Create an Electric Device that Lights Up 2 Feet Away | DIY Guide

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter umaga
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Device Electricity
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
Sign up Log in
2 replies · 2K views
umaga
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
i need to make a device but don't know how
it is 2 lightbulbs, when they are far away, (more than 2 feet), then one or both of them should light up. if they are close, they should both turn off.
any idea how i can do this?
 

Discussion

Physics news on Phys.org
Since both light bulbs need to be connected to a power source anyway, you can connect them linearly and add a string and pin, two feet in length, which would short circuit the two. If the light bulbs move to more than the length of the string from each other the string would disconnect and thus there will be light!

Of course you meant, without direct contact between the two, but I couldn't resist the obvious solution. You can also use positioning devices that works on sound, which would calculate the distance by measuring the time under a constant velosity. You can also use a common laser and a small mirror and mesure the shift. Are these good for you?
 
Welcome to PF, Umaga.
You could simply place a conductive plate on the table. When both lamps are in contact with it, the circuit is closed; when one isn't, darkness.