Lesson Plan: P2.5.04

Hamble Lesson Observation Plan
Learning About
How does an electric motor work?
Keywords:
  • Solenoid: a coil of wire, usually cylindrical, in which a magnetic field is set up by passing a current through it (1)
  • Field: a region around a magnetic material or a moving electric charge within which the force of magnetism acts. (1)
  • Magnetic (1)
  • Electric motor: Electric motors transfer electrical energy into kinetic energy, using magnets and coils of wire. There is a relationship between electrical power, voltage and current (power = voltage × current). (1)
  • Current: A flow of electrons (charge). (1)
Memory Anchor:
Method Precise Learning Objective Linked Question / Activity
(Designed for maximum working out)		 Stepping Stones Pitstop Check
(Thinking Map)
A coil of wire carrying a current in a magnetic field tends to rotate. This is the basis of an electric motor. What is the basis of an electric motor?

Explain why changing the direction of the electric current in an electric motor changes the direction of rotation. Explain why changing the polarity of the permanent magnets in the electric motor will change the direction of rotation. Recall and use Fleming’s left-hand rule.
Students should be able to explain how the force on a conductor in a magnetic field causes the rotation of the coil in an electric motor. How does the force on a conductor in a magnetic field causes the rotation of the coil in an electric motor?
Links To the Big Ideas
ForcesParticlesEnergyCells