How to Make a Homopolar Motor - Science Experiment

This video shows you how to make a homopolar motor, a simple motor made from a battery, magnet, and copper wire. This is a fun simple science experiment or demonstration, that you can turn into a science fair project by measuring the rotation speed of the motor if you change a variable (like the size of the magnet or the shape of the wire coil). Written instructions are available on the Science Buddies website:

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Connect with Science Buddies:

[marissavergara]

Can use any kind of magnet? Mine is not spinning

[joshuahaboc]

Does it matter if it’s like 20 gauge or something else?

[GalvanizedSquareRoseLalonde]

This is cool. Just surprised that the wire makes contact without having to strip off the enamel coating. Does the wire you use have a coating? Do you scrape it off?

[shawnharrison]

what determines the direction it spins?

[RajuRay-yllh]

Sir please make basic video on electronics thanks

[kayleighorourke]

This is dangerous; it will work but will short circuit and become very hot.

[daisytunes]

My wire won't spin...the battery gets hot but no motion. Help?

[Fresh-Fishing]

it does not wreck do not try that it can start a fare the batter it makes the wary hot do not try