A DIY Homopolar Motor (Hello World of Making and a Simple "Hello" From Me)

Hi everyone!

Welcome to my very first Instructable. This is my very first Instructables post, and I wanted to begin with something that feels simple yet powerful, a project that represents both a “Hello World” in electronics and the beginning of my own journey here.

Instead of starting with the classic “LED blinking” project, I decided to kick things off with something that spins, sparks curiosity, and carries a bit of creativity - a Homopolar Motor.

So, I chose the Homopolar Motor.

Why Did I Choose a Motor for My First Project (Instead of the Usual LED Blink)?

Most makers begin their journey with the classic LED blink project. It’s simple, safe, and it’s the “Hello World” of electronics. I wanted my very first Instructables project to be different, something that spins, moves, and shows energy in motion.

This tiny spinning motor is the simplest electric motor in the world, made with just a battery, a magnet, and a piece of wire. It’s a little reminder that even the most complex machines start with simple principles.

This project is one of the simplest motors you can ever build, yet it represents the foundation of almost everything that moves in our world. Whether it’s fans, toys, water pumps, cars, or even futuristic EVs, motors are at the heart of them all. And now, with just a battery, a magnet, and a piece of copper wire, you can build your very first motor too!

Just as this motor begins to spin with the smallest push, I hope my ideas, projects, and tutorials here will also keep spinning forward.

You’ll only need three things:

1. 1 × AA Battery (alkaline works best).
2. 1 × Neodymium Magnet (disk type, same diameter as the battery if possible).
3. 1 × Thick Copper Wire (uninsulated, bendable).

Optional:

1. Sandpaper (to smooth the copper wire).
2. Pliers (to help shape the wire).

The homopolar motor was first demonstrated by Michael Faraday in 1821, marking one of the first discoveries of how electricity and magnetism interact to produce motion.

It’s important because:

1. It’s the first kind of electric motor ever built.
2. It shows the Lorentz force in action, the same physics behind modern motors.
3. It’s a project that anyone, from beginner to expert, can build in just a few minutes.

In a way, it’s the grandfather of all motors and the perfect symbolic start for me to share projects here on Instructables.

Step 1: Attach the Magnet

Place the neodymium magnet onto the negative (-) terminal (flat end) of the AA battery.

The magnet will also act as the “stand” for your motor.

Step 2: Shape the Wire

Take the copper wire and bend it into a unique loop or spiral shape.

The two ends of the wire should be able to touch both the top (positive terminal) and the side of the magnet simultaneously.

Pro Tip: Get creative! The motor works with many shapes - heart, spiral, zig-zag, triangle or even a “welcome wave”.

Step 3: Balance and Adjust

Place the wire on the battery so it touches the positive (+) terminal and the side of the magnet.

If it’s balanced correctly, the wire should begin to spin smoothly.

Note: This step needs to be repeated over and over again to get the best outcome possible. The bent copper wire should be perfectly balanced on the top of the battery. Otherwise, it won't spin at full speed.

The battery pushes electric current through the copper wire.

The magnetic field from the neodymium magnet interacts with the current.

This creates a Lorentz force that pushes the wire sideways, causing it to spin.

It’s simple, but this is the same principle that makes every electric motor on Earth work, from fans to electric cars.

This homopolar motor represents both history and beginnings:

It was the first motor in human history, just like this is my first project post.

It shows that even with just three simple parts, you can create something magical.

It’s a reminder to myself (and hopefully to you too) that great things start small.

Just as this motor spins continuously, I want to keep my creativity spinning here on Instructables, sharing more DIY electronics, robotics, circuits, AI and various tech projects in the days to come.

The Simplest Yet Most Magical Motor:

The homopolar motor is the simplest in existence - no soldering, no programming, no complex circuits. Just a battery, a magnet, and a wire. And yet, it demonstrates the Lorentz force, the very principle that makes every motor in the world work. It’s like learning the ABCs of motion.

Accessible for Everyone:

I believe great projects don’t need expensive parts. This project is extremely cheap and easy to build, which means anyone can try it. Students, hobbyists, or even kids with parental guidance. Many makers have limited funds or lack access to advanced tools, but creativity should never be limited by budget.

My future projects will follow this same principle: accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for everyone.

So instead of blinking a light, I wanted my very first project to say: “This is just the beginning, and things are already moving.”

Have you seen this Batman-inspired homopolar motor photo at the top?

I decorated my homopolar motor in a Batman-inspired style, shaping the wire into a rectangular shape that spins dramatically when powered. Then printed a Batman Logo using a black and white printer, after that cut down the logo with the help of scissors. Then, using a cello tape, I attached the left and right wings of the logo on the left and right sides of the homopolar motor and put the head on the top to enhance the look. This is proof that you can take a basic science concept and turn it into something fun, artistic, and personal. You can shape yours into a heart, a star, or even spell out “HELLO”. Science doesn’t have to look boring; it can be stylish too.

You can simply choose not to do it. Without this, the motor will spin too.

Before you dive in, here’s a fun challenge:

What shape will you make your motor in? A lightning bolt? Your initials? Maybe even something crazy like a mini sphere? Share your ideas when you try it out!

Thank you for reading my very first Instructables!

If you try this project, feel free to share your unique wire shape. I’d love to see your unique spinning designs.

This is just the beginning of my journey here. In the upcoming posts, I’ll share more DIY projects, electronics hacks, robotics experiments, and creative ideas.

You can ask me any questions and give me feedback in the comments section. Let's engage there.

Every journey starts with a single step. For me, it began with a simple motor and endless possibilities ahead.

Stay tuned, and let’s keep the world spinning!