Simple Circuits
Simple Circuits
Experiment Procedure
- Place the battery between the two ends of the LEDs. If it does not light up, flip the battery over and try again.
- Cut a small piece of tape and use it to secure the LED to the battery.
- Place a Neodymium magnet on the battery.
- Place a second piece of tape over the magnet.
- Toss the throwies onto any metal object.
Materials List
- LED Bulbs
- Watch Batteries
- Neodymium Magnets
- Electrical Tape
- Adult Supervision
How Does It Work?
An LED (light-emitting diode) is an ingenious invention that’s used when bright, low power and low heat lights are needed. In a diode, electrons rise to and fall from precise energy levels. When an electron falls to a lower energy level, light energy is emitted. It’s the size of the fall (the gap) that decides the frequency of the light (i.e. the color of the visible light). What you see, then, is green and blue light, not white light through green or blue plastic. LEDs are found in all kinds of devices from numbers on a digital clock, to kitchen appliances, to traffic lights, and even jumbo-tron screens. The battery in this kit will power the LED non-stop for over two months. Then, go buy a new battery.
The super strong magnets are made from neodymium, iron, boron and a few transition metals. They’re some of the strongest magnets in the world. Neodymium magnets are so strong that they may be dangerous if not handled properly. A domino-sized pair can slam together from over 6in/15cm apart and knock chips off themselves and smash fingers from the force of the impact. Be careful! Any type of magnetic media(DVD, computer, cell phone, etc.) will be history in the presence of one large neodymium magnet. By the way, it’s far easier to slide neodymium magnets apart than it is to pull them part.
Take it Further! — Light Mixing
Experiment Procedure
- Turn off the lights in the room.
- Point the LED light of two differing colors towards the wall or a piece of white paper.
- Overlap the light beams on the wall and watch as the colors mix before your eyes!
- Try mixing two different colors, or all three.
Materials List
- 1 Red LED Throwie
- 1 Green LED Throwie
- 1 Blue LED Throwie
- Adult Supervision
How Does It Work?
Red, green, and blue are the primary colors of light. The mixing of these colors is generally referred to as additive mixing. In the absence of these colors the result is no light or black. If all three colors of light are showing, the result is white. When you combine red and green, the result is yellow. When red and blue combine, the result is magenta. Cyan is a result of blue and green combining.
Take it Even Further! — LED Balloon Art
Experiment Procedure
- Carefully place an LED throwie into a a balloon and blow it up. Tie off the end of the balloon.
- Make several more. Be careful if the throwies have any sharp or pointy edges that they don’t pop the balloons from the inside.
- Use your LED Balloon Art for some cool decorations around your house or at your next party!
Materials List
- LED Throwies
- Clear Balloons
- Adult Supervision
How Does It Work?
What do you mean how does it work? It’s just an LED in a balloon! Stop reading this and go have fun!