You can build a simple electrical generator at home.
A generator is a device that changes mechanical energy into electrical energy. Michael Faraday developed a principle which states that energy is generated by an electrical conductor that moves perpendicular to a magnetic field. In the 19th century he built the first electromagnetic generator with a copper disc spinning between two magnets. The simplest generators today are built using the same principle. You can build an easy, inexpensive version in your own home.
Instructions
1. Measure and mark straight lines across the 30.4 cm cardboard strip. The first section should be 8 cm, the second should be 3.5 cm, the third 8 cm, the fourth 3.2 cm, and the fifth 7.7 cm.
2. Fold the cardboard down these lines until it makes a box. Tape the box shut.
3. Poke a hole through the center of the 8 cm side with a nail. Drive the nail straight through all three surfaces of cardboard until it comes out the other side.
4. Place the four magnets inside the cardboard box. Two magnets go on one side of the nail and two magnets go on the other side of the nail.
5. Tape one end of the wire to the outside of the box to secure it. Wind the wire around the box 200 to 300 times. Ideally, the wire will be wrapped in two clumps on either side of the nail, directly over the magnets. Avoid wrapping the wire over the nail hole.
6. Clip the end of the wire from the spool. Strip the plastic covering away from the wire using a knife.
7. Connect the wire on the box to the two wires on the end of the bulb. Twist all three together and make sure the metal touches metal to create a secure connection.
8. Spin the nail around in a circle to rotate the magnets and light the bulb.
Tags: side nail, other side
