Suitable For
Grade 4
Difficulty
2
Time Required
<2 Days
Supervision
Advised
What’s it about?
Michael Faraday, an English scientist, accidentally discovered that instead of creating magnetism in a conductor through which electricity flows, the reverse is also possible in that electrical current can be generated by passing magnets against a conductor!
This phenomenon called ‘induction’ is said to be one of the most important discoveries of the 19th century, because this is the concept behind how all electric generators and motors work. In this science experiment you will make an induction coil and a ‘galvanometer’ to test this concept:
Topics covered
Induction, Galvanometer, Michael Faraday
What will I need?
- ENAMEL COATED COPPER WIRE
- BAR MAGNET
- TOILET ROLL TUBE
- COMPASS
- STICKY TAPE
- WIRE CUTTERS
Procedure (Method)
Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.
How does it work?
Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.
The compass needle aligns itself with the direction of current flow each time the magnet is moved into the coil to indicate the flow of electricity by means of ‘induction’. When the magnet is removed, the current stops. This science experiment is a demonstration of how ‘alternating current’ works, as when the magnet is moved in and out of the centre of the coil quickly, it creates a pulsing stream of electricity. ‘Alternating current’ is most commonly used over the world today.
Like the sound of it?
Why not check out the full worksheet in one of our popular e-books?
This particular science project can be found in any of the following Experiland e-books:
Experiland e-books contain detailed steps, including illustrations, to complete the science projects from start to finish.
