How to Build a Direct Current Motor
Motors are the basic driving force for many machines and devices, powering everything from cars to blenders and computers. A simple direct current motor serves as the building block for larger, more complex motors. Building a direct current motor is a great way to see applied science in action.
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Things You'll Need
- 9-volt battery with attachable battery clips
- Pen
- 2 large paperclips
- Polystyrene foam block
- Rod, approximately 1 inch in diameter
- Disc magnet
- Insulated copper wire, 12 inches
- Colored marker
- Scissors
Instructions
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1
Wind the insulated copper wire around the rod four times to create a loop. Then pull the loop off the rod.
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2
Wrap the free ends of the wire around the loop three times. Straighten the ends so that they extend out in a straight line directly across from each other. This wire bundle, known as an armature, is one of the key components of a direct current motor.
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3
Straighten out each paperclip. Carefully wind the end of one paperclip around a pen three times, forming a small but complete loop. Repeat with the other paperclip.
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4
Stick the ends of the straightened paperclips into the polystyrene foam block, forming posts. The posts should be about 3 inches apart.
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5
Place the armature on a flat surface. Use scissors to gently cut through and strip off about 1 inch of insulation from each free end. Use a colored marker to color the top side of the exposed wire on each end. Leave the bottom half uncolored.
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6
Place the armature in the paperclip loops with the uncolored side touching the loops.
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7
Position the disc magnet below the armature.
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8
Connect the metal clips to the paperclip posts. Connect the other ends of the metal clips to the 9-V battery.
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9
Spin the coil slightly to start the direct current motor. To stop it, remove the magnet from the polystyrene foam.
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Tips & Warnings
If the coil does not spin continuously, try spinning it in the opposite direction.
Before building the direct current motor, double-check that the 9-volt battery is fully charged.
Do not use anything more powerful than a 9-volt battery.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
