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The data collected from my research shows that when two batteries were used, the pinwheel spun faster. A piece of tape was placed on one of the pinwheel’s rings, and the time it took for that ring to make one full circle was considered a cycle. The amount of cycles in a 5-second period was measured and recorded. On average, the pinwheel spun around about 3 times when two batteries were attached. When one battery was attached, the pinwheel completed about 2 cycles per trial.
My results support my hypothesis that the pinwheel would spin faster with two batteries. When a second battery was added, more electricity ran through the nail, and the pinwheel spun at a faster rate. By faster rate, I mean that the pinwheel made more complete circles. This proves that my hypothesis was correct.
During my experiment, some problems happened that might have changed the outcome of my experiment. The main problem I had was when the battery tired out. After a certain number of tries, the battery would heat up and stop working. When this happened, which was about every three trials, I had to set the whole project down and wait for it to cool down. Several times, I actually burned myself on the hot wire. This prevented me from having the exact same position every time I tested. That was the main issue I had when executing this project.
This project would be useful to science teachers because it is a good tool for teaching. The motor is a simple, easy way to explain how a battery works. It also helps a student to see electricity in motion. It would have limitations for scientists, should they choose to use it. The project would take lots of tweaking, and in the end, it might not even work. If I were to experiment further, I would create a holding structure for the project. This would help me because I wouldn’t have to worry about things falling off when I tried to adjust one part of the motor. This would be limiting because the nail might not hang right, therefore the pinwheel would not spin. All in all, this project was a very helpful and useful activity for me to do, and I am pleased with the results.
Materials List:
-One package of C batteries
-magnet-powered pinwheel initial project material list (found at http://howtosmile.org/record/8893)
1. Build the original pinwheel according to
<http://www.physicscentral.org/experiment/physicsquest/upload/pq08-activity4.pdf >
2. Disconnect the battery from the nail.
3. There should now be two separate pieces. Set the pinwheel, magnet, and nail aside.
4. Take the battery in one hand.
5. Grab the second battery and place the plus side (the one with the little knob on it) against the bottom of the first battery.
6. Tape the two batteries together, first with two pieces lengthwise, then 1-2 pieces going around the batteries. This will ensure that the batteries are touching.
7. Reconnect the magnet, nail and battery.
8. Take the wire and run it down to the magnet. When it touches, the magnet and pinwheel should start spinning.
9. Repeat step #8 ten times, first with two batteries, then with just one. Count how many times it makes a full circle in a period of 5 seconds. Note: It would help to place a piece of tape on one of the pinwheel blades. Use this as a reference to count how many times it goes around.
If you were to do this project, I would recommend two things. First, buy lots of backup batteries. I found that with the amount of testing I did, the juice ran out really fast. Also, be wary of the non-insulated part of the wire. I was burned multiple times because it got extremely hot. It hurt!
1. How are electricity and magnetism related?
Magnets can be very powerful forces. Sometimes, they are so strong that an electric current is created between two magnets. This is caused by electrons that are moving through the magnets’ atoms. Magnets and electricity alike both have two ends that will repel each other when placed close together.
2. What is a homopolar motor?
A homopolar motor is a motor that relies on electric currents to power it. The currents flow around the motor through fixed wires. These wires are in the same direction (homo) and have the same polarity (polar).
3. What is the history of the homopolar motor?
The homopolar motor was first invented by Michael Faraday. The motor is sometimes called the Faraday motor because of this. Faraday was an English scientist whose work in electromagnetism greatly helped modern science. The homopolar motor was also one of the earliest electric motors.
4. How does the homopolar motor work?
The homopolar motor works using a battery (preferably C voltage) that is attached to a wire. The wire runs down the length of the battery and attaches to a magnet. The voltage from the battery causes the magnet to spin quickly, and anything attached to the magnet starts spinning as well.
5. What are uses of the homopolar motor?
A homopolar motor can be used to make wheels turn on a vehicle. It can also be used to make something go in a circular direction of needed (i.e. a blender, etc.)
"Electricity and Magnetism." Electric Power Explained. The Electricity Forum, n.d.
Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.electricityforum.com/electricity-and-magnetism.html>.
“Homopolar Motor." Kaizer Power Electronics. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2014.
<http://kaizerpowerelectronics.dk/everyday-science/homopolar-motor/>.
"Magnetism." Thinkquest.org. ThinkQuest, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.
<http://library.thinkquest.org/16600/intermediate/magnetism.shtml>.
Tan, Seng K. "Homopolar Motor 1." Physics Lens. N.p., 4 Jan. 2013. Web. 11 Mar.
2014. <http://physicslens.com/homopolar-motor/>.
"Magnet Powered Pinwheel." How To Smile. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2014.
(This one had a 1.5 volt battery)