Building a Simple DC Motor

Activity Summary
Students use magnet wire, ceramic magnet, Styrofoam base, 9 volt battery, and paper clips to construct a simple DC motor. Students then use the Right Hand Rule to determine the direction of force when the direction of current and magnetic field is known. Using the Right Hand Rule, students will be able to explain how the motor converts electrical energy to mechanical energy.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. Build a working motor
2. Identify the components in a DC motor
3. Use the Right Hand Rule to identify the direction of the magnetic field, electric current, and force in the rotor of the motor

Lesson Materials (view or download)
Lesson Plans

Keywords
Right Hand Rule, motor, armature, rotor, brush, commutator

Last updated: 3/4/2015