Creating an improvised project (electromagnetic generator)

[Dragonite]

Homework Statement

I'm required to make an improvised material for my Physics class. I'm in grade 10.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I'm thinking of making an electromagnetic generator. Here's an illustration I saw in a book.

The top set-up was from the book. I don't have a magnet in that shape though. I have the type of magnet in the bottom half, and I was wondering if it would still work. According to the book, the thing the hand is holding is the rotating loop. I pressume it is made out of something conductive. If I understand the illustration correctly, the hand is "cranking" the rotating loop. I don't know what the thing connecting the loop to the wires (wires attached to the lightbulb) is. Is there a formula to know how much electrical energy would be converted from the mechanical energy? Also, would it be possible to take advantage of increased number of coils? If so, where should there be more coils? *I don't completely understand where the conversion from mechanical to electric energy happens. All I know is that when a magnet is "plunged" into loops of coil (pressumably a conductor), voltage is induced*Correct me if I'm mistaken, but the hand would be electrocuted if the actual set-up was like that. The real thing should have a handle made out of an insulator. Also, the whole thing (magnet + loop) should be attached to a container of some sort - perhaps a box made out of an insulator.

Did I miss anything important? Also, what do you think about this project in general? Is it feasible? Do you think I should try to make something more complicated, or am I way out of my league? If this is a bad idea for any reason, suggestions on what improvised project I can do. I appreciate any possible suggestions.

*I'm unsure whether or not this thread goes here.

 

[anathema]

I apologize if it's in the wrong place.

Hi there! I think your idea to make an electromagnetic generator is very interesting and feasible for a grade 10 project. The principle behind it is converting mechanical energy (the hand cranking the loop) into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. The thing connecting the loop to the wires is a commutator, which helps to keep the current flowing in one direction.

As for the formula to calculate the amount of electrical energy produced, it depends on factors such as the strength of the magnet, the speed at which the loop is rotated, and the number of coils in the loop. Increasing the number of coils can increase the amount of electrical energy produced, but it also depends on the other factors mentioned.

You are correct in your observation that the hand would be electrocuted if the actual set-up was like the illustration. So, it's important to use insulators and safety precautions when building your generator. You can also try experimenting with different materials for the rotating loop, such as copper wire or aluminum foil, to see how it affects the amount of electrical energy produced.

Overall, I think this is a great project and it's important to always challenge yourself and try new things. If you want to make something more complicated, you can try incorporating a capacitor to store the electrical energy produced, or even try building a simple electric motor. But if you're happy with the electromagnetic generator, that's perfectly fine too. Good luck with your project!