A voltage source is connected to two metal rails and the circuit is completed with a metal rod perpendicular to the two rails. Two large magnets at one end of the track then generate a magnetic field causing the rod to role down the track. Classes Used: Phys 102, 108

Right Hand Rule, Lorentz Force Law

The rod can be found on the same cart as the power supply. Updated on:04/02/2015

To demonstrate Lorentz Force Law

• Rail gun tracks : second floor in the electrical room

• various metal rods : where rods are usually placed

• 2 square horseshoe magnets

• Power supply (60 Amps) : Green Closet at the bottom level

• Place two square horseshoe magnets with the south-pole facing down in the slots provided at starting terminal of the rails.

• Ensure that the “mouths” of the magnets are facing down the length of the rails.

• Connect the leads of the 100A power supply to the demo, ensuring te left starting terminal is connected to the positive lead.

• Place the rod on the rails in the opening of the horseshoe magnets. The rod should be alighned with the L-shaped connectors on either side of the rails.

• Set the power supply to the desired setting (60 Amps is good).

• Turn the power supply on and watch the rod travel across the rail as it arcs and sparks.