Notes

1
SPI 080712.2 Electromagnets
Notes
Science
Tennessee SPI Objective Describe the basic
principles of an electromagnet.
Essential Question(s) 1) What are the basic
properties of electromagnets? 2) How do I vary
the strength of an electromagnet?
Check for Understanding Experiment with an
electromagnet to determine how to vary its
strength.
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Electromagnets

• An electromagnet consists of a solenoid wrapped
  around an iron core attached to a source of
  electricity

Iron Core
Source of Electricity
Solenoid

• F.Y.I. -Electric current in the wire produces a
  magnetic field which lines up atoms in the
  domains of the iron core forming an
  electromagnet.

3

• electromagnets can be turned on and off as
  needed.

You can adjust the strength of an electromagnet
two ways
2) Increase the number of coils
1) Increase the electrical current
4

Electromagnets Three Main Components
(1) Solenoid
(2) Iron Core
(3) Source of Electricity
Identify the 3 Components
Identify the 3 Components
Identify the 3 Components
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SPI 080712.2 Electromagnets
Notes
Science
How do we use electromagnets?

• Commonly found in electrical motors and switches
• Also used to
• To lift objects
• Example Junkyard crane-magnets
• Example Maglev trains
• To propel objects
• Example Railguns as weapons
• Example Magnetic catapults (launch platforms)
• To look inside of people
• Example Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

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How do we use electromagnets?

• To lift objects Example Junkyard crane-magnets

• Video Clip Scrapyard Electromagnet In Action

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How do we use electromagnets?

• To lift objects Example Maglev trains (magnetic
  levitation)

• Video Clip (show 1st 45 sec) How Maglev Trains
  Work

Maglev Train
Maglev Train
8

How do we use electromagnets?

• To propel objects Example Railguns as weapons

• Video Clip (stop at 2 min15 secs) US Navy
  Railgun

Rail Gun
Rail Gun
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How do we use electromagnets?

• To propel objects Magnetic Catapult (for
  spacecraft)

• NASA is testing magnetic catapults to replace
  rockets

Magnetic Catapult
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SPI 080712.2 Electromagnets
Notes
Science
How do we use electromagnets?

• To propel objects Magnetic catapults (for
  aircraft)
• Video Clip (stop at 108 secs) Electromagnetic
  Catapult

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SPI 080712.2 Electromagnets
Notes
Science
How do we use electromagnets?

• To Look Inside of People Magnetic Resonance
  Imaging (MRI)
• Video Clip MRI Magnetic Field Strength

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SPI 080712.2 Electromagnets
Science
Questions
Here is an example of a question you might see on
a quiz or test.
13
SPI 080712.2 Electromagnets
Science
Questions
Here is an example of a question you might see on
a quiz or test.
14
SPI 080712.2 Electromagnets
Science
Questions
Here is an example of a question you might see on
a quiz or test.
15
SPI 080712.2 Electromagnets
Science
Questions
Here is an example of a question you might see on
a quiz or test.
16
SPI 080712.2 Electromagnets
Science
Questions
Here is an example of a question you might see on
a quiz or test.