Electric Motor/Generator Science Kit
Electric Generator Science Kit: $25
Electric Generator Science set, also known as Wooden Generator, is a simple experiment of producing electrical energy from mechanical energy.
A moving magnetic field in the center of a coil can produce enough electricity to light up a light bulb (included). The electric generator that you make can also be used for your presentation.
Build a working generator that converts motion into electricity!
Electric Generator kit includes:
- Web address for online instructions
- Coil of Magnet Wire
- Sand paper
- Strong Magnet
- Pre-cut and drilled wood pieces
- Light bulb
- Base for light bulb
Additional Materials Required:
Additional Materials Required for your experiments can be found at home or purchased locally. Some of these materials are:
- Wood glue
Simple and accessible! Most materials are included in the kit, with only basic wood glue needed from home.
Opportunities for Science Fair Projects
Making an electric generator provides many good options for a science fair project. Some of the questions that can be used for a science project are:
- How does the speed of rotor affect the production of electrical energy in a generator?
- How does the diameter of wire coil affect the production of electricity?
- How does the number of coils affect power generation?
In setting up your project, you would first state the question or problem, then hypothesis (a guess as the answer to your problem), next procedure to check the hypothesis, and finally a conclusion that answers the stated problem based on what you actually observe in your research.
In addition you may be interested in proposing your own, specific research that will expand on your conclusion.
Visual Impact: Since magnets are visually enticing in themselves as they interact with each other, it would be strongly suggested that your presentation include the apparatus you used in your research.
Your completed generator in action!
Watch your wooden generator produce real electricity as you turn the handle. The moving magnet creates a changing magnetic field that induces electrical current in the wire coil, lighting up the bulb.
Perfect demonstration of electromagnetic induction principles!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an electric generator work?
An electric generator converts mechanical energy (motion) into electrical energy using electromagnetic induction. When you turn the handle, a magnet spins inside a wire coil. The moving magnetic field causes electrons in the wire to move, creating an electric current that powers the light bulb.
What is the difference between a motor and a generator?
A motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy (motion), while a generator does the opposite - it converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Interestingly, the same device can often work as both a motor and generator depending on how you use it!
Why does the generator need a strong magnet?
A stronger magnetic field produces more electrical current when it moves through the wire coil. The strength of the magnetic field directly affects how much electricity the generator can produce. That's why the kit includes a strong magnet for better performance.
How does the speed of turning affect electricity production?
Faster rotation creates more electrical current because the magnetic field changes more rapidly through the coil. This is why power plants use high-speed turbines - faster motion means more electricity generation. Try turning your generator at different speeds to see the difference!
What real-world generators work like this wooden one?
Many generators use the same basic principle! Wind turbines, hydroelectric dams, steam turbines in power plants, and even bicycle dynamos all work by spinning magnets near wire coils. Your wooden generator demonstrates the fundamental physics behind most of our electricity production.
Can I make the generator produce more electricity?
Yes! You can increase output by: using a stronger magnet, adding more coils of wire, spinning faster, or making the coils closer to the magnet. Each of these changes increases the rate of magnetic field change, which produces more electrical current.
Why does electromagnetic induction work?
Electromagnetic induction happens because changing magnetic fields create electric fields. When a magnet moves near a wire, it creates a changing magnetic field that pushes electrons in the wire, making them flow as electric current. This fundamental physics principle was discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831.
What can I power with my generator?
Your wooden generator produces enough electricity to light the included bulb. While it won't power large devices, it demonstrates the same principles used in power plants that light entire cities. The amount of power depends on how fast and consistently you turn the handle.