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Unit 16

The document describes a lesson plan on electricity. It discusses uses of electricity such as producing light, sound, heating effect and magnetic effect. It also covers making and testing electromagnets, and factors that affect their strength such as number of turns of wire and presence of magnetic material. The lesson involves hands-on activities like constructing electromagnets and exploring how their strength is affected.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
33 views16 pages

Unit 16

The document describes a lesson plan on electricity. It discusses uses of electricity such as producing light, sound, heating effect and magnetic effect. It also covers making and testing electromagnets, and factors that affect their strength such as number of turns of wire and presence of magnetic material. The lesson involves hands-on activities like constructing electromagnets and exploring how their strength is affected.

Uploaded by

spicypandarok4
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 16 Electricity

Lesson 1 Uses of electricity Duration of lesson: i period


Learning objective
• Recognise that electricity is used in electrical appliances to produce light, sound, heating effect and magnetic effect.

Engage (1st E) Use of an interesting picture or questions (5 min)

Option 1
Purpose: To engage pupils and evaluate their prior knowledge about the uses of electricity
Resource: Textbook

1. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 49 and look at the picture. Give pupils some time to read the paragraph at
the bottom of the page.
2. Ask pupils the questions that follow. Discuss the answers.
3. Go through the 'Let's find out' questions.

Option 2
Purpose: To engage pupils and evaluate their prior knowledge about the uses of electricity
Resource: Textbook

1. Ask:
• What will happen if someone accidentally switches off the electricity mains in your house? (Electrical
appliances such as the lamp, fan, air-conditioner, television set and oven will not be able to work. Accept
other possible answers.)
• How will this affect your daily activities? (/ will be unable to see in the dark, unable to make the room
cooler, unable to watch television programmes and unable to cook. Accept other possible answers.)
2. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 49.
3. Go through the 'Let's find out' questions.

Explore (2nd E) Guided inquiry (5 min)

Purpose: To introduce the effects of electricity


Resource: Textbook

1. Ask pupils the key inquiry question for Section 16.1 on Textbook p. 50. Discuss possible answers.
2. Have pupils work in groups of four and discuss how electricity helps them in their school. (Lights enable us
to see the words written on the board. Fans make the classroom cooler. Electric bells signal the end of the
school day. Accept other possible answers.)

Explain (3rd E) Teacher-directed discussion (20 min)

Purpose: To identify the effects of using electricity


Resource: Textbook

1. Recall that electrical appliances work when electric currents flow through electric circuits in the appliances.
2. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 50. Explain that electrical appliances use electricity to produce light, sound,
heating effect and magnetic effect.
3. Tell pupils that lamps and lights use electricity to produce light and that a telephone uses electricity to
produce sound. Ask:
• Can you name an electrical appliance that produces both light and sound? (A television set. Accept other
possible answers.)
4. Have pupils look at the That's Cool' feature on Textbook p. 50. Elaborate that lasers produce light of one
specific colour only.
5. Have pupils think about the 'Explore' question on Textbook p. 50. Discuss possible answers. (The advantage
of using candles and torches is that they are cheaper sources of electricity. The disadvantages of using
candles and torches are that they do not provide as much light as electrical lights and they can only provide
light for a shorter period of time. Accept other possible answers.)
6. Have pupils read the text on Textbook p. 51. Tell pupils that water heaters and hairdryers use electricity to
produce heat.
7. Have pupils think about the 'Explore' question on Textbook p. 51. Discuss possible answers. (Heat is used to
kill any microorganisms that may cause the food to go bad.)
8. Explain to pupils that electricity produces a magnetic effect. Also explain that the needle in a compass is a
magnet and can be used to show the magnetic effect of an electric current.

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Electricity


Elaborate (4th E) Application to the real world (5 min)

Purpose: To find out how the use of electricity makes our lives more convenient

1. Write the following activities on the board:


• Iron the clothes
• Read at night
• Make a room cooler
• Bake a cake
• Listen to music
2. Have pupils identify the electrical appliance that they can use to carry out each activity and the effects
produced. Discuss possible answers. (An iron produces heat to iron clothes. A lamp produces light to enable
us to read at night. The blades of a fan move and produce wind to make a room cooler. An oven produces
heat to bake a cake. A radio produces sounds for us to hear music. Accept other possible answers.)

Evaluate (5th E) Assessment (5 min)

Purpose: To assess pupils' understanding of the lesson


Resource: Textbook

1. Ask pupils the key inquiry question for Section 16.1 again. (Electricity produces light, sound, heating effect
and magnetic effect.')

Unit 16 © 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd


Lesson 2 Electromagnets Duration of lesson: 2 periods
Learning objectives
• Construct an electromagnet.
• Identify variables that affect the strength of an electromagnet.

Engage (1st E) Use of an interesting demonstration or questions (10 min)

Option 1
Purpose: To engage pupils and explain that the magnetic forces exerted by magnets can be permanent or
temporary
Resources: A magnet, a steel paper clip

1.Hold the magnet above the steel paperclip. Have pupils observe that the steel paperclip is attracted to the
magnet. Ask:
• Why is the steel paper clip attracted to the magnet? (The magnet exerts a magnetic force of attraction
on the steel paper clip.)
• Is this effect permanent? (Yes.)
• Can the magnetic effect of this magnet be turned 'on' and 'off? (No.)
2. Tell pupils that permanent magnets always exert a magnetic force and temporary magnets exert a
magnetic force for a short time only.

Option 2
Purpose: To engage pupils and explain that the magnetic forces exerted by magnets can be permanent
or temporary

1. Ask:
• Why are magnets hidden inside a rubber tube around the doors of refrigerators? (The magnets enable the
doors of refrigerators to close tightly)
• Is the magnetic force permanent? (Yes.)
• Can the magnetic effect of these magnets be turned 'on' and 'off? (No.)
2. Tell pupils that permanent magnets always exert a magnetic force and temporary magnets exert a
magnetic force for a short time only.

Explore (2nd E) Guided inquiry (5 min)

Purpose: To introduce the characteristics of electromagnets


Resource: Textbook

1. Ask pupils the key inquiry question for Section 16.2 on Textbook p. 52. Discuss possible answers.
2. Tell pupils that temporary magnets are useful because their magnetic effects can be turned 'on' and 'off.

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Electricity


Explain (3rd E) Teacher-directed discussion (40 min)

Purposes: To explain how an electromagnet is made and the factors that affect the strength of an
electromagnet
Resources: Textbook, Activity Book, a long wire (about 1 m), an iron nail, some sticky tape, one battery
(AA size), one steel paper clip, three batteries (D size), a battery holder and a stapler with staples
per pair

1. Recall that magnetic objects exert a magnetic force on other objects and that electrical conductors allow an
electric current to flow through them easily.
2. Have pupils turn to Textbook p. 52. Explain that electromagnets are magnets made using electricity and
use the diagram to show how an electromagnet can be made. Ask:
• Will the electromagnet be able to attract a small piece of paper? (No. Paper is not a magnetic material.)
• What happens if the switch in the circuit is opened? (There will be no current flow and the safety pin will
not be attracted to the iron no/7.)
3. Have pupils carry out the 'Explore' activity on Textbook p. 52. Discuss possible answers. (Stroke the iron nail
with one pole of the magnet, in one direction and using the same pole. Repeat this action a few times.)
4. Have pupils read the text on Textbook p. 53. Explain that the strength of an electromagnet depends on the
number of turns of the coil of wire, the presence of a magnetic material in the coil of wire and the number of
batteries used.
5. Have pupils look at the 'We Care' feature on Textbook p. 53. Encourage pupils to use rechargeable batteries
instead of disposable batteries to reduce the waste generated.
6. Have pupils think about the 'Explore' question on Textbook p. 54. Discuss possible answers. (It has been
found that some animals such as dolphins, turtles, bees and pigeons have crystals of magnetite in their
bodies. These crystals enable the animals to tell directions by sensing the Earth's magnetic field.)
7. Have pupils turn to Activity 16.1 on Activity Book p. 36.
8. Co through the procedures with pupils.
9. Have pupils complete Activity 16.1 on Activity Book pp. 36—38.
10. Discuss the answers to Activity 16.1.

Elaborate (4th E) Application to the real world (10 min)

Purpose: To find out the use of electromagnets in everyday life


Resource: Textbook

1. Have pupils turn to Textbook, p. 55. Explain that the magnetic crane, the electric motor and the electric bell
make use of electromagnets to work.
2. Have pupils look at the That's Cool1 feature on Textbook p. 55. Elaborate that the electric telegraph works
using an electromagnet. When an electric current passes through the coil of wire, a magnetic field is set up
and this causes an iron bar to move and strike a bell.

Evaluate (5th E) Assessment (15 min)

Purpose: To assess pupils' understanding of the lesson


Resource: Textbook

1. Ask pupils the key inquiry question for Section 16.2 again. (An electromagnet is a temporary magnet made
using electricity. It is made by coiling a wire around a magnetic material such as iron or steel and passing an
electric current through it.)
2. Go through the 'Quick Check' question on Textbook p. 54. (Electromagnet B is stronger. For the same
number of turns of wire, more current flows through the circuit for Electromagnet B.)
3. Summarise the unit by going through the concept map in 'At a glance' on Textbook p. 56. Ensure that pupils
have understood the unit by going through the 'Self-check' activity on Textbook p. 56.

Unit 16 © 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd


Background information for teachers
Electricity is very useful to us. Many different types of appliances need electricity in order to produce effects
such as heat, light, sound or motion. Each electrical appliance consists of an electric circuit, which in turn is
made up of an electrical source such as a battery, wires, switches, motors, bulbs and buzzers. Another use of
electricity is in electromagnetism, in which magnetic effects are generated using electricity.

What effects do we get when we use electricity?


Let's find out:
How do we construct an electromagnet?
What factors affect the strength of an electromagnet?

Electricity can be used to


produce light, sound, heating
effect and magnetic effect.

A piece of wire is wound around


a magnetic material such as iron
or steel and an electric current is
passed through the wire.
This is a Maglev train. The train is powered by electricity and lifted by
strong magnets. It moves at a very fast speed.

What are the effects of electricity in our lives? •* -The number of turns in the coil
How can we make magnets using electricity? -* of wire, presence of a magnetic
What can affect the strength of magnets made using electricity? material in the coil of wire and
number of batteries affect the
Electricity 49
strength of magnets made
using electricity.

2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Electricity


Background information for teachers
Electrical appliances that make use of electricity to produce light include lamps and lights. They contain
bulbs with filaments made of a metal called tungsten, which has a high resistance to electric currents. Thus,
it is very difficult for electrons in an electric current to flow through the tungsten filament. A lot of heat is
produced as the electric current flows through the filament. This causes the tungsten filament to become
white-hot and it produces light. Tungsten is a suitable material for making the filament of a bulb as it has a
high melting point and does not melt when it becomes white-hot.

Electrical appliances that make use of electricity to produce sound include telephones, bells, radios and
loudspeakers. These devices change electric signals into sound waves.

Key inquiry question:


Electricity produces light, sound,
heating effect and magnetic effect.
Every electrical appliance
has an electric circuit What are the effects of electricity in our lives?
When electricity flows
The components found in an from sources such as
electric circuit include an electrical electric power stations and
batteries, these appliances
source such as a battery, wires, will work. Electric current is
switches, motors and bulbs. the flow of electricity in an
electric circuit.

Lasers produce light of one specific


colour only.
Lasers produce beams of
The Samp uses eiectrici
light that are strong enough
to produce light for us
to cut through metals.
Surgeons also use lasers to
perform laser eye surgery
and destroy cancer cells.

The advantage of using candles


and torches is that they are
cheaper sources of electricity.
Sound
The disadvantages of using candles We use electricity to produce sound
and torches are that they do not
provide as much light as electrical Analyse, Communicate
Candles and torches also
lights and they can only provide provide us with light What
+• We communicate
light for a shorter period of time. using a telephone that are the advantages and
Accept other possible answers. runs on electricity. disadvantages of using
candles and torches instead
of electrical lights? List them.

T The television set gives


us sounds and images foi
entertainment purposes.

Unit 16 i 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd


Electrical appliances that make use of electricity to produce heating effects include ovens, rice cookers,
heaters and hairdryers. These appliances contain a heating element which gets heated up and releases heat
energy when an electric current flows through it.

Electrical appliances that make use of electricity to produce magnetic effects include loudspeakers and
electric fans. These appliances contain electromagnets which are made of a wire coiled around a magnetic
material such as iron or steel. When an electric current passes through the wire, a magnetic field is set up
and the magnetic material can act as a magnet to attract other objects.

Reinforcement for struggling learners


• The needle in a compass is a magnet and has a North and South end. Therefore, it is affected by the
magnetic field set up by an electric current and is used to verify the effects of an electric current. Have
pupils find out and explain why a compass is used to show the magnetic effects of electricity. (The
compass needle deflects in the presence of a magnetic field set up by an electric current.)

Heating effect
Electricity has heating effect in appliances such as water Expkftre Heat is used to kill any
heaters and hairdryers. microorganisms that may cause
Analyse
Heat is also used to cook food the food to go bad.
at very high temperatures
in the food canning process.
Why do you think this is
- A water heater provides necessary?
hot water for our use.

4- A hairdryer uses electricity


to produce heat.

Magnetic effect
Electricity has magnetic effect. We can use a compass to
show the magnetic effect of an electric current.

compass needle
A wire is placed deflected When an electric current
near a compass ; flows through the wire,
needle. the compass needle
deflects because of the
magnetic effect.

The magnetic effect of an electric current. connect to


electric cell

To increase the magnetic efffect of the electric current, a coil


of wire is used instead of a straight wire.

coil of wire

Compass needle
deflects when the
connected to an electric cell circuit is closed.

Compass needle deflects when the circuit is closed.

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Electricity


Background information for teachers
An electromagnet consists of a core and a coil of wire wound around it. The core is usually made of iron.
When an electric current flows through the wire, a magnetic field is set up. This causes the atoms in the iron
core to line up in the same direction, into regions called magnetic domains, which act like tiny magnets.
The magnetic field is increased greatly, causing the iron core to behave like a magnet and attract magnetic
materials.

Reinforcement for struggling learners


The magnetic effects of an electromagnet are temporary. When there is no electric current flowing
through the electromagnet, there is no magnetic field produced. Have pupils state the difference
between a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. (A permanent magnet retains its magnetism for
a long period of time while an electromagnet produces magnetic effects only when an electric current
flows through the wires.)

Key inquiry question:


An electromagnet is a temporary
magnet made using electricity. Flashback 16.2 Electromagnets
It is made by coiling a wire around • A magnet is an object that
a magnetic material such as iron exerts a magnetic force on • What is an electromagnet and how is it made?
#fife»
another object. A magnet
or steel and passing an electric is able to attract magnetic Electromagnets are found in many electrical appliances. An
current through it. materials such as iron
electromagnet is a magnet made using electricity. It consists
and steel.
• Electrical conductors are of a coil of wire wound around a piece of magnetic material
materials that allow an such as iron or steel.
electric current to flow
A magnet has a North pole and a - through them.
South pole. Like poles of magnets How to make an electromagnet
We can make an electromagnet in the following steps.
attract while unlike poles of
magnets repel.
Metals are good conductors of
Coil an electrical wire many
electricity. Non-metals are poor times (at least 20 times)
conductors of electricity. around a magnetic object such
as a nail made of iron or steel. ^Connect the ends of the wire
to a battery to produce a
magnetic effect. The iron nail
becomes an electromagnet.

The electromagnet is able to attract magnetic materials


when an electric current flows through the wires. If the flow
of electric current stops, the electromagnet will also stop
working and will not attract magnetic materials.

Do not try to use electricity directly from electrical sockets to


make the electromagnets because it is very dangerous.

Stroke the iron nail with one pole


of the magnet, in one direction
Explfre
Salve a problem creatively
and using the same pole. Repeat How else can we make a magnet
this action for a few times. without using electricity? Use an iron
nail and strong magnet to do this.

Unit 16 ) 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd


Background information for teachers
When a wire that carries an electric current is bent into coils, each coil will act as a separate magnet. The
greater the number of coils, the greater the strength of the electromagnet. Thus, the magnetic force exerted
by a wire with 20 turns is greater than that exerted by a wire with ten turns.

When a soft iron core is placed inside the coil of wire, the magnetic force is increased. This is because
particles in the iron core align together in the same direction in the presence of a magnetic field produced
by the coil of wire and this greatly increases the strength of the electromagnet.

Another way to increase the strength of an electromagnet is to increase the amount of electric current
flowing through the coil of wire. This can be done by increasing the number of batteries or using thicker
wires.

Factors affecting the strength of an electromagnet


The strength of an electromagnet and its ability to attract We Cafe Rechargable batteries can be
charged many times. They last
magnetic materials depend on some factors. They are: We can use rechargeable
• the number of turns of wire in the coil of wire. batteries instead of normal longer than disposable batteries.
batteries as they save energy
• the presence of a magnetic material in the coil of wire. and are less harmful to the The use of rechargeable
• the number of batteries used. environment batteries reduces the amount
Number of turns of wire in the coil of wire of waste generated due to
When we increase the number of turns of wire, the disposable batteries.
strength of the electromagnet increases.

20 turns 50 turns

•t Rechargeable batteries
in a battery charger

t The strength of an electromagnet increases with the


number of turns of wires. More paper clips are attracted
by the electromagnet with more turns of wire.

Presence of a magnetic material in the coil of wire


When we coil the wire around an object made of a magnetic
material such as an iron or steel nail, the strength of the
electromagnet increases. However, if the magnetic material
is absent, the strength of the electromagnet decreases.

The strength of an electromagnet increases when a


magnetic material such as iron or steel is present.

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Electricity


Enrichment for advanced learners
A thicker wire allows more electric current to flow through it as compared to a thinner wire. Have pupils
explain why the strength of an electromagnet is increased when thicker wires are wound around an
iron nail. (A thicker wire allows more electric current to flow through it, causing the strength of the
electromagnet to increase.)

Number of batteries
It has been found that some
animals such as dolphins, turtles,
Explfre When we increase the number of batteries used in the
circuit, more electric current flows through the circuit and
Analyse, Communicate
bees and pigeons have crystals Are magnets found in living
the strength of the electromagnet increases.
of magnetite which are magnetic things? Discuss.

materials in their bodies. These


crystals enable the animals to tell
directions by sensing the Earth's
magnetic field.

•f The strength of an electromagnet increases when the number of batteries


connected to the circuit increases. The electromagnet made with more
batteries can attract more paper clips.

Electromagnet B is stronger. Quick Check


For the same number of turns of Which electromagnet is stronger? Explain your answer.
wire, more current flows through
the circuit for Electromagnet B. 20 turns of wire 20 turns of wire

electromagnet A electromagnet B

16.10 Unit 16 > 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Background information for teachers
Magnetic cranes are used to lift pieces of scrap metals. The electromagnets in magnetic cranes are very
strong and therefore they can move large objects.

An electric motor also makes use of electromagnets, which are found on the wheel of the motor. The outer
region of the wheel is made of permanent magnets. The wheel of the motor turns as the electromagnets
attract and repel the permanent magnets.

When an electric current flows through the electromagnet of an electric bell, the hammer is attracted to the
electromagnet and strikes the bell. As this happens, the hammer breaks contact with the circuit and stops
the flow of the electric current. Then a spring pulls the hammer back to make contact with the circuit. As an
electric current starts to flow again, the hammer strikes the bell and the process repeats itself.

Enrichment for advanced


learners
Uses of electromagnets A telephone makes use of
Many electrical appliances and devices use electromagnets. electromagnets to work.
Some examples are the magnetic crane, electric motor and
electric bell. Have pupils find out how a
telephone works and present
Magnetic crane their findings to the class.
A magnetic crane uses an electromagnet to separate (When a person speaks
iron and steel objects from non-magnetic objects. into the mouthpiece of a
telephone, sound waves
cause a diaphragm in the
mouthpiece to vibrate and
press on tiny grains of carbon.
This generates electric
currents, which travel along
wires to the earpiece of the
other telephone. The earpiece
Electric motor contains an electromagnet.
An electric motor uses an electromagnet. In an electric bell, an electromagnet is As the electric current flows
Electrical appliances such as an electric fan used to cause the hammer to strike the
cap repeatedly to produce a so
through the electromagnet,
and a vacuum cleaner use electric motors.
it pulls the diaphragm in the
earpiece towards it. As the
diaphragm vibrates, it causes
air particles to vibrate. We
hear sounds when these
vibrations reach our ears.)

Electric fan

The electric telegraph works


That s using an electromagnet. When an
' CQQL!— electric current passes through the
Joseph Henry was an American iron bar
scientist who invented the first long
be!! coil of wire, a magnetic field is set
distance communication device up and this causes an iron bar to
using an electromagnet in 1830. His mrmagr
invention led to the development of
move and strike a bell.
the electric telegraph which allowed
people to send short messages to
electromagnet
I
faraway places. t Joseph Henry's invention

2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Electricity 16.11


Number of turns
of the wire

Presence of
magnetic
material in the
coil of wire

Number of
batteries used

Heating effect Magnetic


effect

1. magnetic Self-check
2. electromagnet
1. Electricity is used to produce light, sound, heating effect and .effect.
3. wire, magnetic
2. An is a magnet made using the electricity.

3. The factors affecting the strength of an electromagnet are the number of turns

of the _, the presence of _ _ material in the


coil of wire and the number of batteries used.

More Science words •»„/ Science Glossary

• Solenoid : A coil of wire that


Deflects : Turns aside or bends Electromagnets : Magnets made using electricity
acts like a magnet when an
electric current flows through it
• Magnetic field : A region
where a magnetic force can
be detected

Unit 16 > 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd


Reinforcement for struggling learners
Iron, steel, cobalt and nickel are magnetic materials that can be attracted by an electromagnet. Have pupils
find out and list some materials that can be attracted by an electromagnet. (Objects that are made of iron,
steel, cobalt and nickel. Accept other possible answers.)

Before you carry out


the activity

Activity 16.1 Factors affecting the strength of Pupils should have been taught
• An electromagnet is a magnet
an electromagnet made using electricity.
Process skills
• An electromagnet attracts
Observe : how the iron nail becomes an electromagnet
magnetic materials.
Investigate : the factors that affect the strength of an electromagnet
• The factors that affect the
strength of an electromagnet
Aim: To construct an electromagnet and investigate the factors that affect
are the number of turns of
its strength the coil of wire, the presence
of a magnetic material in the
Materials: A long wire (about 1 m), an iron nail, some sticky tape, one battery coil of wire and the number of
(AA size), one steel paper clip, three batteries (D size), a battery holder,
a stapler with staples
batteries used.

Where to obtain or buy


the materials
• The long wire, AA-sized
batteries, D-sized batteries
and battery holders can be
obtained from the Science
1. Measure about 15 cm of the wire at one end to leave it hanging freely. Then
laboratory in school.
wind the wire tightly around the iron nail about 20 times. You should also have
another 15 cm of freely hanging wire on the other end. • The iron nails can be bought
from the sundry shop.
2. Hold the freely hanging ends of the wire together so that the coil of wire around the
nail will not loosen. • The sticky tape, steel paper
clips and staplers with staples
3. Use some sticky tape to connect the ends of the wire to the AA-sized battery. can be bought from the
stationery shop.

H9t- Tips and time-savers


4. Hold the iron nail above the paper clip.
Have some pupils work
on Part A and some work
on Part B if there are not
1. Is the paper clip attracted to the iron nail? enough materials. Have pupils
Yes
exchange their materials after
they have completed one part
36 Unit 16 of the activity.

© 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Electricity


Enrichment for advanced learners
Soft iron is used to make electromagnets because it can be magnetised easily. It also loses its magnetism
easily. Hard iron, on the other hand, does not lose its magnetism easily and is therefore less suitable for
making electromagnets. Have pupils find out and explain why soft iron and not hard iron, is the material
used to make electromagnets. (The magnetic force exerted by an electromagnet is temporary. Soft iron is a
suitable material as it loses its magnetism easily when there is no electric current flowing through the wire
wound around it. Hard iron, on the other hand, is a less suitable material as it retains its magnetism even
when there is no electric current flowing through the wire wound around it.)

Tips and time-savers


Remind pupils to check that
the batteries are connected
correctly and that the wires
are making contact with the
battery holder. procedures and observation^
1. Remove the iron nail and the ends of
the wire connected to the AA-sized
battery from Part A.
Safety precautions
2. Connect the two D-sized batteries
Remind pupils that the together using a battery holder.
wires may become hot if
3. Connect both ends of the wire to the
the electromagnet has been battery holder using some sticky tape.
connected to the batteries for
some time. 4. Press the stapler to release 5 staples.

5. Hold the iron nail above the staples.

How many staples are attracted? (Answers vary.)


Notes on observations
and results 6. Record the number of staples the electromagnet can attract in the table below.

Guide pupils to observe that 7. Make the following changes to the circuit to find out how many staples the
for the same number of turns electromagnet can attract with each change.
of wire around the nail, when (a] Add one more battery to the battery holder.
the number of batteries is
increased, the number of (b] Increase the number of turns of wire around the iron nail to 50 turns.
staples attracted also increases.
Guide pupils to observe that for 'Results^)
the same number of batteries
used, when there are more 1. Record your results in the table below.
(Answers vary.]
turns of wire around the nail,
Number of turns of wire Number of staples
the number of staples attracted Number of batteries
around the nail attracted
also increases.
2 20

3 20

2 50

Electricity 37

16.14 Unit 16 i 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd


Notes on observations
and results
Guide pupils to relate the
number of staples attracted
1. How did the strength of the electromagnet change when the number of batteries used by the electromagnet to the
was increased? strength of the electromagnet.
The electromagnet using three batteries attracted more staples than the Explain that the greater the
number of staples attracted,
electromagnet using two batteries. The strength of the electromagnet increased
the greater the strength of
when more batteries were used. the electromagnet.
Have pupils refer to Textbook
2. How did the strength of the electromagnet change when the number of turns of wire pp. 53-54 if they are unable to
was increased?
answer the questions.
The electromagnet with 50 turns of wire attracted more staples than the

electromagnet with 20 turns of wire. The strength of the electromagnet increased

when more turns of wire were used.

An electromagnet is made using the magnetic effect Of electricity.

The factors affecting the strength of an electromagnet are tne number of

batteries usecj ancj the number of turns of wire usecj

38 Unit 16

i 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd Electricity 16.15


Notes

Unit 16 © 2010 Marshall Cavendish International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

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