An electric motor
I can explain how connections in a motor enable its coil to be driven continually in one direction.
An electric motor
I can explain how connections in a motor enable its coil to be driven continually in one direction.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Wire in a motor is insulated so that the current flows around the coil
- Connections in a motor slide over each other to prevent tangled wires
- When the coil in a motor kit is horizontal it is connected and a force acts on the sides 90 deg. to the magnetic field
- Every half–turn, the coil connections in a motor kit swap over and change the direction of current through the coil
- Each side of a coil in a motor kit at 90º to the magnetic field is pushed alternatively up then down every half turn
Keywords
Electrical insulator - is a material that does not conduct electric current
Motor coil - a coil of insulated wire that spins inside an electric motor when a current flows through it
Axle - a rod at the centre of wheels and gears around which they turn
Yoke - in a motor kit, a U–shaped piece of iron that holds two magnets in place to create a uniform magnetic field
Common misconception
Pupils find it challenging to think about how current flows through the connections and around the coil in the motor.
Take pupils step–by–step through the building of a motor from a motor kit and provide an opportunity for pupils to build their own working motor to help them to consolidate their understanding.
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: An electric motor, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: An electric motor, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 physics lessons from the Electromagnetism unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Commercially available motor kits that can be used to construct electric motors, together with a 3 V power pack, connection leads and crocodile clips.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a rod about which the coil turns
insulated wire wound into many turns; rotates when the motor runs
a U–shaped piece of iron that holds two magnets in place
yoke
coil
wire contact
axle
