GENERATION AND SENSING OF MAGNETIC FIELDS

(INCLUDES DEMONSTRATION OF A COIL GUN)

— In 1820, HANS CHRISTIAN OERSTED discovered that an electric current

had an effect on the needle of a magnetic compass.

— We reenact the Oersted experiment, which opened the entire field of

ELECTROMAGNETISM.

— See with your own eyes that magnetic fields can PENETRATE SOLID WALLS!

— We show how to generate magnetic fields with the help of AIR

SOLENOIDS and of iron-core ELECTROMAGNETS.

— The main event will be the demonstration of a COIL GUN which shoots

pieces of steel coat hangers. The energy powering the gun is stored in

a 5000 microfarad electrolytic capacitor.

— See how magnetic fields can be detected and measured with a HALL

PROBE.