In a message dated 3/21/03 6:46:52 AM, Gwenmatthews@aol.com writes:
<< I have a question about the connection of the coil. How do you attach it
to
the paper clips and make it spin? What is holding the coil ring to the paper
clips? Please write back. gwenmatthews@aol.com
Gwen Matthews >>
Gwen --
The length of straight wire at each end of the coil rests in the U-shaped
portion of the paper clip. The coil is held there by its own weight.
Sometimes the coil is self-starting when you hook up the batteries, but often
you have to give it a gentle spin to get it going. It's important to have the
coil well balanced.
Be sure you strip the insulation off the straight sections of wire at the
ends of the coil. Sometimes painting the top half of one of the sections with
a marker, as noted in the drawing in the activity, is helpful, but there are
those who say they get the motor to run without doing this. If you're having
trouble, you might try it both ways.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck.
Don Rathjen
Exploratorium Teacher Institute
donr@exploratorium.edu
or
donrath@aol.com
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