August 2007
Intermediate to advanced
190 pages
7h 38m
English
Make a spinning motor with a minimum of parts.
You will need: Two strong, metallic disc magnets approximately ¾" in diameter (larger in diameter than a AA battery), 6" length of stiff copper wire, AA battery, needlenose pliers
1. Make it.
First, if your copper wire is insulated, strip the insulation off. Bend the top of the wire into a hook shape. Press the tip into a sharp point with the pliers. Wrap the wire in a spiral form around the body of the battery, as shown in Figure 1. The wire should be just loose enough so it will not contact the battery case.
Next, place 2 metallic disc magnets on the battery’s negative terminal. Adjust the shape of the wire so the top rests on the center positive terminal and the bottom ...