How Can You Launch a Toothpick 12 Inches Using a Battery, Magnets, and Wire?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on launching a toothpick 12 inches using a 6 Volt lantern battery, magnets, and wire. A participant attempted to create a "beakman's motor" but failed to achieve the desired launch. Suggestions include constructing a strong electromagnet with a metal core and a significant length of wire to effectively move the toothpick. The feasibility of achieving the 12-inch launch distance remains uncertain without precise calculations or further experimentation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetism principles
  • Familiarity with basic circuit design
  • Knowledge of "beakman's motor" construction
  • Experience with materials like wire and magnets
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to construct a strong electromagnet using a 6 Volt battery
  • Learn about the physics behind "beakman's motor" and its applications
  • Investigate the optimal wire gauge and length for electromagnet efficiency
  • Explore methods to calculate the force exerted by electromagnets at varying distances
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists, educators, and students interested in physics experiments, particularly those exploring electromagnetism and mechanical propulsion techniques.

lonernoob
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Homework Statement


Make a toothpick move or shoot 12 inches using a 6 Volt lantern battery, magnets, wire, (& anything else necessary)

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



Made a "beakman's motor" and tried to insert a toothpick in the wire, so it can spin and then launch, but failed, need another solution/ideas to try, using the above materials.
 
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No Help? :cry:
 
you can make a pretty strong electromagnet that will move a toothpick with a bit of metal stuck to it... youl need a core though and a fairly big bit of wire. don't honestly know how much wire/iron youl need to get it to move from 12inches away... just spit-balling
 

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