In the "Electric Motor" lab, the demonstration showed how electrical energy can be converted to mechanical energy. This conversion is the fundamental principle behind the functioning of electric motors. Here's a breakdown of how this process occurs:
1. **Electricity to Magnetism**: In an electric motor, when current flows through a coil of wire, it creates a magnetic field around the coil. This magnetic field interacts with the permanent magnets present in the motor.
2. **Interaction of Magnetic Fields**: The interaction between the magnetic fields produced by the current-carrying coil and the permanent magnets leads to a force that causes the coil to rotate. This rotation is the mechanical energy produced by the motor.
3. **Mechanical Output**: The rotating motion of the coil can then be used to drive machinery, turn wheels, or perform other mechanical tasks, converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Therefore, the electric motor lab demonstrated how electrical energy from a power source can be transformed into mechanical energy, enabling the motor to perform useful work by converting electricity into motion.
