Ea-2 Barlow's Wheel

Aim

To demonstrate a simple electric motor.

Apparatus

  • Barlow's wheel
  • D.C. PowerPak
  • Mercury
  • Rheostat and hook up wire

Barlows Wheel Barlows Wheel 2

Barlow's Wheel 2 Label

Barlow's Wheel

Description

Mercury stored in the chemical cupboard is poured into the trough located on the base of the apparatus. The wheel is lowered until a spoke just dips into the mercury. The voltage from the PowerPak is applied to the binding posts and increased until rotation of the wheel occurs. It may be necessary to give the wheel an initial push to overcome friction.