The eddy current tube - AstroMedia
Pre-cut cardboard kit for a magnetic ball drop tube to demonstrate eddy currents
Will it fall or won't it?
A standing aluminium tube and two seemingly identical metal balls allow for an astonishing comparison:One ball falls through the tube at lightning speed.
The other, however, takes 10 seconds to cover the 60 cm.
The secret: The second ball is a strong magnet, and although the aluminium tube is not magnetic, it generates eddy currents as it falls, whose magnetic field slows it down. This is an important principle that we often encounter unrecognised in everyday life, from electric motors to ICE brakes. Try it out and be amazed!
Addition/replacement: The ball also fits the wind current tube.
Caution:
Avoid placing a fold of skin between two magnets that you are about to put together – this could be painful.
Do not place these magnets near magnetic data storage devices, as this could cause data to be erased.
Neodymium magnets are not toys and are not suitable for children!
| Aspiration scale: | Medium |
|---|---|
| Time Line: | 3,0 Hours |
2 pre-punched and printed sheets of construction cardboard, DIN A4
Incl. accessories:
2 aluminum tubes, 20 mm (OD) x 16 mm (ID) x 300 mm
1 stainless steel ball, Ø 15 mm, approx. 13 g
1 neodymium ball magnet N45, Ø 15 mm, approx. 13 g
Detailed assembly instructions
Dimensions of the built model: approx. 62.2 x 13.1 x 9.6 cm
Construction time: approx. 3 hours
Distributor:
PGI-Skarabäus, Im Kränzliacker 9, 79576 Weil am Rhein, Germany, pgi-shop.de
PGI-Skarabäus, Lerchenstrasse 38, 4147 Aesch, Switzerland, pgi-shop.ch
Manufacturer: AstroMedia GmbH, Im Wirrigen 30, 45731 Waltrop, Germany, astromedia.de
Adult supervision:
Children under 14 years of age should use the kit under adult supervision to avoid risks from improper handling.
Risk of injury:
Be particularly careful when handling pointed and sharp parts! Use sharp tools carefully, and if necessary take suitable safety measures to avoid injuries.
Fire hazard:
Keep away from open fire and heat sources. Product contains highly flammable materials.
Use of adhesive:
When using adhesive, follow the manufacturer's safety instructions. Work in well-ventilated rooms and avoid skin or eye contact.
Magnet:
Swallowing hazard:
Magnets can be swallowed and cause serious injuries to the body. Keep out of the
reach of children under 12 years of age!
Health risk:
People with pacemakers or other medical devices should keep away from magnets!
Risk for electronic devices:
Strong magnetic fields can damage electronic devices, data storage devices (e.g.
credit cards) and mechanical components or render them unusable. Store magnets
at a safe distance.
Danger of crushing:
Due to their strong attraction, magnets can pinch skin or fingers and cause crushing
or bruising.
Danger of breakage and splintering:
Magnets are brittle and can break into sharp-edged fragments in the event of a
collision, which poses a risk of injury to skin and eyes.
Danger from dust formation:
Grinding, drilling or cutting magnets creates dust that can be self-flammable when it
comes into contact with oxygen and is harmful to health. Mechanical processing
should be avoided!
Dispose of magnets in accordance with local disposal regulations.
Bau- und Gebrauchsanleitung: Deutsch