Purpose: To demonstrate self-inductance.

A large solenoid connected in parallel with a light bulb, and this combination in series with a battery and a switch.

The following procedure is from Sutton:* "A large electromagnet is connected in parallel with a lamp. When this combination is connected to a source of direct current, the lamp glows. The lamp should be operated somewhat below its normal voltage. When the switch is opened quickly, the self-induced emf in the coil will be larger than was the potential drop across the lamp while the switch was closed. The lamp will therefore flash brightly before going out. The lower the power rating of the lamp, the greater the contrast. With a sufficiently large magnet, it is even possible to burn out a 10-W lamp by this inductive pulse. Slow opening of the switch makes the effect less pronounced."

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