Interactive Simulator · The D.C. Motor

Spin the Motor

A motor is a coil that the motor effect pushes round and round. One side is pushed up, the other down, so the coil turns. A clever part called the split-ring commutator swaps the current every half turn, so the coil keeps spinning the same way. Turn it up to the target speed, then remove the commutator to see why a motor needs it.

Mission Build the turning effect up to the target mark (50). Round 1 Streak 0 Best 0
Will the turning effect reach the target?
turning effect (relative)?
target mark50
spinningclockwise
More current, a stronger magnet, or more turns gives a bigger turning effect. The split-ring commutator keeps it turning one way.