OK, now this is just downright cool. Using a ruler, Scotch tape, some rather strong magnets, and nine steel balls, you can build your own Gauss Rifle.
(The magnetorheological fluids are pretty keen, too – in fact, my employer has a division that makes them!)
Neato!
Where were you 12 years ago when I needed a project like this for my AP Physics class?
(*sighs and wanders about in the relics of his past again*)
This looks to be something Christopher would be very interested in! Sounds like it could be a Papa/Chris project. Short of going to a catalog to find the magnets, is there some place else we could find them? The steel balls could be bearings and shouldn’t be too hard to find …. all input is welcome! M.
Eek. This might be a bit much for Chris (for those following along at home, Chris is my 6-year-old nephew). Still, it’s a fun toy.
I know I can get one or two of the magnets here at work, but I doubt I could get four (the ones they use here are expensive!). You can buy magnets at a science store (Discovery Channel Store, etc.), but I don’t think they’d have ones powerful enough to do this. The catalog is probably the best bet. Point Marvin and/or Ruth to the web page and see if they might be interested.