Homopolar motors are the simplest forms of motors. They can be built with three materials, but their designs can be a little more creative. For instance, you can make spiral or heart shapes dance with the motor's energy. Since it is almost Valentine’s Day, you can try this fun science experiment that explores how electricity and magnetism come together to form electromagnetism.

Supplies

Steps

  1. Bend a piece of copper wire into a heart shape
  2. Leave the pointed end of the heart shape open with two ends of the copper wire
  3. Attach the neodymium magnet to the negative side of the battery
  4. Place the magnet and battery up on a flat surface
  5. Take the pieces of copper wire and place them in between the negative side of the battery and the magnet
  6. Place the top part of the heart on the positive side of the battery
  7. Once the two sides are touching the wires, the heart-shaped wire will spin

What Causes The Wire To Spin?

The wire acts as a circuit through which the current of electrons flows. When a magnet is near, the current follows the magnetic field. This is also known as the Lorentz force━opposing forces cause the wire to move in a rotating motion around an axis.

More Science Experiments With Apex Magnets

If you enjoy magnetic science experiments, browse our "Magnets Experiments" section of our blog.