Electricity & Magnetism: World's Simplest Motor

PIRA Class: 5K40.05

Purpose: 

To observe the mechanical energy produced from electrical energy. 

Description: 

Small coil of wire, connected to a C-cell battery, spins above a magnet.

- Make sure coil's side wires are straight and along the coil's axis of symmetry.

- Give coil a "kick start" to overcome friction.

- If coil will not continue to rotate, check all connections for any corrosion. If necessary: scrap off any corrosion on coil's side wires. [One of the side wires has its topside's varnish coating scrapped off, while the other has its "bottom-side" scrapped off. In this manner we have simulated alternating current, so that the force on the bottom half of the coil does not change direction (as coil spins).] 

Equipment: 

World's Simplest Motor

Location:
Shelf 342