Electricity & Magnetism

Black Sand

At this simple but ever-popular exhibit, black sand from nearby beaches make spiky patterns that reveal the invisible magnetic field between the poles of two giant magnets.

Where: Ray and Dagmar Dolby Atrium

Circles of Magnetism

Electricity moving in a wire makes a circular magnetic field.

Where: Gallery 2: Tinkering

Circuit Workbench

Try building these circuits found in everyday objects.

Where: Gallery 2: Tinkering

Liquid Litmus

See the chemical reactions taking place in an electrolytic cell, as electricity flowing through a tank of salt water and pH-indicating dye creates zones of acidic (yellow) and basic (blue) solutions.

Where: Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery 6, Mezzanine

All motors operate for the same basic reason: When electricity flows through a wire and a magnet is nearby, the magnet exerts a force on the wire. Without either the magnet or the electricity, there is no "push" to make the motor turn. Turning the magnet over--reversing its magnetic field--reverses the "push" and causes an opposite rotation.

Where: This exhibit is not currently on view.