Taking a long piece of wire start to wrap it around a large steel nail (between

Question

Taking a long piece of wire start to wrap it around a large steel nail (between 50 to 100 times). connect the free ends of the wire to a flashlight battery. This will create an electromagnet. To avoid depleting the battery, do not leave the wires connected for very long. Use a permanent magnet, any you have availabe will work, even a refrigerator magnet. Determine how close the permanent magnet mujst be to a steel paper clip ( or other small metal object) to make it move. Notice how close it must be to pick the object up. Record results. Repeat with an electromagnet. Compare your results and explain your concllusions.

Explanation / Answer

The current makes an electric field. The iron core becomes a magnet. You should actually do this. It is fun. You will find that the refrigerator magnet is about as strong as the electromagnet you made. The paper clip will move when it is about 2cm from the magnet. Conclusions are that a current produces a magnetic field. For fun you could get the refrigerator magnet to attract the electromagnet and then switch the wires at the battery and see that it now repels the electromagnet. I would definitely do this. It will give you more of a sense of ownership in your education

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