Compass, Propane Torch, and Copper Systems
Compass
Compass

 

Code Number: 5E50.19

Demo Title: Seebeck Effect - Thermoelectricity

Condition: Good

Principle: Thermo-Electric Potentials of Two Metals, Seebeck Effect

Area of Study: Heat & Fluids

Equipment: Aluminum/Copper, Nickel/Copper, or Iron/Copper systems, Compass, Propane torch.

Procedure:

There are three different systems to use for this demonstration.  The Aluminum/Copper or Nickel/Copper systems seem to work best.  An Iron/Copper system is also available.

Place the Aluminum/Copper system on the Plexiglas box with one end hanging over the edge of the box.  Place the compass into the center of the apparatus and then line both the compass and the apparatus up on the Earths north-south line.  Heat one end of the apparatus with the propane torch while cooling the other end with some ice.  The compass should deflect 30 to 45 degrees from the initial position as the heat is applied.

Caution:  Do not apply the heat in such a way or for a continued duration so as you melt the plastic compass.

The "Thermoelectric Series" is a set of elements that can be used to build a Seebeck device.  The farther apart the two elements you are using are on the table, the better the thermoelectric effect.

  • Silicon
  • Bismuth
  • Nickel
  • Cobalt
  • Palladium
  • Platinum
  • Uranium
  • Copper
  • Manganese
  • Titanium
  • Mercury
  • Lead
  • Tin
  • Chromium
  • Molybdenum
  • Iridium
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Aluminum
  • Zinc
  • Tungsten
  • Cadmium
  • Iron
  • Arsenic
  • Tellurium
  • Germanium 

References:

  • Christopher J. Chiaverina, "A Survey of Reversiable Devices", TPT, Vol. 63, #3, March 2025, p.169.
  • Thomas B. Greenslade Jr., "A Quick Thermoelectricity Demonstration", TPT, Vol. 44, # 1, Jan. 2006, p. 50.
  • Barbara Goss Levi, "Simple Compound Manifest Record-High Thermoelectric Performance", Physics Today, June 2014, p. 14.
  • RMW, "Heating and Cooling with Electron Spins", Physics Today, May 2012, p. 19.
  • George M. Hopkins, "Thermo-Electric Current", Experimental Science, p. 422.
  • Caroline Delbert, Courtney Linder, "Scientists Just Figured Out How to Turn Your Body Into a Battery", Popular Mechanics, July/Aug. 2021, p. 22.
  • Yaakov Kraftmakher, "5.8, Thermoelectric Phenomena", Experiments and Demonstrations in Physics, ISBN 981-256-602-3, p. 349.
  • "Another Thermo Battery", The Boy Scientist, p. 98.
  • W. Bolton, "Thermoelectricity", Book 4 - Electricity, Physics Experiments and Projects, 1968, p. 34-35.