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Simple DC Motors
Instructor Notes

 

  • All materials are on the bench for each student to create their own motor, including a double-Miller-arm's length of copper wire (Jeff will cut these before each lab).
    • The only exception are the small neodymium magnets; they are in a box on the small bench by the sink, and are handed out after the pre-lab discussion
    • Handle the magnets with care; they can easily pinch the shit out of your finger, or flake off small pieces
  • Students will share wire cutters and Sharpies (used to mark the polarity of their magnet)
  • Make sure students identify the correct pole of their magnet. Some still haven't figured out what the compass is telling them!
  • Students have a difficult time wrapping the wire coil correctly; I frequently have to help them 'tune' their coil so that it spins properly. Check to make sure the safety pins are making good contact with the battery
  • A box of discarded coils is left on the front table; one coil is marked for demo, so I frequently set it up and get it spinning on the front table.

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© St. Lawrence University Department of Physics
Revised: 22 Jan 2020 Canton, NY 13617