Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

i actually have a question about my son's science project he chose. can a bicycle conduct electricity to light a light bulb and what would we need besides a bike to get started?

Hi,

I have moved your question to its own thread so the experts will notice that you need help. Unfortunately, I couldn't change the name of the project. Good luck!

I'm not sure if small DC bicycle generators are still availabe given the LED low current hi visibility technology and low weight emphasis in today's bicycle markets.

The DC bicycle generators were mounted to the frame and actually had a penetrating sharpened screw that dug into the frame to make a good connection. The generator then had a single connection for wires that would go to a tail light and head light. The tail and head lights again had a penetrating sharpened screw that dug into the frame to make a good connection. In other words, the bicycle frame was used as one of the circuit connections just like in automobiles and only one wire was needed.

Obviously this does NOT work for carbon fiber frames.

If you are wanting to evaluate if this is viable on a particular frame, a multi-meter on its ohms scale would be my test instrument of choice. Be aware that you may have to scratch some paint to get a good connection.