Elenco Electronics 202 - Manual (Page 109)

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Project #254
OBJECTIVE: To show how electricity can lift things using
magnetism.
Electromagnet Tower
Project #255
OBJECTIVE: To learn how electricity and magnetism are
related.
Paper Clip Compass
Use the circuit from project #254, but place the iron core rod in the
electromagnet (M3). You may want to use the slide switch (S1) in
place of the press switch (S2), but only turn it on as needed or you will
quickly drain your batteries.
Slide two paper clips together, using their loops.
Turn on the switch and hold the paper clips just above the
electromagnet, without them touching the iron core rod. Watch how
the lower paper clip is drawn toward the iron core rod, and will point
towards it just like a compass.
This circuit gives a dramatic demonstration of how
the electromagnet can suck up a paper clip. Take
a paper clip and straighten it out, then bend it in
half. Drop it into the electromagnet (M3) center,
and then press the press switch (S2) several
times. The paper clip gets sucked into the center
of the electromagnet and stays suspended there
until you release the switch.
Add two more 1-snaps under the electromagnet
to make it higher, and try this again. Then try
sucking up other thin iron objects, like nails.
Straighten and
bend paper clip
Drop in