Water and wind can be used to create electric power by turning a turbine containing a magnet. Adjacent to the turbine shaft, the generator contains a stationary wire. When the magnet in the turbine rotates, the electrons in the wire are pushed back and forth by the magnetic field, causing waves of alternating current (AC) in the wire.
Consider the following graph, excerpted from the book series Electricity & Magnetism, available from Schottenbauer Publishing.
Discussion Questions
- Is the field of a bar magnet similar to the horseshoe magnet above? Why or why not?
- Is it more efficient to use a bar magnet or a horseshoe magnet in a generator? Explain.
- Is it preferable in a generator to use a magnet with high magnetic field or low magnetic field? Explain.
Over 8,000 graphs from Schottenbauer Publishing provide additional real-life topics for student learning, including sports, transportation, construction, environment, music, entertainment/toys, and general physics.
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New book series from Schottenbauer Publishing allow students to learn about the science of energy efficiency through graphs. The Science of Energy Efficiency and Electricity & Magnetism from Schottenbauer Publishing contain graphs which can be integrated into classes for assessments, projects, and tests. Designed to supplement traditional curricula, these books can be used in elementary, middle, and high school, as well as college and university. The books are also well-suited for homeschool use. The book series are as follows:
The Science of Energy Efficiency
- Volume 1: Light Bulbs & Electrical Appliances
- Volume 2: Light Bulbs & Electrical Appliances
- Light Intensity
- Magnetic Fields
- Heat
- Volume 3: Alternative Energy
- Solar Power
- Hydropower
- Wind Turbines
Electricity & Magnetism
- Volume 1: Electrical Circuits (DC)
- Volume 2: Magnets & Electromagnets
- Volume 3: Generators, Motors, & AC Electrical Circuits
This blog is devoted to sharing graphs from these book series, along with discussion questions and occasionally supplemented by videos.
Schottenbauer Publishing offers over 8,000 graphs on real-life topics for student learning, collected into topic areas including sports, transportation, construction, environment, music, entertainment/toys, and general physics.
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