Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Create the frame that will hold the wires by cutting a rectangular piece of cardboard measuring 8 centimeters long by 23 centimeters wide. Measure 8 centimeters, 11.5 centimeters and 19.5 centimeters lengthwise along each side of the cardboard and mark each measurement with a pencil. Divide the length of the cardboard into four sections by drawing a line across the cardboard and connecting each pair of marked measurements.
Crease along the lines, using a ruler and pencil. Fold along each line to form a rectangular box that has a top and bottom opening. Hold the cardboard in place by wrapping tape twice around the length of the box.
On the front side of the box, draw a diagonal line from the upper left corner down to the lower right corner. Draw another diagonal line from the upper right corner down to the lower left corner. Punch a hole in the center of the box where the lines intersect, using the 3-inch nail. Punch another hole on the opposite side of the box following the same procedures. Insert the nail through both holes, and twist the nail to rotate it.
Wind 200 to 300 turns of magnet wire around the box, but leave a foot of extra wire sticking out on both ends. Remove the enamel coating on the tip of each wire, using sandpaper. Wrap a band of tape around the wires to prevent the wires from unwinding. Rock the nail slightly to move the wires away from the nail hole and allow the nail to rotate without touching the wires.
Attach the two magnets together and tape the pair lengthwise to secure them. Do the same for the other two magnets. Measure the length of the magnet and divide the measurement by two to get the center of the magnet. Mark the center, using a marking pen. Cut two pieces of cardboard equal to a quarter of the magnet size; the cardboard will serve as padding between the two pairs of magnets and allow the magnets to be mounted squarely onto the nail.
Stick a pair of magnets on each side of the nail. Stick the piece of cardboard padding on each side of the nail between the two pairs of magnets. Make sure the center of each magnet lies along the nail. Ensuring that the magnets are centered will balance the weight of the magnets equally on each side of the nail (axis), thus preventing excessive vibrations while the magnets are spinning. Wrap a band of tape around the magnets to secure them.
Clip one end of an alligator clip to the prong on your multimeter, and clip the other end to the uninsulated tip of the magnet wire. Do the same for the other multimeter prong and magnet wire. Set the dial of your multimeter to its minimum AC range. Twist the nail manually as fast as you can and watch the voltage reading on the multimeter. Electricity is produced once the magnets spin close to the wires. This electricity is detected by the multimeter.