How to Build an Electric Motor with a D Battery

In order to build an electric motor with a D battery, here are a few steps for you to follow. The following is a list of tools and materials needed to accomplish this task. The electric motor described in this article is a simple, homo-polar engine that is not used much today in any application.  Building the motor however will give you an idea of the process involved in building an electronic motor at little cost.

Step 1: Place Magnet on Nail

Take a neodymium magnet and place it on the top of an iron nail. Use a magnet that is both small and disk shaped. The nail should be completely clean and free of any dirt or corrosion in order for the magnet to adhere best.

Step 2: Attach Nail to D Battery

The force of the magnet should connect the nail to the D battery. Holding the nail with the tip facing up and allow it to attach to one of the terminal tips of the D battery.  The terminal of the battery is the raised points on the top. When compete, the nail should dangle from the battery.

Step 3: Affix Wire

Take the copper wire and tape it to the other terminal tip of the D battery. The copper wire should come in contact with the terminal before it is taped down.

Step 4: Start the Motor

Place the safety glasses on to avoid being hit by the battery accidentally should it fly use.  It is possible to achieve rpms of up 10,000 if you are successful in building the motor, so please follow this precaution. Take the free end of the wire and touch it against the neodymium magnet. This should start the motor spinning. The speed of the spinning (rpms) can be controlled by touching and removing the wire from the magnet. To get it up to full speed, hold the wire continuously against the magnet.