Difference between revisions of "Make an Electromagnet"
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#Wrap the nail with the longer piece of wire. Starting about {{convert|8|in|cm|1}} from the end of the wire, wrap the nail from the head to the end with tight coils that touch, but do not overlap. Continue wrapping until the entire nail is covered. | #Wrap the nail with the longer piece of wire. Starting about {{convert|8|in|cm|1}} from the end of the wire, wrap the nail from the head to the end with tight coils that touch, but do not overlap. Continue wrapping until the entire nail is covered. | ||
#Attach wire to the battery. Attach one end of the wire wrapped around the nail to the positive end of the battery. Attach one end of the smaller piece of wire around the other side of the battery. | #Attach wire to the battery. Attach one end of the wire wrapped around the nail to the positive end of the battery. Attach one end of the smaller piece of wire around the other side of the battery. | ||
| − | #Attach the mechanical switch.<ref>http://www.energizer.com/learning-center/science-center/Pages/make-electromagnet.aspx</ref> You can use a regular mechanical switch or a knife switch to make this electromagnet, both available for purchase at hardware stores. If you don't want to buy a switch, make your own by following these instructions: | + | #Attach the mechanical switch.<ref name="rf1">http://www.energizer.com/learning-center/science-center/Pages/make-electromagnet.aspx</ref> You can use a regular mechanical switch or a knife switch to make this electromagnet, both available for purchase at hardware stores. If you don't want to buy a switch, make your own by following these instructions: |
#*Get a small block of wood, two thumbtacks, and a paperclip. | #*Get a small block of wood, two thumbtacks, and a paperclip. | ||
#*Tack the end of the copper wire wrapped around the nail to the block of wood by wrapping it around the metal part of a thumbtack and pushing it into the wood. | #*Tack the end of the copper wire wrapped around the nail to the block of wood by wrapping it around the metal part of a thumbtack and pushing it into the wood. | ||
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#Use the switch. To make the electric current flow, turn the switch on. If you're using a homemade switch, slide the paperclip toward the first tack until it touches the tack. This will complete the circuit and cause the current to flow. To switch off the current, swivel the paperclip away from the first tack. | #Use the switch. To make the electric current flow, turn the switch on. If you're using a homemade switch, slide the paperclip toward the first tack until it touches the tack. This will complete the circuit and cause the current to flow. To switch off the current, swivel the paperclip away from the first tack. | ||
===Increase the Magnet's Power=== | ===Increase the Magnet's Power=== | ||
| − | #Use a power pack instead of a single battery. Power packs last longer and create a stronger electric current than a single battery. They're available at hardware stores and battery shops.<ref>http://resources.schoolscience.co.uk/CDA/11-14/physics/copch33pg3.html</ref> | + | #Use a power pack instead of a single battery. Power packs last longer and create a stronger electric current than a single battery. They're available at hardware stores and battery shops.<ref name="rf2">http://resources.schoolscience.co.uk/CDA/11-14/physics/copch33pg3.html</ref> |
#Use a larger piece of metal. Instead of using a nail, try using a longer metal rod. Be sure to use it with a power back to create a stronger magnet. | #Use a larger piece of metal. Instead of using a nail, try using a longer metal rod. Be sure to use it with a power back to create a stronger magnet. | ||
| − | #Make more wraps around the metal. The more coils you create, the stronger the electric current. Adding a new coil is like adding another magnet. Get more wire and make as many wraps as you can to create a very powerful magnet.<ref | + | #Make more wraps around the metal. The more coils you create, the stronger the electric current. Adding a new coil is like adding another magnet. Get more wire and make as many wraps as you can to create a very powerful magnet.<ref name="rf2" /> |
== Video == | == Video == | ||
