Electricity and Magnetism

Magnetic Suction

This exhibit demonstrates how a solenoid works and presents two familiar applications of this device. A large coil and variable power supply are the main components of this exhibit. The coil can be plugged in with the current running in either direction. A large steel rod can be inserted into the coil. Hanging from the exhibit is a magnet and a compass to allow further exploration of the magnetic field surrounding the solenoid. The familiar devices on the table are a doorbell and a pinball machine flipper, both button-actuated.