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How to Make a Continuous Electrical Generator

The last-minute science project is a nightmare for both parents and children. However, with a few common objects, a continuous magnetic generator can be constructed from objects that may be around the house. This experiment demonstrates how the motion of a magnet in a copper wire will cause the electrons in the wire to move; this motion will generate energy to light a light-emitting diode (LED). Constructing the continuous electrical magnet generator will take roughly an hour.

Things You'll Need

Cardboard
Film canister
Scissors
Electrical tape
1/4 pound of 30-gauge copper wire
LED
Neodymium magnet

Instructions

- 1
  Place the bottom of the film container on the piece of cardboard and trace two circles. Draw circles around each circle and then cut the edges and middles out of each circle.
- 2
  Slip the two circles onto each end of a film canister. Wrap electrical tape around the canisters to hold the cardboard circles in place. The finished product will look similar to a bobbin that holds sewing thread.
- 3
  Wrap copper wire 1,000 times around each film canister. Leave both ends of the wire so that the ends are accessible after it has been wrapped.
- 4
  Connect a small LED to the loose ends of the wire on each film canister.
- 5
  Place the neodymium magnet inside the film canister and place the lid on the canister. Shake the canister several times and movement will light up the diode.

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