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Home Physics : How Do Electric Motors Work?

Learn how an electric motor turns electricity into motion and make your own!

David Salch

Average rating:

4.9

Number of reviews:

(3,299)

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What's included

1 live meeting

50 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

Electric motors are everywhere!  They power things like RC cars, garage door openers, even your refrigerator, but how do they work? Explore the concepts of magnetism and turning electricity into motion. Learn enough to build you own tiny electric motor!

Concepts explored:
Magnetism and electromagnetism
Turning electricity into "work" of motion
Different types of electric motors
Parts of an electric motor
How to build a simple motor using a coil
Concepts of a Homopolar motor
How to build a simple motor using a plain copper wire

During class we will build two electric motors. One is a common "coil" based motor, the other a homopolar motor.  You may use this class as a hands on "do it yourself" or just watching to build the motors on your own time.  I strongly suggest the younger student have parental help to prevent discouragement. 

 To do the project yourself, it is very important to bring the proper materials to class. Please check the list below.  

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This class is part of a series on physics and how things work around our homes. Each class is independent, and can be purchased separately. I recommend taking all the classes to become well rounded!

Other Details

Supply List

We have partnered with Perfect Package, to provide a full package with all the necessary materials for this class. They stock all items and ship on time. It is highly recommended to purchase the package. Here is the link: 

http://www.perfectpackageonline.com/product/home-physics-how-do-electric-motors-work-package/8?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

To build your own motors following the instructions in class you will need the following materials NOTE: This is not necessary if you use the link above!

To make a coil type battery:
  D Cell Battery
  Magnet Wire also called enamel coated wire (thin wire insulated with a coating, not plastic, about 22 gauge)
  Two metal paper clips (no paint and no plastic coating)
  Duct tape or electrical tape
  Short round object about an inch diameter to wind wire on (AA battery, thick sharpie, etc)
  Something to scrape the insulation from part of the magnet wire (small sharp knife or fine sandpaper)

To make a homopolar motor you need:
  Thick uninsulated copper wire - 12 to 16 gauge
  AA battery
  4 rare earth magnets that are a larger diameter than the battery

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

David Salch

Joined December, 2016

4.9

3299reviews

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Teacher expertise and credentials

Learning facts and skills is definitely important, but an often missed but critical piece of education is understanding the foundation. Without a proper understanding of the underlying principles of "how something works," the collection of facts are not only less useful, but often dangerous. It is the understanding of principles that makes interpretation and application of facts possible. By achieving a basic understanding of the principles, it is possible to truly master life skills.

I am mid 50's, Father of 12 children and 4 grandchildren. My life experience is one of constant learning, across many disciplines, resulting in a very broad understanding of everything from the basic skills of life to deep high technology and innovative agriculture. I have several patents in my name and I am releasing a series of books on food and health through profitable small farms. 

As a homeschool Dad, my desire is to bring a wealth of basic understanding to the next generation. Not how to use things, but how they really work. The type of understanding the next generation misses through education designed to only teach how to use something. 

My classes are intended to give enough understanding to peak interests for further learning through independent research. Each class covers a single topic, at a deep enough level to empower the student to dive further successfully.  There is no pre-requisite except a love of understanding. If you are looking to just know how to use something, this is not the place. But if you want to learn how life works, if you love to understand how this or that works, then come along on this journey of exploration into the beautiful simplistic complexity of life and nature. 

The classes I teach are independent in addition I offer classes organized into series. It is not a requirement to take all the classes in a series, nor is it required to take them in order. This is designed to give you the most flexibility in scheduling. Also, the classes do repeat often and on different days and time slots, so that if you can't make one class there will be another soon that will match your schedule. 


See you in class!