Hand Rule Demonstrator

Demonstrate the relationship between magnetic field and current.

Vividly demonstrate the interaction of a magnet and an induced current. Challenge your students to predict the direction of motion base on the magnetic polarity and the current flow.

As electrons flow in a wire, they create a magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field is directly proportional to the current. When this current-carrying wire is near a permanent magnet it causes magnetic repulsion and motion is created. The horseshoe magnet can be removed to reverse the poles so students can see how the motion is affected by the orientation of the magnetic field and the current. The apparatus works on 3 V to 6 V DC and has a switch to cause a temporary current in the magnetic coil.

You can also connect a galvanometer to the apparatus and start the coil to swing. This will illustrate how motion can be used to create a current.