ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION

An Online Treasure Hunt
For Fourth Year High School (Science)

         

Introduction

Electric generators, transformers, rechargeable batteries. These are just some applications of electromagnetic induction.

In today’s lesson we will find out who discovered electromagnetic induction, what it is, and why it is considered “a landmark in applied science”.

The lesson requires you to browse through some Web pages in which you will find out something about electromagnetic induction. A series of questions will guide your reading. Answers to the questions can be found in the Web pages, which are listed at random (and not according to the order of questions). After successfully finding all the answers, move on to the Big Question.

You will work in groups of three or four. Assign one group member to take down notes/answers and another member to work on the keyboard. But all of you should read the Web pages and try to locate the answers to the questions asked.


Questions
  1. Electromagnetic induction involves both electricity and magnetism. Which of the two is induced in the process and which one does the inducing? And what is another way of saying “to induce”?
  2. In Faraday’s experiment, is it necessary to draw the magnet entirely into the coil? Why or why not?
  3. Why is the principle of induction considered “a landmark in applied science”?
  4. Consider the timeline of discoveries in electromagnetism (given in one of the websites below). What is one insight you can form from looking at the timeline?
  5. The invention of the dynamo was made possible by the discovery of electromagnetic induction. What is the significance of the dynamo?
  6. What invention by Faraday is the precursor of the modern transformer?
  7. What is one of the medical applications of Faraday’s discovery of induced currents?


Resources

http://www.regentsprep.org/Regents/physics/phys03/dinduction/indapart.htm
http://www.electricityineducation.co.uk/60W/history/faraday.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformer
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Circuit/1858/farad11e.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_generator
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/electromag/java/faraday2
http://www.phy.hr./~dpaar/fizicari/xfaraday.html


The Big Question

To conclude our brief study of Faraday’s discovery, do ONE of the following:

A.     Make a 5-minute skit dramatizing how Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction. Perform the skit in class.
B.     Write an imaginary interview of Faraday and then enact the interview (to last not more than 5 minutes) for the rest of the class.

Make sure all members of your group participate in preparing the skit or interview. You will perform your skit or interview during the next class meeting.

Be creative. Bring Faraday to life.

Authored by M. Abuacan and P. Arinto