Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

So what happened exactly? I think it was a short circuit but I’m unsure. I was making the paper speaker and using the hot glue gun to add some glue to the wire that was wrapped around the magnet. The metal part at the tip of the hot glue gun touched the wire or possibly the magnet and then there was a bright flash / small fireball, a loud bang and suddenly my hot glue gun is blackened and there is a strong burnt smell in the air.
Thanks for your expertise.



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The activity can be viewed at: Build a Paper Speaker

Hi,

It was most likely a short circuit. The metal tip of the hot glue gun probably touched the wire and created a path for too much electricity to flow at once. This caused a sudden spark/flash, loud bang, and burning smell. The black marks show that bleep overheated or burned. For safety, unplug the glue gun and do not use it again until an adult checks it. Open a window because the burnt smell may be smoke from melted plastic or wire coating.