Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am trying to attach my wire to a 9 volt battery but it won't stay attached. Is it okay to use electrical tape although it is not In the materials or procedure?

If not, what should I do?

ZacharyX - The best way to connect a 9 volt battery is with a 'snap' connector with leads. These are available at a Radio Shack location or other electronics parts house. You may also reclaim one from a broken toy/game that used a 9 v battery. If you want to attach a wire without a snap connector, it's best to make several loops of bare wire around each terminal and twist it fairly tightly to secure. Simply placing the wire on the terminal and using electrical tape may not give you a sufficient connection. This experiment, in particular, needs a fairly heavy current to energize the magnet, so a good connection is important.

Rick Marz

Thank you for your reply. I think what you said to me was very helpful and deserves a big thanks. The problem is that I'm not sure my science teachers are okay if I use a material that's not in the materials or mentioned in the procedure.
What do you think

ZacharyX - I would think the snap battery clip should not be a problem for a science advisor even though it wasn't listed in the material. Ask to be sure, the fall back is to tightly wrap the wires as I mentioned before.

Rick Marz