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Electromagnetic Induction — Reading Comprehension

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MS-PS2-3
MS-PS3-5

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This middle school science reading passage explores the concept of electromagnetic induction, focusing on Faraday's groundbreaking discovery that moving a magnet near a coil of wire can generate electricity. Students will learn the mechanisms behind this process, including how magnetic fields and electric currents interact, and how this principle serves as the foundation for modern generators and transformers. The passage aligns with NGSS standards MS-PS2-3 and MS-PS3-5, encouraging students to think deeply about cause-and-effect in physical systems and real-world applications, such as power generation. It integrates academic vocabulary, contextual explanations, and real-life examples. Activities include a comprehension quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to support critical thinking and engagement. Audio integration and Spanish translations are available for diverse learners.

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electromagnetic-induction-2 — Diagram of electromagnetic induction principles

Electromagnetic induction is the process that allows us to generate electricity by moving a magnet near a coil of wire. This crucial discovery changed the world by making large-scale production of electricity possible. Before this, people could only produce electricity with batteries or static electricity. Understanding electromagnetic induction helps explain how most of our electrical energy is produced today.

How Does Electromagnetic Induction Work?

When a magnet is moved through a coil of wire, or when a coil is moved through a magnetic field, an electric current is produced in the wire. This process was first demonstrated by Michael Faraday in 1831. He noticed that electricity was only generated when the magnet or the coil was in motion—if both were still, nothing happened. The reason is that moving the magnet changes the magnetic field around the wire, causing the electrons inside the wire to move. The faster the magnet moves, or the more coils of wire there are, the greater the current produced. For example, a small hand-crank generator works by spinning a coil inside a magnetic field, lighting up a bulb. Faraday’s law describes the relationship: the amount of voltage induced in the coil depends on how fast the magnetic field changes and the number of loops in the coil.

From Discovery to Daily Life: Generators and Transformers

This principle is the foundation for devices called generators and transformers. In power plants, huge turbines spin magnets inside coils of wire, creating the electricity that powers homes and schools. Even wind turbines and hydroelectric dams use electromagnetic induction. Transformers use this same principle to increase or decrease the voltage of electricity so it can travel long distances without losing much energy. For example, when electricity leaves a power plant, it is sent at high voltage. Transformers near your home reduce the voltage to safer levels before the electricity enters your house. All of this is possible because of electromagnetic induction.

Magnetism and Electricity: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Electromagnetic induction shows a deep connection between magnetism and electricity. Previously, scientists knew that electric currents could create magnetic fields (as in electromagnets), but Faraday showed the opposite is also true: changing magnetic fields can create electric currents. This connection is central to the science of electromagnetism. Today, electromagnetic induction is used in countless devices, from credit card readers to wireless charging pads. It continues to shape technology and society in powerful ways.

Understanding electromagnetic induction helps us see the cause-and-effect relationships that allow electric energy to be generated and used on a global scale. This process is a key example of energy transfer and the interaction between physical forces described in the NGSS standards.

Interesting Fact: The world’s largest power plants, such as the Three Gorges Dam in China, use gigantic generators based on electromagnetic induction to supply electricity to millions of people.

What is electromagnetic induction?

The process of generating electricity by moving a magnet near a coil of wireThe process of storing energy in a batteryThe use of heat to create magnetic fieldsThe way light spreads through a lens

Who first demonstrated electromagnetic induction?

Isaac NewtonMichael FaradayBenjamin FranklinNikola Tesla

Which part must be moving for electricity to be generated by electromagnetic induction?

Only the coilOnly the magnetEither the magnet or the coilNeither, both must remain still

What device uses electromagnetic induction to increase or decrease voltage?

BatteryTransformerSwitchLight bulb

What is a magnetic field?

A type of energy stored in batteriesThe invisible area around a magnet where magnetic forces actA visible force that moves magnetsA device for making electricity

What happens if the magnet and coil are both still during an experiment?

Electricity is still producedNo electricity is producedThe magnet gets strongerThe coil melts

Why are transformers important in the transmission of electricity?

They make electricity safer and more efficient to travel long distancesThey store electricity for later useThey create magnetic fields for generatorsThey change light into electricity

Which statement best describes the relationship between magnetism and electricity shown in the passage?

They are unrelated and work separatelyThey are two sides of the same coin, able to create each other in certain situationsElectricity always destroys magnetsMagnetism only works with batteries

True or False: Generators in power plants rely on electromagnetic induction to produce electricity.

TrueFalse

True or False: Faraday’s discovery showed that changing magnetic fields can create electric currents.

TrueFalse