Energy, Machines, and Motion Lesson 9: Power of a Motor
Some random thoughts as I prepare for this lesson:
Students calculate work, then power within each practice problem. This is to reinforce the fact that it’s a two-step process.
This lab is basically the same procedure as the previous two, with the addition of the time element. They are determining how much time it takes for the washers to be raised a certain distance with 1, 2, and 3 batteries. The work required is the same each time. Since the power varies, though, the time also varies. More power means more force and less time.
Students use a stopwatch to time the lifts. If they know they did an inaccurate start or stop, they should re-do that trial, not record it.
Students calculate the power of the motor, in Watts, by using the equation P = FxD/T
Energy transformations are introduced for the first time in this lab. How to approach?