Electricians have been hiding this for years! Insert the USB cable into the pencil and be surprised
Here’s an awesome DIY hack involving a pencil and a USB cable—great for small experiments or teaching moments about electricity!
Pencil + USB Cable Hack: Powering the Graphite
The graphite core in a pencil conducts electricity, and when connected to a USB cable, it can be used for creative applications like heating or lighting.
What You’ll Need:
A wooden pencil (with a thick graphite core).
A USB cable (an old one works best).
A sharp knife or blade.
Electrical tape.
A USB power source (like a laptop or power bank).
Steps:
Prepare the Pencil:
Carefully shave off the wood from one end of the pencil to expose about 1–2 inches of graphite.
Cut the USB Cable:
Cut the USB cable to reveal the internal wires. You’re looking for the red (positive) and black (negative) wires.
Connect the Wires:
Attach the red wire to one end of the exposed graphite and the black wire to the other end. Use electrical tape to secure the connections tightly.
Plug It In:
Connect the USB plug to a power source (e.g., a power bank or laptop). The graphite will heat up slightly as electricity flows through it.
What It Can Do:
The heated graphite can be used to lightly melt or burn small materials.
It can serve as a basic experiment to demonstrate electrical resistance.
Caution:
Avoid leaving the setup connected for long periods, as the pencil might overheat.
Never attempt this with a high-power source or flammable materials nearby.
It’s a fun and safe way to explore the basics of electricity and resistance. Let me know if you’d like to explore more hacks like this!
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