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By Sean Henry

Exploring Electromagnetism through Eddy Current Braking

The use of electromagnetism is so wide spread in today’s world as it is seen in applications such as motors, transformers, medical imaging, loudspeakers as well as trains and countless other systems. Since it comes up again and again in modern technology, the underlying physics concepts which begin to explain electromagnetism are valuable tools to have as an aspiring physicist. Therefore the aim here is to teach some of these electromagnetism concepts through a demonstration of an eddy current brake built into a bicycle wheel. Moreover, the hope here is that by teaching physics through a hands on demonstration, this will engage and possibly inspire the students to continue studying physics in their future.