A homopolar motor is a simple electric motor that does not require the use of a commutator. The electric current flows in a fixed direction within the wires of the motor. The following are instructions on how to construct this simple teaching tool that can be used to demonstrate how a motor works, as well as teach concepts such as Fleming's left-hand rule and F=Il×B.
Some history to begin, this simple electric motor works on relationships between magnetism and electricity, first formulated by a Frenchman in 1820, with the concept developed further in by a British scientist a year later in 1821. He demonstrated this first electric motor, known as a Homopolar motor.
Copper wire (about 22 cm)
Small neodymium magnets (1 or 2)
1.5 V AA-size battery