Elenco Snaptricity&reg - Manual (Page 62)

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magnetic Induction Project #52
Educational Corner:
In separate experiments in the
1830s, Michael Faraday and
Joseph Henry discovered that
electric currents could be induced
by changing magnetic fields.
This simple concept became
extremely important to our society.
Today, high pressure water or steam
(heated by burning oil or coal) spins
large magnets in coils to produce
the electricity that runs our cities.
N
S
B
A
1mA
1mA
The meter shows an electric current even though no
batteries are used. By moving the magnet near the
coil, you have induced (created) a current in the circuit.
You have made electricity from magnetism - an electric
generator!
Battery-less flashlights and watches use this idea. By
shaking the flashlight or watch, you move a magnet in
it, which makes a current in a coil of wire, which
powers the unit.
Description
A. Move the magnet left-right or up-down near the
electromagnet. You may see the meter pointer
wiggle, which indicates a small current.
B. Place the magnet on the iron core rod and use it to
move the rod up and down IN the electromagnet.
The meter pointer should move or wiggle slightly,
showing a current is produced.
If you have a more powerful magnet in your home, use
it in place of the Snaptricity
® magnet. A more powerful
magnet will create a larger current and be easier to
measure.
Operation
Build the circuit as shown. Place the iron core rod into
the electromagnet (M3) and set the meter (M5) to the
1mA scale.
Assembly
Snappy says: many vending
machines sort coins using
magnetism, since fake coins
will have different magnetic
properties.