To make a simple electric train not as complicated as the picture, and have endless fun with friends you need three simple things. These are (a) approximately 50ft of 20-gauge non-insulated copper wire, and (b) one AA battery. Finally, for (c) you need two neodymium magnets. The magnets must be 5/8″ x 3/8″ size, so they are the same diameter as the battery. Are you ready to have some fun? You are three steps away from an amazing surprise.
Three Easy Steps to Make a Simple Electric Train
Step 1: Make a Copper Wire Coil
Make a coil from the copper wire. The simplest way to do this is borrow Mum’s broom. You actually only want the handle, but perhaps it’s best to not take it apart. Secure one end of the non-insulated copper wire at one end of the pole. Drilling a small hole through the handle and pushing it through will speed things up as you can twist the pole.
Step 2: Next Build the Train
The next step to make a simple electric train is to assemble the ‘carriages’. This part is even easier. Just attach one neodymium magnet at each end of the battery. They will click in position because the terminals are metal. Make sure a negative face shows at one end, and a positive face at the other. Roll the ‘train’ across a level surface to make sure everything is in line.
Step 3: Now Start Having Fun
Insert the ‘train’ fully into one end of the coil. It should shoot through to the other. If it just vibrates, turn one magnet round because the polarities must be opposite. Now it will work! After you get the hang of it, you can hold the ends of the coil together. The train will keep on running until the battery goes flat.
Science in Action: How This Works
The magnets have opposite polarities so they naturally want to push each other apart. Electricity flows from the battery at one terminal, through the magnet into the copper coil. It flows back into the battery through the magnet at the other terminal. This field pulls the battery at one end, and pushes it at the other. If you reverse both magnets it goes in the opposite direction.
Related
Preview Image: Electric to Diesel Change
Video Share Links
Make a Coil: https://youtu.be/0YfoIrEuc3g
Train in Action: https://youtu.be/J9b0J29OzAU
