Wiktor Wise
Shrinking a quarter with electricity is a well-known experiment that involves using a high-voltage capacitor to generate a strong electromagnetic field, causing the coin to shrink. This phenomenon, known as high-velocity electromagnetic forming or magneforming, has sparked curiosity among many, with some believing it to be a hoax. However, it's important to approach this experiment with caution and the necessary safety gear as the process involves extremely high voltages and the potential for shrapnel. The result is a visibly squished coin, with a reduced diameter and increased thickness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric force | 8000V |
| Lorentz force | Applicable |
| Faraday's law of induction | Applicable |
| Current | 100,000 amp |
| Coil | Wire coil |
| Coil explosion | Violent outward explosion |
| Metal | Silver, copper, and aluminum are best; nickel, steel, and various alloys work to a lesser extent |
| Diameter | Shrinks to the size of a dime |
| Volume | Remains the same |
| Thickness | Becomes fatter |
| Rockwell number | Increases |
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What You'll Learn
Using an 8000V electromagnet
An 8000V electromagnet can be used to shrink a quarter through the interplay of electric and magnetic forces, which results in the Lorentz Force and Faraday's law of induction. This method can be used to shrink any type of metal coin.
The performance group ArcAttack has successfully shrunk a quarter using an electromagnet. The process was captured on camera by the group Hackerbot Labs, who placed the coin between two clear dowels and recorded the process at 180,000 frames per second.
The specific setup and procedure for using an 8000V electromagnet to shrink a quarter are not publicly available. However, it is clear that the high voltage of the electromagnet plays a crucial role in generating the magnetic forces required for the process.
It is important to note that attempting to replicate this experiment without proper knowledge, safety precautions, and expertise can be extremely dangerous. High voltages can cause serious injury or even death if not handled correctly.
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The Lorentz Force
In essence, the Lorentz force is the influence that changes a physical quantity. It is the electromagnetic force acting on a charged particle moving through electric and magnetic fields. The Lorentz force law, together with Maxwell's equations, forms the foundation of classical electrodynamics. The law describes the force exerted on a charged particle by electric and magnetic fields, determining how these particles move in electromagnetic environments.
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Faraday's law of induction
Shrinking a quarter with electricity involves the interplay between electric and magnetic forces, leading to the Lorentz Force and Faraday's law of induction. This phenomenon, known as electromagnetic induction, was first discovered by Michael Faraday in 1831 and independently by Joseph Henry in 1832. Faraday's law is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism that describes the relationship between electric circuits and magnetic fields.
Faraday's experimental observations revealed that an EMF is induced when the magnetic flux across the coil changes over time. This led to the understanding that a magnetic field could be visualized as composed of many lines of induction, along which a small magnetic compass would point. The aggregate of these lines intersecting a given area is defined as the magnetic flux. By inducing an EMF in an electromagnetic flowmeter, the velocity of fluids can be recorded, demonstrating the practical applications of Faraday's law.
Faraday's law has found applications in various technologies, including induction cookers, electric guitars, and electric violins. Additionally, electrical equipment like transformers operate based on mutual induction, which is founded on Faraday's principles. The law is mathematically expressed through the Maxwell-Faraday equation, which describes the relationship between the transformer EMF and the motional EMF. James Clerk Maxwell further contributed to the understanding of electromagnetic induction by expressing the time-varying aspect as a differential equation, now recognized as one of the Maxwell equations.
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High-velocity electromagnetic forming
Shrinking a quarter with electricity involves using high-velocity electromagnetic forming, also known as EM forming or magneforming. This technique can be used on any metal coin or conductive metal/alloy, such as aluminum, copper, or silver.
The process involves placing the coin close to a wire coil without any contact between the two. A high-voltage capacitor is then discharged through the coil, creating a rapidly changing electromagnetic field. This field acts as a force that changes the shape of the coin, causing it to shrink. The Lorentz force comes into play due to the interplay between electric and magnetic forces, and the force acts inward, making the coin shrink.
The high-velocity electromagnetic forming technique is a type of cold forming process for electrically conductive metals, commonly copper and aluminum. It involves reshaping the workpiece by using high-intensity pulsed magnetic fields that induce a current and a corresponding repulsive magnetic field. This rapid repulsion causes portions of the workpiece to be pushed away at high speed, reshaping it.
The process is similar to traditional forming methods, but instead of using a pusher, a special coil is placed near the metallic workpiece. When a high-voltage capacitor bank is rapidly discharged, it creates an intense magnetic pulse, which in turn generates a magnetic field that accelerates the workpiece. This magnetic pulse and extreme deformation speed transform the metal into a visco-plastic state, increasing formability without affecting the material's native strength.
It is important to note that this process requires preparation and safety gear, as it involves high voltages and intense magnetic fields.
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The dangers of attempting this at home
Attempting to shrink a quarter with electricity at home is extremely dangerous and should not be tried under any circumstances. The process involves running a strong current of 100,000 amps through a coil wrapped around a coin, which can result in a violent explosion with copper shrapnel and vaporized metal. The coil itself explodes outward, and the high-velocity electromagnetic force can cause serious injury.
The process requires specialized equipment and safety gear, and even then, it is a dangerous procedure. The current flowing through the coil creates a magnetic field, and the interaction of electric and magnetic forces leads to the Lorentz Force and Faraday's Law of Induction, which can alter the shape of the coin. However, this is not a project for amateurs, and the potential risks far outweigh any potential benefits or curiosity.
The coil used in the process is only good for one attempt, and if it is not strong enough, it will blow apart. The force acting on the coil winding can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous. The explosion that occurs when the coil explodes is not a minor event but rather a "super violent" occurrence, as described by one source. The explosion produces copper shrapnel and vaporized metal, which can cause serious harm to anyone in the vicinity.
Furthermore, the high-velocity electromagnetic forming (EM forming or magneforming) used in this process is not a simple task. It involves discharging high-energy capacitors through a coil of wire, generating a rapidly changing electromagnetic field. This field then acts as a force to change the shape of the metal coin. The entire process requires precise calculations and control, which, if not executed correctly, can lead to disastrous consequences.
In conclusion, attempting to shrink a quarter with electricity at home is an extremely hazardous endeavor that should not be undertaken lightly. The potential for injury and property damage is very real, and it is best left to professionals with the necessary expertise and safety measures in place.
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Frequently asked questions
The process involves using an 8000V electromagnet to create an interplay between electric and magnetic forces, resulting in the Lorentz Force and Faraday's law of induction, which causes the quarter to shrink.
The diameter of the quarter decreases, making it similar in size to a dime, while its thickness increases. The volume remains the same, indicating a forced redistribution of matter.
Any metal coin can be used, but coins with a higher conductive metal content, such as silver, copper, or aluminum, will produce the best results.
You will need a high-voltage power supply or capacitor, a coil of wire, and safety gear. The coil of wire is placed near the coin, and the high-voltage power supply or capacitor discharges a strong current through the coil, creating an electromagnetic field that acts on the coin.
Yes, this experiment involves high voltages and strong electromagnetic fields. It is important to wear appropriate safety gear and take necessary precautions to avoid injury. Additionally, the coil used in the experiment may explode outward with force, generating copper shrapnel and vaporized metal, so adequate safety measures should be in place.
