2012/10/17 by A. K. T. Assis, J. P. M. C. Chaib, Jérôme Chaïb · 2 citations
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Mechanics and Biomechanics Studies #Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies
paper · doi:10.1119/1.4746698
In 1822 Ampère created a new kind of motor when he succeeded in spinning a cylindrical magnet around its axis by connecting it to a battery generating a steady current. Nowadays, it is easy to present such a motor in the classroom utilizing a neodymium magnet, a D battery, a steel nail, and a short piece of copper wire. Although it is very simple to observe the rotation, the explanation of this effect is still under dispute. This work presents the history of this motor including the controversy between Ampère and Faraday, as well as the modern explanation based on the field concept. We emphasize the positive outcomes to be gained in the classroom by presenting this device to students.