Magnetic Pendulums

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In this activity and demonstration about electricity and magnetism, learners observe how the current generated when one copper coil swings through a magnetic field starts a second coil swinging. Learners also explore what happens when they change the polarity of the magnet, reverse the coil, or add a clip lead to short-circuit the coils. Use this activity to illustrate how electricity and magnetism interact. The assembly of the electromagnetic swing device takes about an hour.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • One 1 x 12 in (2.5 x 30 cm) board, 24 inches (60 cm) long
  • Two 2 x 4 in (5 x 10 cm) boards, 18 inches (45 cm) long
  • One 1 x 4 in (2.5 x 10 cm) board, 24 inches (60 cm) long
  • One 9/16 in (14 mm) drill bit (for cow magnet holes) and drill
  • Carpenter's tools: Ruler, pencil, hammer or screwdriver, saw.
  • Nails or screws
  • Magnet wire (#22 gauge or finer) for the coils (Available at Radio Shack on prewound, individual plastic spools.)
  • Masking tape
  • 2 cow magnets (usually 1/2 inch [1.3 cm] diameter, available at feed stores). Make sure you get the cylindrical ones with the north and south pole at the ends, not the rectangular ones with north and south poles on the faces.
  • An electrical lead wire with alligator clips at both ends (available at Radio Shack)
  • Adult help

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
      • Electromagnetic Fields
      • Electric Circuits
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation
  • California Department of Education
  • NEC Foundation of America