PURPOSE: To demonstrate the force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field.
DESCRIPTION: A wire which is hooked up to the large 12 VDC power supply is put between the pole tips of a strong magnet. When the key is pressed so that current flows in the wire, the wire jumps out from between the pole tips.
SUGGESTIONS: It is possible to overheat the wire if current is flowing through the wire to long. You only need to pulse the switch to get the wire to jump
EQUIPMENT: Long red wire and switch, large 12 VDC power supply, strong horseshoe magnet, and overhead projector or elmo pad from room 135.
SETUP TIME: 30 min.