Make an Electromagnet
In this activity, we'll make an electromagnet to demonstrate how this special type of magnet is created using electricity. Electricity is the flow of electrons. When we connect all the pieces of the electromagnet, you will create a flow of electrons through the wire, which will cause a magnetic force. This force will transfer to the iron nail, the nail will become magnetized, and the nail will pick up metal objects.
Equipment
- Electricity STEM Kit with electromagnet supplies Purchase this or gather the following items
- 2 Alligator clips with wires
- 2 A AA battery holder that holds 2 batteries
- 1 Connector wire
- 1 Single-throw switch
- Thin copper-coated wire
- An iron nail
- 2 AA batteries
- thin, coated copper wire
Instructions
- Place the 2 AA batteries in the battery holder
- Open the switch.
- Attach the connector wire to one end of one AA battery and attach one alligator clip to the other AA battery.
- Gather the 2 alligator clips and the connector wire
- Connect the other batter clip to the single-throw switch.
- Use sandpaper to rub off the coating on both ends of the wire.
- Wrap the copper wire around the iron nail. Do not overlap the wire and wrap the wire close together. The more wire on the nail, the stronger the magnet.
- Clip one alligator clip to one end of the copper wire and the other alligator clip to the other end of the wire.
- Close the switch.
- Hold the wires where they are plastic coated and try to pick up a paper clip with the magnetized nail.
