Barlow’s Wheel
Product Specification Sheet
Barlow’s Wheel
Model Number: MTME-34
Barlow’s Wheel is a classic electromagnetic apparatus designed to demonstrate the motor effect and conversion of electrical energy into mechanical rotational motion. The apparatus incorporates an electrically charged copper wheel that can rotate freely without the use of a conventional motor. When connected to a suitable battery supply, current passes through the wheel while its lower edge is positioned between the poles of strong neodymium magnets, producing an electromagnetic force that causes continuous rotation.
Product Specification
The Barlow’s Wheel is a practical electromagnetic apparatus used to demonstrate how a current-carrying conductor experiences a force when placed within a magnetic field. The resulting force produces rotational motion, providing a clear demonstration of the fundamental principle behind an electric motor.
The apparatus incorporates a copper wheel mounted so that it can spin freely. Unlike a conventional motor, the wheel does not require a separate mechanical drive mechanism to produce rotation.
When the apparatus is connected to a suitable battery or low-voltage electrical source, current flows through the conductive copper wheel. The lower portion of the wheel is positioned within a strong magnetic field produced by the supplied magnets.
Micro Technologies supplies the apparatus with two strong neodymium magnets arranged to provide the magnetic field required for the experiment. The interaction between the electric current in the wheel and the external magnetic field generates a force on the conductor.
Because this electromagnetic force acts on part of the wheel away from its axis, it produces a turning effect or torque. The copper wheel therefore begins to rotate, providing a visible demonstration of electrical energy being converted into mechanical motion.
The apparatus can also be used to investigate the relationship between current direction, magnetic-field direction, and direction of rotation. Reversing either the current or magnetic-field orientation can reverse the direction of the electromagnetic force and therefore the direction of wheel rotation.
Barlow’s Wheel provides a simple physical representation of the motor effect, making it useful for experiments involving current-carrying conductors, magnetic force, electromagnetic torque, and electric motor principles.
Features
- Classic Barlow’s Wheel apparatus
- Freely rotating copper wheel
- No conventional motor required
- Operates from a suitable battery source
- Two strong neodymium magnets
- Demonstrates electromagnetic force
- Demonstrates the electric motor effect
- Converts electrical input into rotational motion
- Allows current-direction investigations
- Allows magnetic-field direction experiments
- Clear visible wheel rotation
- Compact bench-top construction
- Reusable experimental apparatus
Benefits
- Provides a clear demonstration of electric motor principles
- Visible rotation makes electromagnetic force easy to observe
- Simple construction shows the essential components of the motor effect
- Allows investigation of current and magnetic-field direction
- Demonstrates electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion
- Freely rotating wheel provides an immediate experimental response
- Compact configuration minimizes setup requirements
- Suitable for repeated electromagnetism experiments
Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Barlow’s Wheel |
| Internal Model No. | MT-41225 |
| Product Type | Electromagnetic Motor Demonstration Apparatus |
| Wheel Material | Copper |
| Wheel Motion | Free Rotation |
| Magnet Type | Neodymium |
| Number of Magnets | 2 |
| Electrical Source | Suitable Battery / Low-Voltage Source |
| Mechanical Motor | Not Required |
| Primary Principle | Motor Effect |
| Energy Conversion | Electrical to Mechanical |
| Observed Effect | Rotation of Copper Wheel |
| Primary Application | Electromagnetic Force Experiments |
Applications
- Barlow’s Wheel experiment
- Electric motor principle demonstration
- Motor effect experiments
- Force on a current-carrying conductor
- Electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion
- Electromagnetic force investigations
- Magnetic-field direction experiments
- Current-direction experiments
- Electromagnetic torque demonstration
Available Variants
- MT-41225 – Standard Barlow’s Wheel
- Barlow Wheel Electromagnetic Demonstrator
- Copper Wheel Motor Effect Apparatus
- Electromagnetic Rotation Apparatus
- Customized configurations for bulk requirements
FAQs
What is Barlow’s Wheel used for?
Barlow’s Wheel is used to demonstrate the force acting on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field and the basic operating principle of an electric motor.
What material is the wheel made from?
The rotating wheel is made from copper.
Does Barlow’s Wheel use a motor to rotate?
No. The copper wheel rotates due to electromagnetic force and does not require a conventional mechanical motor.
How does Barlow’s Wheel work?
When current passes through the copper wheel while part of the wheel is positioned in a magnetic field, an electromagnetic force acts on the conductor and produces torque that rotates the wheel.
What type of magnets are supplied?
The apparatus is supplied with two strong neodymium magnets.
What type of electrical supply is required?
A suitable battery or compatible low-voltage electrical source is required to pass current through the copper wheel.
What principle does Barlow’s Wheel demonstrate?
It primarily demonstrates the motor effect, where a current-carrying conductor experiences a force when placed in a magnetic field.
What energy conversion takes place?
The apparatus demonstrates the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical rotational energy.
Can the direction of rotation be reversed?
Yes. Reversing the direction of current or reversing the magnetic-field orientation can reverse the direction of the electromagnetic force and wheel rotation.
Does it demonstrate electromagnetic force?
Yes. The rotation of the wheel provides a visible demonstration of electromagnetic force acting on a current-carrying conductor.
Is Barlow’s Wheel reusable?
Yes. The apparatus is designed for repeated experiments when operated correctly with a suitable electrical source.
Can Barlow’s Wheel be supplied in bulk?
Yes. Micro Technologies can supply Barlow’s Wheel apparatus in bulk for laboratories, universities, colleges, research facilities, scientific equipment distributors, and institutional procurement.
Why Choose Our Products
- Freely rotating copper wheel
- Two strong neodymium magnets
- Clear motor-effect demonstration
- Demonstrates electromagnetic force and torque
- Shows electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion
- Compact and reusable construction
- Suitable for comparative experiments
- Bulk supply available
Call to Action
Demonstrate the fundamental principle of an electric motor with Barlow’s Wheel from Micro Technologies. Contact us for competitive quotations, bulk orders, distributor requirements, institutional procurement, and complete magnetism and electromagnetism laboratory equipment solutions.
