Showing how interactions between magnetic fields lead to the production of motion, this program introduces viewers to the inner workings of DC motors. Topics include the work of Hans Christian Oersted, the creation of the first electric motor by Michael Faraday, and the rules for predicting field direction and forces on current carriers. The construction of a simple DC electric motor is shown with helpful graphics and 3-D animation sequences explaining the purpose of the commutator and other components of a DC motor. Also studied are various applications of DC motors, versions of brushless DC motors, and the Right Hand Slap Rule.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on June 03, 2009. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Electricity and Magnetism (4:20) -- Magnetism and Movement (3:05) -- DC Motors: Useful Motion (4:18) -- How to Make a DC Motor (2:54) -- DC Motors: Design Improvement (4:38) -- Applications of DC Motors (4:57).