Not so long ago we wrote about using magnets, a battery, and copper wire to make a simple train. Today we are going to explain how to turn a battery into a roller toy.We will also discover how electricity and magnetism can combine to create a simple homopolar motor. This is really kids’ stuff, although we’ll bet you the adults will join in.
To turn a battery into a roller we need the following:
- Aluminum kitchen foil (2 ft long)
- A couple of new AA-size cell batteries
- One R841, and two RX032 button magnets
These materials are sufficient to make the battery roll back and forth. If you can lay your hands on a DC2 magnet, the battery will also go round in circles.
How to Turn a Battery into a Roller in Two Easy Steps
First, place the R841 magnet on the positive end of the battery. The purpose of this is to hold the RX032 that goes on next firmly, and keep it centered. Next, position the second RX032 at the negative end of the battery. Please be careful to make sure the same RX032 magnet poles are facing away from the battery. Are you ready to release the power of electromagnetism? Check out the video below for a demonstarion:
Next, choose a work surface that is even and level, and smooth the kitchen foil over it. Now roll the battery assembly into play. This will either return to you, or keep rolling. Try turning it around and the opposite will happen! See this second video for some neat tricks.
Hey, What’s Happening Here?
Now that you know how to turn a battery into a roller, as a scientist you might want to know how this works. It’s simple really: you made the inside part of a homopolar electric motor using electricity and magnetism. The energy flows from the battery through the magnets, via the sheet of aluminum foil. So we are actually creating a short circuit here. The battery will therefore go flat quickly, which is why we said you need a couple. Hope you have fun making your own roller toy!
Related
How to Make a Simple Electric Motor
Make a Simple Electric Train with Batteries
Preview Image: Homopolar Motor Flux Force
Video Share Links
Assemble the Roller: https://youtu.be/XhIo25sb2-g
Play with the Roller: https://youtu.be/Y4UErmVrif4