Purpose
In this lab, you will explore how changing magnetic fields produce electric current. You will gather evidence, create representations (graphs & diagrams), and explain how induction works.
Learning Goals
- Identify conditions that produce electromagnetic induction
- Predict how induced current changes when conditions are varied
- Interpret and create graphs and diagrams of induced current
- Compare tools used to detect current
Key Idea
= N / t
Simulation
Part 1: Discovering Induction
- List at least 4 ways to produce induction
- Describe what evidence shows current is present
Required Sketch #1:
- Draw one setup that produces induction
- Label: magnet, coil, motion, and direction of current (if visible)
Part 2: What Affects Induction?
Using the Pickup Coil tab, investigate variables such as:
- Speed of motion
- Direction of motion
- Strength of magnet
- Number of loops
Required Graph #1:
- Create a graph of induced current vs. time
- Include at least one case where direction changes
- Label axes clearly
Explain: What causes the graph to change shape?
Part 3: Direction of Current (Lenzs Law Thinking)
Observe how the direction of current changes when:
- The magnet moves toward the coil
- The magnet moves away from the coil
Required Sketch #2:
- Draw BOTH situations (toward vs away)
- Show direction of motion
- Show direction of induced current
Explain: Why does the current reverse?
Part 4: Measuring Current
- Compare the light bulb and voltmeter
Required Comparison:
- What does each tool show clearly?
- What does each miss?
Part 5: Design an Experiment
Design an experiment to test how the size and direction of current change.
Include:
- Variable you change
- What you measure
- Prediction
Required Data Table:
- At least 5 trials
- Clear pattern or trend
Required Graph #2:
- Graph your experimental results
- Must show a relationship (not just points)
Part 6: Summary
Write a short explanation that answers:
- What causes induction?
- What affects how strong it is?
- What determines direction?
What to Submit (Canvas)
Submit ONE organized document (PDF preferred) that includes:
- Answers to all questions
- Sketch #1 (induction setup)
- Sketch #2 (direction comparison)
- Graph #1 (current vs time)
- Data table from experiment
- Graph #2 (experimental results)
- Final summary
Formatting Expectations:
- Format must maintain all of the following section introduction, methods, results, and conclusion

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