Awesome Trick with an AA Battery

Did you ever find yourself without a way to light a campfire? Imagine we are miles from anywhere, and the forest is alive with night sounds. We thought we had everything we need, but our matchbook has let us down. Before we solve the problem and light the fire with an awesome trick with an AA battery, we need a little science first.

Step 1: Review What Else We Have to Light the Fire

awesome trick with an AA battery — Matchbook: Kim Siever: Public Domain

Well, we have a supply of firewood the store bundled together with a piece of wire. And we do have a tiny flashlight with an AA battery. Moreover, we have already gathered kindling in the forest.

The only problem is the matchbook. We packed the wrong one. We brought an old book with just three matches left. However, we already wasted one because the striker is worn.

We need to perform an awesome trick with an AA battery. Because this is the only energy source we have with us, and the night is getting colder.

Step 2: Remember What We Learned in Science Class

We remember teacher telling us that electric wire must be the right thickness for the electric charge. We use thin wires in electronic circuits because the resistance in thick ones would be too great. Equally, the ones on electric pylons belonging to the grid are thick, because thin ones would simply melt.

Step 3: Perform the Awesome Trick with an AA Battery

Remove an inch of insulation from each end of the electric wire. Then scrape the exposed copper strands with a knife to make them shiny. Take up one end, and fold all the strands against the insulation, except for one strand that is still standing straight. Wind half the length of this around a match head so the rest is standing out.

Connect the other end of the wire to the battery negative. Finally touch the single strand to the positive terminal making sure you holding the other end of the match. The strand instantly overheats and catches fire. You lit the match! Now light the fire. What an awesome trick with an AA battery. Check the video for four more exciting ideas.