Concepts

Generators, work, energy conservation

Overview

Pedalling the bicycle generator supplies power to a bank of lights: incandescent, fluorescent, and LED. The pedal work required to turn on the lights depends on the energy efficiencies and luminosities of the active lights, which can be switched on and off.

The additional effort required to power more lights is most obvious to the cyclist, but can be explained to a large audience, if required.

Details

Equipment

• [1] Bicycle generator
  
• [1] Light bank
  
• [1] Screwdriver  

Classroom Assembly

1. Position the generator and light bank so the users/audience can see them.
2. Connect the light bank electrodes to the bike. The wire with the flat socket goes on the flat connector on the bike. The black wire connects to the labelled "black" terminal with the screw and washer. Tighten moderately with the screwdriver. The remaining wire goes on the bike terminal with a thumb screw.

Important Notes

• Do not cycle excessively quickly on the bike, or else the drive belt will lose traction with the generator, and it won't work.
  

Script

1. Turn on the switches for the lights you want to operate.
2. Mount the bicycle and pedal as quickly as required to turn on the lights.
3. Repeat steps 1-2 as required.

Additional Resources