Physics First: Electromagnetism and Electromagnets

Electromagnetism and Electromagnets « Physics First « Courses «

Electromagnetism and Electromagnets

This topic is broken into units to help in formulating cohesive, effective lessons. Clicking on each unit title below will display appropriate activities, lesson plans, or labs.

Unit materials are a subset of all possible materials available for this topic, selected especially with the new physics teacher in mind. You may instead browse all materials for this topic here.

Physics First Electromagnetism and Electromagnets Units

An electromagnet works on the principle that an electric current not only allows electrons to flow in a circuit, but also generates a small magnetic field. When a wire carrying electricity is coiled, the magnetic field becomes even stronger. Iron or steel objects surrounded by this coiled electric wire also become magnetized. This combination of electronic energy, coiled wiring and conductive metal object forms the basis of an electromagnet.

Properties of an Electromagnet (1)

Lesson Plans:

SMILE Lab: Electromagnets

This site contains instructions for a simple lab using electromagnets made with nails, copper wire, and batteries. (Open Website)

Teaching About Electromagnetism (1)

Activities:

Molecular Expressions: Electricity and Magnetism - Interactive Java Tutorials

This collection of 41 interactive java tutorials would be an excellent choice to connect physics to "real-world" applications. Designed by well-respected authors, the topics range from simulated magnetic fields and field lines to primers on capacitance, resistance, Ohm's Law, and electromagnetic induction. Included are simulations on how things work, such as vacuum tube diodes, cathode rays, capacitors, AC/DC generators, hard drives, pulsed magnets, and speakers. (Open Website)

Electromagnetic Induction (1)

Student Tutorials:

Molecular Expressions: Electricity and Magnetism - Generators and Motors

This tutorial gives beginning students a grounding in the physics underlying generators and motors. Clear and concise illustrations help students differentiate the components of each device. The author devotes careful attention to conductor coils and how they are used to cut through lines of force and strengthen a magnetic field. Simple graphs depict the cycles of both AC and DC current waves. (Open Website)

Electromagnetic Radiation and the Spectrum (1)

Activities:

Teachers' Domain: The Electromagnetic Spectrum: NASA

This three-minute NASA video introduces the seven categories of the electromagnetic spectrum in a way that is understandable for middle and high school students. Requires Quicktime plug-in to operate. (Open Website)