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Physics
Teacher Developed Classroom Tested

A solenoid is sometimes called a “sucking magnet” because it will pull a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, into itself when conducting an electrical current.
Physics teacher Ralph Fudge developed this demonstrator that operates on the same principle by which doorbells and buzzers work. It uses a nail to demonstrate the effect achieved when something allowed to move is made part of an electrical circuit.
The electrical circuit includes the nail as part of its connecting path. As soon as the nail is drawn up into the coil, the circuit is broken and gravity pulls the nail back down, completing the circuit again. The rate of the action is determined by the mass (inertia) of the nail and the strength of the solenoid.
Ralph says the action of the nail jumping is amusing - and really helps students grasp electromagnetism. Comes with instructions. Grades 7-12.

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