Heat & Temperature

Blow Out Your Toaster

When the power to this exhibit is switched on, the wires sag as they rapidly heat and expand. When the power is switched off, they contract again. If the visitor blows on the glowing wires, they turn dark. A lever on the left moves a magnet past the wires making them vibrate. These Nichrome wires are just like the kind you see in toasters and electric heaters. This exhibit allows the visitor to learn why the wires glow, stretch, and vibrate.