Year 12 Physics Depth Study - Electromagnetism

Student Number: 37555118

Word Count: 2721 (Discluding appendices)
Main components of a DC motor:

The main components of a DC motor consist of a stator, that provides a magnetic field that
drives the rotating armature, an armature, which conducts current over a field, generating shaft
torque. A rotor, which transfers mechanical power from one part to another, and a commutator
with brushes which carries current to the armature, switching the current to the proper winding
of the armature as it rotates. A Direct
Current motor (DC) is an electrical
machine that transforms electrical
energy into mechanical energy by
creating a magnetic field that is
powered by direct current (DC). When
powered a magnetic field is created in
its stator, which attracts and repels
magnets on the rotor, causing rotation.
The communicator is attached to
brushes connected to the power
source.

How a DC motor works:

A simple DC motor uses a stationary

set of magnets in the stator, which
generates an electromagnetic field aligned with the centre of the stator. The windings of
insulated wire are connected to a split ring commutator, which is a rotary electrical switch, that
applies an electric current to the windings. The commutator allows each armature coil to be
energised in turn creating a steady rotating force known as torque. When the coils are turned on
and off in sequence, a rotating magnetic field is created that interacts with the differing fields of
the stationary magnets in the stator to create torque, which causes it to rotate. As the
commutator applies current to each coil in the armature it becomes an electromagnet. The
magnetic field generated by these coils interacts with the stationary magnetic field of the stator.
According to Lenz’s law (Lorentz force law), when an electric current passes through a magnetic
field, a force is exerted on the conductor in a direction perpendicular to the current and the
magnetic field. However, as the motor spins, it also generates a Back Electromotive Force
(EMF) due to the changing magnetic field. This back EMF opposes the applied voltage limiting
current in the windings and controlling the motor's speed. This helps to regulate the operation of
DC motors, preventing damage from excessive currents. A current-carrying loop experiences
torque but no net force due to the way the magnetic fields interact with the loop of wire. The
result of the Lenz force, which describes the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic
field. F(force) = I(Current) x L(Length of conductor) x B(magnetic field)
Torque formula: T = rFsin(θ)

Aim: To Investigate how changing the voltage affects the torque value within a DC motor.

Hypothesis:

If the supply voltage of the DC motor increases, the weight of the paddle pop hitting the scale
will increase, which in turn would increase torque due to Ohm’s Law V = IR. The higher current
creates a stronger torque due to the torque equation = rFsin(θ), assuming resistance in the
circuit is maintained.

Preparation:

- Gather all the materials needed for building the DC motor (see material list below)
- Clear a workspace with enough room to construct and test motor
Material List:

Material List

Material Quantity

Copper coil 1 Metre

Magnets 2

Voltmetre 1

Ammeter 1

Power supply 1

Pencil 1

Styrofoam piece 1

Angled brackets 4

Screws 4 (2mm), 2 (5mm)

Piece of wood (base) 1 (20cm x 20cm)

Paper clips 2

Wires with alligator clips 2

Tape 2 (1elecrtical tape, 1 sticky tape)

Scissors 1

Sandpaper 1

Screwdriver 1 (Philips head)

Tin snips 1

Longnose pliers 1

Scale 1

Paddle pop sticks 2

Method to build:

1. First, we need to build the coil base. To do this the pencil will act as an armature for the
motor, allowing it to rotate freely. Cut out a 2 cm x 2 cm block of styrofoam and push the
pencil through the centre (Push 3-4 cm in).
2. Secondly, we need to wrap the insulated copper wire around the styrofoam base (30
turns per side). Before wrapping, sand the first 8cm of the copper wire to allow it to
conduct electricity. Test with the multi-metre to ensure it is conductive (multi-metre will
beep).
3. After wrapping the insulated copper coils (30 per side) around the styrofoam cut the
remainder copper wire off and sand the last 8cm of the wire, see the image below. Test if
the wire conducts electricity with a multimeter (same as step 2).
4. Use sticky tape to tape each side of the copper wire down
the sides of the pencil. Make sure there is a 4cm gap of exposed
copper wire.
5. Next, we will create the stator with the angled brackets (4).
Screw in a pair of angled brackets the length of a pencil apart
14cm. Make sure the pencil fits in between, without falling out.
Then Insert the pencil into the brackets, and adjust the brackets
so the pencil is secure but can still freely rotate, with minimum
friction. Screw these 2 brackets down into place on your wooden
board.
6. The next step is we need to use 2 paper clips to conduct
electricity. First, we need to fit two bent paper clips so they rest
against the insulated section of the copper wire. Tape these paper
clips into place so that when the commutator spins they rub
against the paper clips.
7. Now we have built the rotor and stator, we have to fit the other pair of brackets. These
brackets will create our magnetic field, once our magnets are fitted on. Place the
brackets close to our commutator on opposite sides, ensuring the commutator can still
freely spin. Place the magnets on the brackets and if the commutator can still spin,
screw the brackets in place.
8. Use alligator clips on the ends of the power supply wires, placing them onto the bottom
of the paper clips, ensuring the clips don't move out of place.
9. Now we can test our motor. Start with 6 volts and test for 8V,10V, and 12V, you might
need to manually nudge to kick-start the motor.
Images of Motor:

b.
Variables:

For this investigation, the independent variable, the variable that you are trying to measure is
supplied voltage (V), and the dependent variable, which is the outcome as a result of the
independent variable is the creation of torque. Controlled variables are important, as they
enhance the validity, by limiting the influence of irrelevant variables, affecting the experiment.
Controlled variables for this experiment include room temperature, cross breeze, the angle the
paddle pop was dropped, and equipment. The choice of variables in this experiment was
crucial to ensure the highest consistency of validity, effectively assessing the hypothesis with
maximum efficiency.

Quantitative data collected:

Considering my aim ‘To Investigate how changing the current affects the torque value within a
DC motor. The data I collected included the voltage, amps( measured through a multi-meter in a
circuit), and the weight generated through the paddle pop hitting the scale. As a result of the
collected quantitative data the angular velocity, and torque can be found.

Angular Velocity formula: RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) x 2π/60

Torque Forumla: rFsin(θ)

= r(length of paddle pop stick) F [(M = mass at each voltage)x(gravity = 9.81)] sin(θ)

Measures taken to ensure validity and reliability:

Through the experiment, I ensured the conditions for testing were the same, including regulating
room temperature by conducting the test in the same room at the same time, voltage levels
being consistent through a consistent reading of the multimeter, dropping the paddle pop from
the same angle, perpendicular (90 degrees) to the scale. Other measures taken include
recording all measurements, straight after testing to ensure accurate data.

Method for testing weight on the scale:

1. Assuming the DC motor is built connect the two paddle pop sticks (length will be 10cm
total)
2. Connect the paddle pop stick to the shaft of the motor.
3. Connect an ammeter in series to be able to see the Amps for each test.
4. Set up your scale, making sure the reading is 0.0 kg. Make sure when the paddle pop is
released from perpendicular it hits the scale and shows a reading.
5. Connect your power supply making sure it is connected to the direct current.
6. Set your voltage to 6V, 8V, 10V, and 12V for each trial, and hold your paddle pop stick
perpendicular to the scale.
7. Turn the power supply on and release the paddle pop stick.
 8. Film the reading on the ammeter and scale and record in a table (record in slow motion
as readings are only displayed for milliseconds)
9. Repeat steps 6-8 testing each voltage, 6v,8v,10v,12v 3 time to ensure reliability and
consistency of data.

Method for testing RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)

1. Set the voltage on your power supply to 6v

2. Wrap 1 piece of tape (preferably masking tape), and draw a line parallel to your shaft.
This is to accurately measure visible revolutions.
3. Set up the slow-motion setting, on your phone's camera to measure how many times the
motor spins in a set time.
4. Turn the power supply on and manually nudge your motor. Wait 5 seconds, then start the
camera.
5. Start recording the motor in slow motion and stop the video at 10 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each voltage (6V,8V,10V,12V).
Result table:
Trial 1

Coils (Per side) Voltage (V) Weight (Kg) Current (A) Motor Speed
(RPM)
Rounded

30 6 0.0021 9.21 150

30 8 0.0024 11.51 190

30 10 0.0030 13.77 240

30 12 0.0034 15.41 260

Average 0.002725 12.475 210

Trial 2

Coils (Per side) Voltage (V) Weight (Kg) Amps (A) Motor Speed
(RPM)

30 6 0.0021 8.76 160

30 8 0.0024 11.62 190

30 10 0.0029 13.52 250

30 12 0.0033 14.89 270

Average 0.002675 12.1975 217.5

 Trial 3

Coils (Per side) Voltage (V) Weight (Kg) Amps (A) Motor Speed
(RPM)

30 6 0.0018 8.72 140

30 8 0.0020 11.42 180

30 10 0.0022 13.43 240

30 12 0.0029 14.74 250

Average 0.002225 12.0775 202.5

Through finding RPM, the angular velocity and torque can be calculated with the formula listed
below:

Angular velocity: RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) x 2π/60

Torque: rFsin(θ)

Using the angular velocity formula and torque formula, the angular velocity and torque can be
seen below at each voltage (6V, 8V, 10V, 12V). Working to find RPM, used to find angular
velocity, as well as working for torque can be seen below the table:

Angular Velocity & Torque (Average):

Angular Velocity & Torque (Average):

Coils (Per side) Voltage (V) Angular Velocity (ω Torque (Nm)

- rads/s)

30 6 15.708 0.18639

30 8 19.548 0.21582

30 10 25.481 0.26487

30 12 27.227 0.30411
RPM Calculations:

RPM was calculated visually through the use of

a slow-motion camera. RPM was calculated by
marking with a black marker on the shaft of my
DC motor. As the motor spun at different
supplied voltages the rotations were counted.
These revolutions were counted for 10
seconds, and the results were multiplied by 6,
to achieve the total revolutions for 60 seconds.
This was done 3 times for each voltage level
seen the the working out of trials above.

RPM Averages

Voltage (V) Revolutions in 60 seconds (rads^-1)

6V 90

8V 114

10V 135.67

12V 158
Torque Calculations:

Torque was calculated through the formula rFsin(θ), where r is the length of the paddle pop
stick, F is the force, which is mass on the scale times gravity, and sin(θ) is the angle the stick is
dropped. Through these calculations above the torque at each voltage level was measured.
Using these quantitative measurements graphs of the found data can be evaluated below.
Graphs of the data can be seen below:

Discussion

Trends, patterns and relationships in data:

A common trend exposed in the graph is when you increase the current the torque increases
relevantly. This can be seen in each voltage measure (6V, 8V, 10V, 12V) the torque increases
exponentially, not by a set amount.

There is an evident relationship between angular velocity and torque when angular velocity (ω -
rads/s) increases, torque (Nm) increases. Another relationship is when voltage increases
angular velocity increases. This can be seen in both the graphs below, showing the increase.
Reliability, Accuracy, and Validity of the data collected:

Validity: Validity refers to how accurately a method measures what it is intended to measure.
The experiment had a moderate level of validity, this is due to the amount of times the motor
would stop and start working, requiring tweaking for it to run properly again. All materials for the
experiment were purchased from the same supplier, the room the motor was built and tested in
was the same, and all the same equipment was used (ammeter, voltmeter), to ensure no
systematic errors. When measuring RPM, between tests the motor was given 3 minutes to rest,
to not overheat and burn, or alter the brushes or shaft. There is possible room for error when
calculating RPM, as the revolutions were counted by eye, not being the most reliable. The
validity of the experiment could have been improved by using a tachometer; a measuring
instrument for RPM and the angular velocity of a rotating shaft.

Accuracy: Accuracy refers to the closeness of a measured value to a standard known value.
The formula to measure torque used was rFsin(θ), which accurately measured torque with the
known variables. Appropriate equipment was used, ensuring accurate testing, and taking
necessary measurements. The independent variable in this experiment was supplied voltage,
and the dependent variable was the creation of torque. This experiment accurately measured
the quantitative values for torque as a result of increasing supplied voltage within our motor,
overall improving the accuracy of this experiment.

Reliability: Reliability refers to how consistently a method measures something. The reliability
of our motor was high, due to the amount of tests we ran. Running 3 tests per Voltage, resulting
in similar data, ensured reliability within this experiment, with no evident outliers present. The
only thing questioning the reliability of this experiment is how many times the motor broke down,
resulting in tweaking the design. Overall the experiment was reliable as the tables above
showed consistent readings of angular velocity and torque at different voltage outputs, as well
as in the number of trials conducted. Leaving the motor to rest between trials ensured the
reliability of the experience and contributed to in repeatability of trials. The amount of trials done
accounted for any possibility of random error. This is evident through the amount of times the
motor was tested, including on different voltage levels.

Improvements for the investigation:

Multiple improvements can be implemented to obtain more accurate data for this investigation.
Improving time management and obtaining materials earlier would have been beneficial.
Through trial, lighter commutators spun more efficiently and worked more often, therefore I
rebuilt my commutator 3 times, beginning with a metal bar, and for my final product, I used balsa
wood for my commutator as it maintained shape and was light. Future improvements for
acquiring data could be using a tachometer to find RPM, as it directly measures the rotational
speed of a shaft. This would have been perfect in my investigation, as instead of putting tape on
my shaft and drawing a point for the slow-motion camera to focus. This would of calculated
RPM at a much higher accuracy.
Conclusion

Summarised findings in relation to the aim:

The aim of this investigation was to investigate how changing the voltage affects the torque
value within a DC motor. To answer my aim, the results gathered quantitatively and qualitatively
depict that the voltage being supplied to my motor results in an increase in torque.
Consequently, the hypothesis provided, stating,’ If the supply voltage of the DC motor increases,
the weight of the paddle pop hitting the scale will increase, which in turn would increase torque’
stands correct. However, Faraday’s Law, Lensz’s Law and back emf are all exemplified and
influence the final angular velocity, as supplied voltage continually increases. In conclusion, my
aim, through the use of formulae and qualitative data proves correct.
Bibliography

Callinan, T 2014, Build a simple DC motor with brushes and commutator, YouTube, viewed 28
March 2024, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdfhQvkqjBo>.

Dr. Erica 2018, How to make a simple DC motor - Rosie Research, Rosie Research, viewed 15
March 2024, <https://rosieresearch.com/how-to-make-a-simple-dc-motor/>.

Dixon, T 2019, HSC Physics: How to Build a DC Motor | Video and Step by Step Guide, Matrix
Education, viewed 23 March 2024,
<https://www.matrix.edu.au/hsc-physics-how-to-build-a-dc-motor-video-and-step-by-step-guide/
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<https://learn.getatomi.com/subscriptions/110137/classes/998599/modules/5725>.

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Figure 3. Anatomy of DC Motor 3.2. Categorisation DC Motor is mainly... 2020, ResearchGate,

ResearchGate, viewed 24 March
2024,<https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Anatomy-of-DC-Motor-32-Categorisation-DC-Motor-i
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Appendices

Online Risk Assessment:

List of materials used to construct your DC motor:

Material List:

Material List

Material Quantity

Copper coil 1 Metre

Magnets 2

Voltmetre 1

Ammeter 1

Power supply 1

Pencil 1

Styrofoam piece 1

Angled brackets 4

Screws 4 (2mm), 2 (5mm)

Piece of wood (base) 1 (20cm x 20cm)

Paper clips 2

Wires with alligator clips 2

Tape 2 (1elecrtical tape, 1 sticky tape)

Scissors 1

Sandpaper 1

Screwdriver 1 (Philips head)

Tin snips 1

Longnose pliers 1

Scale 1

Paddle pop sticks 2

Hand-drawn diagram of your DC motor design:

Photo of my constructed DC motor:

My DC motor (image to the left), ran consistently for the double

period I obtained all of my data and results. When testing my
motor the following lesson it stopped working, I rebuilt my
commutator as it was slightly bent and the weight wasnt
distributed evenly. After rebuilding my commutator the motor
remained to not work, but I had already obtained my data,
hence i did not have to rebuild it again.