How to Use Electromagnets With a Tesla Coil

Understanding the operation of a Telsa coil can be a great subject for science class. There are many visual projects that show the operation and effects of the coil, such as making a light bulb glow without being plugged in, how different gases make different colors in the bulbs and sparking from the ball terminal. And of course, transmitting electrical power through space without wires.

Things You'll Need

• 2.3-volt flashlight bulb
• Miniature screw-base lamp socket
• Piece of string or rubber band
• Small and large plates
• 2 lengths of plastic insulated wire

Instructions

1. Cut a 3-foot length of wire. Cut your piece of wire in half.

2. Strip the insulation from one end of each wire at 1/2 inch. Remove the ball terminal and mount either small or large plate vertically on the balls threads. Secure the plate you chose by screwing the terminal snugly.

3. Use the two wires you striped the insulation from and connect one end of one wire length to the primary terminal post. Do this by inserting the bare end of your wire through the small holes located between the two black plastic pieces in the primary terminal post.

4. Attach the other length of wire you cut and stripped to one side of the miniature lamp socket. Unscrew the nuts from one unused terminals, winding around enough times to account for all of the stripped wire. Screw the nut back onto the terminal. Connect the other stripped wire between the last terminal of the lamp.

5. Connect your second stripped wire between the remaining terminal of the lamp socket and the second antenna plate. Connect the antenna plate by looping one bare end of the stripped wire through the small hole.

6. Mount your flashlight bulb into the lamp socket. Attach a rubber band or kite string through the hole in the second hole so that the plate is supported vertically.

7. Activate the Tesla coil. Holding the receiving plate, slowly bring it toward the other plate that is mounted to the top of the Tesla coil. When enough of the power is generated, the light bulb will light up with only one wire holding the plates. Try this with other types of bulbs.

Tips & Warnings

• All viewers should wear rubber soled shoes to prevent the build-up of static electricity.

• Use a demonstration table big enough for 25 people or so have room to watch the effects.

• Do not grab the Tesla coil while it is operating.

• Safety glasses should be worn by all viewers during the effect. If a bulb shattersm glass pieces will go everywhere.

• Take care around the Tesla coil. It is plugged into the wall socket and could cause electric shock if damaged.