Build an electric generator

Due May 17, at 4 PM

This project may be done by teams of 1-2 individuals. The goal is to create a generator which can produce (at least briefly) enough voltage to light an LED. I have several LEDs which require about 0.5 to 1.0 volts to shine.

You can make a generator by wrapping a long piece of wire into a loop with many turns, then placing it near a permanent magnet. If you can vary the orientation of the loop relative to the magnet (by moving either the magnet, or the loop, or both), you will create a voltage in the wire of the loop. The stronger the magnet, the better. The more loops in the wire, the better. The faster the orientation changes, the better.

I will loan out an LED and/or a voltmeter to students for an hour or two at a time so that you can test your setup. In order to receive full credit for this project, you must bring your generator to my office, state the voltage it can produce, operate it for me, and demonstrate your claim. I will be impressed if any generator is able to light up the LED.

You should also submit a report which contains a picture of your generator, and a calculation of the voltage it should produce when used according to your specifications. If you can measure the voltage it actually does produce, compare it to the prediction.

This page maintained by Michael Richmond. Last modified Jan 29, 1999.