These Hearts Are On Fire

The Heart shape has become almost traditional in the tiny world of homopolar motors. Here, two unique wire-form hearts show some surprising twists, then unite to become one in the final embrace.

There are actually four examples of homopolar motors in this video, including one with the apparatus upside down!

The homopolar motor works by the Lorentz principle. Current flowing through the copper wire makes a magnetic field, which interacts with the magnetic field of the neodymium magnet, producing torque on the wire.

This homopolar motor video is dedicated to the cool band Wolf Parade, and to "All Hearts on fire everywhere."

To appropriate background music, with the blessing of Wolf Parade, "This Heart's On Fire" from "Apologies To The Queen Mary" album.
Thanks to my step-son, Hadji, a member of the band.

Note: The entire soundtrack was stripped from this video in August 2010 by WMG, (Warner Music Group) three years after the video was put on Youtube.

***Music Update Feb 2011: Folks can switch this video's res setting to 240p from 360p to hear the music. Weird but true!

My step-son is in the band, and I used the song with his permission.
However, I was told Warner Music has a policy to remove all music worldwide that they believe they have the rights to.

Apparently, rumour has it that you need to be careful about singing the song "Happy Birthday" on Youtube now....

But enough of that distraction.

Here's some great links...

For instructions how to make the homopolar hearts, see my instructable at:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Pair-of-Hearts-Homopolar-Motor/

For Homopolar Motor Kits, with 3 magnets and 6 feet of copper wire, order from the good folks at the American Stirling Engine website: http://www.stirlingengine.com/ecommerce/product.tcl?usca_p=t&product_id=93

I'm a K&J Magnetics partner and buy neodymium magnets from:
http://www.kjmagnetics.com/default.asp?PARTNER=mrfixitrick

Mehran Keshe explains how a new understanding of magnetic plasma will soon radically change our world:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtf5bp76ArE

Category:

Science & Technology

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[gabee106]

What gauge is the copper, and did you buy it with the enamel.coating?

[MrfixitRick]

@gabee106

I used 10 gage copper house wire. It had plastic insulation which I removed. Almost any size wire will work, but bigger equals more torque. Enamelled wire will work only if the enamel is removed at the points of electrical contact.

[justinbeheart]

can i use an ordinary magnet?

[MrfixitRick]

@justinbeheart

The magnet must be a powerful neodymium type magnet, available online at a place like K&J Magnetics (link in the "Show More..." box)

The magnet from a shake-to-charge flashlight will also work.

[1990fordf150custom]

@MrfixitRick how do you make the heart so symmetrical?

[MrfixitRick]

@1990fordf150custom

Very carefully! hehe

I bend the wire over a form like a pipe or a battery. I have bending instructions at my Instructables site...the link is in the "show more" box.

[stuang000]

i made this and gave it to my girlfriend

so since that night, i'm not a virgin any more !

[MrfixitRick]

@usernamegta4

I'd suggest it's not a waste of energy for the over one million people who have seen this video.

[TheDariusCarr]

*BUTTERFLY*

[MrfixitRick]

@dreamer32993

Yes, a regular battery will run out about the same as a rechargeable one...anywhere from 5 minutes to 1/2 an hour, depending on the type of heart and so on.

[dreamer32993]

if i used a regular battery will it ever run out?



[MrfixitRick]

@agvulpine

Hearts may be available at some craft stores. I made these hearts myself of 10 gauge copper wire. I would sell the closed design one for $10 plus shipping. If you want one, contact me.