. Ranking | | | |
### Part 2: Evaluate Your Electromagnet’s Performance
1. **Control Configuration:**
- The control during this experiment was the 30-turn coil without a core. It is important to use a control to provide a baseline for comparison, allowing us to understand the effects of the variables tested (number of loops, diameter of loops, core presence, and current).
2. **Ranking and Changes in Electromagnet Strength:**
- Based on the data, the component change that yielded the greatest increase in electromagnet strength was likely having an iron core, as it typically amplifies the magnetic field.
3. **Best Electromagnet Design:**
- **Design Explanation:**
- To build the best electromagnet, I would use:
- A 100-turn insulated copper wire coil to maximize the turns.
- An iron core for better magnetism.
- 4 D-cell batteries to increase the current.
- A larger diameter to potentially enhance the magnetic field.
- **Diagram Instructions:**
- Draw a cylindrical core with a coil wrapped around it, connect the batteries to the wire ends, and label each part. Highlight the wire, core, and power source.
### Part 3: Show What You Know
1. **Graphing Kinetic Energy Changes of a Roller Coaster:**
- Graph format with "Time" on the x-axis and "Kinetic energy" on the y-axis, where the curve shows increasing kinetic energy as the roller coaster descends.
- The graph compares to the roller coaster's kinetic and potential energy transitions, indicating energy conversion from potential to kinetic energy.
2. **Everyday Energy Conversions:**
- **Example 1:** A car engine converts chemical energy (from gasoline) to kinetic energy (motion of the vehicle).
- **Example 2:** A light bulb converts electrical energy to light (radiant energy) and heat (thermal energy).
- **Example 3:** A wind turbine converts kinetic energy from wind into electrical energy.
### Part 4: Reflect
1. **Assessment and Performance Improvement:**
- I assessed my electromagnet’s performance by conducting multiple trials for the different configurations and measuring the number of paper clips picked up. Performance was improved by increasing the number of turns in the coil and using a core, which increased the amount of magnetism generated.
2. **Difficult Step:**
- The most difficult step was ensuring consistent connections and measurements during trials, as minor inconsistencies could lead to variable results.
3. **Design Validity:**
- I believe there could be multiple correct designs and approaches for creating a strong electromagnet. Variations in core materials, coil turns, and current configurations can yield different results, emphasizing experimental flexibility in achieving desired performance outcomes.
#### Tables
**Number of Loops Test**
| Tested Component | Trials | Avg (Column 3) | Ranking (Column 4) |
|----------------------------------------------|--------------|------------------|---------------------|
| 1. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil without a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 2. Number of paper clips picked up by the 60-turn coil without a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 3. Average for the trials in column 2 | | | |
| 4. Ranking | | | |
---
**Diameter of Loops Test**
| Tested Component | Trials | Avg (Column 3) | Ranking (Column 4) |
|----------------------------------------------|--------------|------------------|---------------------|
| 1. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil without a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 2. Number of paper clips picked up by the large diameter 30-turn coil without a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 3. Average for the trials in column 2 | | | |
| 4. Ranking | | | |
---
**Place an Iron Core in the Coil Test**
| Tested Component | Trials | Avg (Column 3) | Ranking (Column 4) |
|----------------------------------------------|--------------|------------------|---------------------|
| 1. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil without a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 2. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil with a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 3. Average for the trials in column 2 | | | |
| 4. Ranking | | | |
---
**Double the Current Through the Coil Test**
| Tested Component | Trials | Avg (Column 3) | Ranking (Column 4) |
|----------------------------------------------|--------------|------------------|---------------------|
| 1. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil without a core | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 2. Number of paper clips picked up by the 30-turn coil with a core but with 2 D-cell batteries | Trial 1: [___] | | |
| | Trial 2: [___] | | |
| | Trial 3: [___] | | |
| 3. Average for the trials in column 2 | | | |
| 4. Ranking | | | |
### Part 2: Evaluate Your Electromagnet’s Performance
1. **Control Configuration:**
- The control during this experiment was the 30-turn coil without a core. It is important to use a control to provide a baseline for comparison, allowing us to understand the effects of the variables tested (number of loops, diameter of loops, core presence, and current).
2. **Ranking and Changes in Electromagnet Strength:**
- Based on the data, the component change that yielded the greatest increase in electromagnet strength was likely having an iron core, as it typically amplifies the magnetic field.
3. **Best Electromagnet Design:**
- **Design Explanation:**
- To build the best electromagnet, I would use:
- A 100-turn insulated copper wire coil to maximize the turns.
- An iron core for better magnetism.
- 4 D-cell batteries to increase the current.
- A larger diameter to potentially enhance the magnetic field.
- **Diagram Instructions:**
- Draw a cylindrical core with a coil wrapped around it, connect the batteries to the wire ends, and label each part. Highlight the wire, core, and power source.
### Part 3: Show What You Know
1. **Graphing Kinetic Energy Changes of a Roller Coaster:**
- Graph format with "Time" on the x-axis and "Kinetic energy" on the y-axis, where the curve shows increasing kinetic energy as the roller coaster descends.
- The graph compares to the roller coaster's kinetic and potential energy transitions, indicating energy conversion from potential to kinetic energy.
2. **Everyday Energy Conversions:**
- **Example 1:** A car engine converts chemical energy (from gasoline) to kinetic energy (motion of the vehicle).
- **Example 2:** A light bulb converts electrical energy to light (radiant energy) and heat (thermal energy).
- **Example 3:** A wind turbine converts kinetic energy from wind into electrical energy.
### Part 4: Reflect
1. **Assessment and Performance Improvement:**
- I assessed my electromagnet’s performance by conducting multiple trials for the different configurations and measuring the number of paper clips picked up. Performance was improved by increasing the number of turns in the coil and using a core, which increased the amount of magnetism generated.
2. **Difficult Step:**
- The most difficult step was ensuring consistent connections and measurements during trials, as minor inconsistencies could lead to variable results.
3. **Design Validity:**
- I believe there could be multiple correct designs and approaches for creating a strong electromagnet. Variations in core materials, coil turns, and current configurations can yield different results, emphasizing experimental flexibility in achieving desired performance outcomes.