5h40.30: FORCE ON CURRENT IN MAGNETIC FIELD JUMPING WIRE

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.