Right-Hand Rule #2

         Through Oersted's principle three basic "right-hand rules" for determining conventional current flow when dealing with electromagnetism were created. While the first right-hand rule is used for conventional current flow through straight conductors, the second right-hand rule is used for understanding the direction of the current of electromagnetic force through coiled conductors (1). The 2nd right-hand rule can be understood and explained in the following 10 steps.

1. You must note that because the current travels through a coil, charge enters through the negative terminal from one end of the wire and flows in a circular fashion through the coil to exit from the positive terminal on the opposing end of the wire. 
2. Due to the conductor being coiled the field is generally strengthened because the individual field lines fall on top of one another (1)

3. First, you must grasp the coiled conductor with your right hand (1).

4. Your curved fingers must point in the direction of conventional flow (the flow of current from the positive terminal to the negative terminal) (1).

5. The direction of the magnetic field within the coil will equal the direction in which your thumb is pointing (1).

6. The thumb serves as the north (N) end of the electromagnet created by the coil in this example (1).

7. The current in the coil varies directly to the field strength (1).

8. The number of turns in the coil also varies directly to the field strength (1).

9. The magnet's strength varies directly to the use of ferromagnetic materials within the coil (1).

10. The size of the coil has an inverse relationship with the strength of the magnetic field (1). As the size increases, the strength decreases (1).

 

         Figure A demonstrates the 2nd right-hand rule in use (2); clearly showing the direction of the thumb as well as how the fingers surround the coil thus displaying the current direction with ease. 

Figure A

References

(1) Heimbecker, B., & Nowikow, I. (2001). Physics: Concepts and connections. Toronto: Irwin Publishing Ltd.

(2) New Physics at Work : Student's Corner. (n.d.). Oxford Science City. Retrieved February 27, 2012, from http://sciencecity.oupchina.com.hk/npaw/student/glossary/right_hand_grip_rule.htm

The Earth as a Magnet

           There is much confusion surrounding the two polar regions on the earth. Which is accurately referred to as the North and the South Pole? A factor leading to this conflict of concepts is the use of a geographic representation and a magnetic understanding of the two poles. At the very top of the earth is what most people consider the North Pole (or True North), but is really only the geographic North (appearing at the top of the earth), and actually the magnetic (or physical) South Pole. The opposite applies to the South Pole as well. What most consider to be the South Pole, appearing at the bottom of the earth, is really the geographic North North Magnetic Pole (or True South), and the magnetic (or physical) North Pole. True North and True South are constant, never changing direction. On the other hand the North and South Magnetic Poles are constantly changing, thus affecting the migration patterns of several animals and even instincts of human beings. Figure A demonstrates this phenomenon. This comes into play when compasses are made and used. Compasses are magnets, and therefore if it were pointing North, it would need to be attracted by a South Magnetic Pole since opposites attract.

Figure A

References

1. Brain, M. (n.d.). HowStuffWorks "Earth's Magnetic Field". HowStuffWorks. Retrieved February 26, 2012, from http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/hiking/compass1.htm

The Energy Ball Report

Above is a simple closed series circuit

Above is a simple closed parallel circuit

1. 

2.         Components of an electrical circuit can be connected to one another in several ways, such as to arrange the circuit to form either a series circuit, shown in Figure 1, or a parallel circuit, shown in Figure 2. The main difference between a series circuit and a parallel circuit is how they are arranged (1). A series circuit is a circuit in which loads are connected one after another in a single path; where as the loads of a parallel circuit are connected side by side (1). For example, if the first light bulb of three light bulbs connected in a series circuit was to blow out, all other light bulbs would fail to light; thus rendering them obsolete. This is because when the first light bulb fails, the serial electron flow through the circuit stops as all loads are connected in a single path (1). This would be different in a parallel circuit set up due to the fact that it allows electrons to spill into other paths (3). If the first light bulb of three light bulbs connected in a parallel circuit were to blow out, all other light bulbs would remain working. Clearly, the use of parallel circuits is more effective.

3.         An oddity to me occurred during this assignment as I noticed that the energy ball worked better with some people more than they did with others. I believe the reason for this is that humans are natural semi-conductors. Semi-conductors are substances, usually solid chemical elements or compounds, that can conduct electricity under certain conditions (2). This allows the human body to be suitable moderator of electrical current (2). This explains why humans receive static electric shocks. A common example of a semi-conductor is silicon (4).  Over 50% of the human body is made up of water (5). Much of this water is ionized, due to a vast amount of it being salt water which dissociates into ions when in a solution (6). Because it is ionized, it is able to conduct. A method one could use to avoid conducting electricity would be to wear an insulator. If one wished to conduct electricity, they could charge by friction by rubbing their socks across carpet (1).

4.         As any other assignment, this energy ball assignment worked with several learning skills: responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative, and self-regulation. I took responsibility for what would by my first report in this class by making sure that my work was well done. I kept organized throughout this assignment, which aided me in my final independent effort of this blog entry. Working in a group, and eventually the entire class, made me realize that I am more comfortable working with others. Through the classroom exercise I also learned that I am better working hands-on as it was more visual. Taking initiative is a problem for me because I seldom feel confident in my work, but through this assignment I took initiative to research circuits and electricity for a solid understanding on the topics. I self-regulated by doing a sufficient amount of work on this report daily to ensure a quality completion of my tasks by the due date.

References

1. Nowikow I. & Heimbecker B.. (2001) Physics: Concepts and Connections.  Toronto, ON: Irwin Publishing.

2. What is semiconductor? - Definition from Whatis.com. (n.d.). Midmarket CIO Information, News and Tips. Retrieved February 8, 2012, from http://searchciomidmarket.techtarget.com/definition/semiconductor 

3. Series and Parallel Circuits. In TryEngineering (Vol. 1, pp. 1-8). Piscataway: TryEngineering. Retrieved February 8, 2012, from www.tryengineering.org/lessons/serpar.pdf 

4. What is Silicon?. (n.d.). Webopedia: Online Computer Dictionary for Computer and Internet Terms and Definitions. Retrieved February 9, 2012, from http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/silicon.html 

5. Geological Survey. (n.d.). Water Properties: The Water in You (Water Science for Schools). USGS Georgia Water Science Center. Retrieved February 9, 2012, from http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/propertyyou.html 

6. De Berg, K. C. (n.d.). What happens when a salt or sugar dissolves in water?. What happens when a salt or sugar dissolves in water?. Retrieved February 9, 2012, from wwwcsi.unian.it/educa/inglese/kevindb.html