Ask an Expert: Build a Simple Electric Motor

[BrNDson1020]

I am working of the science buddies topic "Build a Simple Electric Motor" for my school science fair. I purchased the recommended kit from Home Science Tools by following the link. I cannot get the LED to light up. I have checked the coil and rewired the coil. I have watched the instructional video too. I want to know if the magnets have to be configured a specific way for this to work. Will the LED light up when the poles of the magnets are all the same on the hex nut-a direct current? When I have an alternating current(the magnets alternating poles north-south around the hex nut, the LED light blinks on.

[AmyCowen]

Hi - Can you confirm which kit you bought (the name of it at Home Science Tools) and which project directions at Science Buddies you are using?

You mention the Simple Electric Motor project (https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #materials), but that project doesn't involve an LED.

Is it possible you are doing the Human-Powered Energy project linked on this page (or the other one you see here):
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... SB-ENERSHK

If you can let us know, we'll be better able to help troubleshoot.

There are also tips on the Help tab for these projects that may help you find the problem.

Amy
Science Buddies