PASCO SF-8616_8617 COILS SET - Manual (Page 3)

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How to Use This Manual
The best way to learn to use the PASCO Basic Coils Set or
the PASCO Complete Coils Set (referred to collectively as
PASCO Coils Set) is to spend some time experimenting with
it. We’ve organized this manual to get you started as
quickly as possible. We strongly recommend that you read
the Introduction and Experiments sections first. These are followed by 4 experiments for your students to get started
on. The experiments are ready to send to the copy room.
The Appendix contains technical data on the construction
and operation of the coils.
The PASCO scientific SF-8616 Basic Coils Set and SF-8617
Complete Coils Set provide necessary parts to experimen-
tally investigate relationships involved with electromagnet-
ism and electromagnetic induction. Coupled with a galva-
nometer, an accurate A.C. voltmeter, an A.C. ammeter, an
oscilloscope and an A.C. power supply, little else is needed
to carry out studies in this important area.
Additional equipment which is recommended includes small
but strong magnets such as the ones found in the PASCO
SE-8604 Bar Magnet Set, low constant springs, ring stands,
a magnetic compass and iron filings.
One can study basic electromagnetism. The direction of the
windings is shown on the top of each coil, allowing the
relationship between current direction and the direction of
the resulting magnetic field to be studied. See Figure 1.
Introduction
Figure 1
Using a coil from either
kit, it is easy to demon-
strate that a moving coil
of wire near a magnet, or
a moving magnet near a
coil of wire will induce a
voltage, and therefore a
current. Simply move a
magnet into the coil as
shown in Figure 2, and a
galvanometer will show a
current flow.
between the magnet and coil is needed. The effect of
moving slow versus moving fast can be demonstrated.
Finally, changing the number of coils of wire and repeating
the process will complete an initial investigation. These
investigations are generally semi-quantitative, focusing on
relative sizes and directions. Another way to change the
magnetic field is to provide an alternating magnetic field
through the use of a second coil and an alternating current.
See Figure 3.
Galvanometer
OUT IN
Figure 3
The Coils Set provides multiple coils and cores to experi-
ment with this principle. These investigations lead to the
basic relationships involved in transformers, and lead to
more advanced studies of self- and mutual-induction.
With the addition of
two magnets and small
springs, a classic
interaction of induced
current and electro-
magnetic effects, plus
simple harmonic
motion, can be studied.
See Figure 4.
Figure 4
Suggested Experimental Approach
Demonstrate the basic principle of using the core and two
coils to make a transformer. Show coils, core(s), supplies,
loads, meters, etc. Have students develop areas of investiga-
tion and then proceed to carry them out. "Research teams"
could investigate different factors and then combine their
results for a comprehensive look at transformers. Figure 2
Moving the magnet back out will yield a current in the
opposite direction. Reversing the magnet will reverse the
relative currents, also. Leaving the magnet at rest inside the
coil will produce no current. Thus, a change in relationship
d.c. power
amperes
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compass