Stretch the Chain and See the Light

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this activity, learners use their strength to light a light bulb. A chain made from paper clips is placed in series with a battery and flashlight bulb. When the chain is stretched, the light bulb glows brighter. The explanation lies in decreased electrical resistance due to better contact between the paper clips as the chain is stretched.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Christmas tree bulb cut from a string of lights
  • approximately 3 ft of hook up wire (#22 solid copper wire) or alligator clip leads
  • battery - AA
  • 2 paper clips - regular size (#1)
  • 2 finishing nails - 2 1/2 inches long
  • wirestripper
  • tape
  • 18-24 inches of steel chain

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
      • Electric Circuits
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Electronics

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:

  • Rathjen, Don

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2004