An Introduction to the Physics of simple DC Electric Motors

Delve into the fascinating physics of electric motors with this comprehensive course! This isn't an engineering or mechanics course; it's a deep dive into the fundamental principles that power these essential devices.

You'll begin by exploring the motor effect, the core concept of how a moving electric charge interacts with a magnetic field. We'll uncover how a moving electric charge experiences a force within a magnetic field, and how this translates to a force on a conductor carrying electric current. Learn to calculate forces on moving charges and forces on electric charges moving through conductors with detailed worked examples provided in the course notes.

The course progresses to examine the forces on current-carrying loops in magnetic fields, including the calculation of torque and the torque on a current-carrying loop. These concepts form the bedrock of understanding how DC electric motors function.

Finally, you'll gain a clear understanding of how simple DC electric motors operate, directly linked to the physics explored throughout the course. Plus, you'll have the exciting opportunity to build your own simple DC electric motor!

This course provides a gradual, conceptual understanding of the physics behind electric motors, perfect for anyone interested in the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and motor technology. Explore the interaction of moving charged particles and magnetic fields and discover how this interaction is harnessed in practical applications.