====== Eddy Currents In A Spinning Pie Plate ======
{{tag> eddy_currents electricity_and_magnetism induction lenz newton's_third_law located}}
{{Eddy_Currents_Pie_Plate_1.jpg?400|}}
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===== Description =====
Consists of an aluminum pie plate balanced on the tip of a pencil. A magnet is used to induce eddy currents in the plate and spin the plate.
===== Purpose =====
Demonstrate the induction of [[wp>eddy current|eddy currents]]. Demonstrate induced current/ magnetic fields. Demonstrate Lenz's law/ Faraday's law. Show that Newton's third holds, and the 'drag' experienced by the magnet (and shown by the [[demonstrations:5_electricity_and_magnetism:5k_electromagnetic_induction:magnets_through_copper_tube:start|magnet drop through copper tube demo]]) also translates to rotation of the disk.
===== Apparatus =====
* Large aluminum pie plate/ serving plate
* Pencil
* [[demonstrations:9_equipment:lab_stands:start|Lab stand]]
* [[demonstrations:9_equipment:magnets:start|Large Neodymium magnet]]
===== Setup =====
- Tape the pencil to the top of the lab stand so that the sharpened point points upwards.
- Place the plate on top of the pencil. There should be a small divot in the middle so it should stay.
- Ensure the pie plate is balanced. You can slightly bend the edges to adjust the balance.
- Hold the magnet about an inch above the surface of the plate and start making circles centered on the plate.
- You should now see the plate slowly begin to rotate in the same direction as the magnet.
===== Notes =====
The strength of this effect is mediated by a few things:
* The conductivity of the material. Copper would produce a stronger effect, but aluminum is still fairly conductive. A greater conductivity means the currents set up by the changing magnetic field will be stronger and therefore produce a greater force.
* The strength of the magnetic field (the size of the magnet / the proximity of the magnet). A greater magnetic field will produce a larger change in flux and therefore a greater force.
* The speed of the magnet. A greater speed means there'll be a larger change in flux and therefore a bigger force.
// Demo room information //
| **Location** | O2 |
| **Maker** | Unknown |
| **Current State** | Working |