How to Make an Electromagnet With a Parallel Circuit
Electricity and magnetism are two closely related physical phenomena. When a transient electric field is induced across an inductor, it will create an alternating current signal through the circuit that the inductor is connected to. Similarly, when voltage is applied through a wire that is coiled around a piece of iron or nickel, an electromagnet is created. Many electromagnets are created using a simple series circuit. This circuit involves connecting the two ends of the coiled wire to a battery or other direct current power source. However, it is also possible to create an electromagnet by connecting it into a parallel circuit.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Electrical wire;18 gauge thickness
- Electrical pliers
- Magnet wire; 30 gauge thickness
- Fine-grit sandpaper or emery board
- Steel nail; 3 inches
- Resistor; 1-kiloohm
- Electronic solder
- Soldering iron
- Battery; 6-volt
Instructions
-
-
1
Cut two pieces of electrical wire, with each piece being 6 inches long. Use the cutting edge of the pliers to strip 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of each wire segment.
-
2
Cut a 16-inch piece of magnet wire. Use the emery board to file off 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the magnet wire.
-
-
3
Wrap the magnet wire around the shaft of the nail. Leave 2 inches of slack at each end of the magnet wire; these loose wires will be used as electrical leads.
-
4
Twist together one end of the magnet wire, one of the resistor leads and one end of the first piece of electrical wire. Solder this connection.
-
5
Twist together the remaining magnet wire end, the remaining resistor lead and one end of the second piece of electrical wire. Solder this connection.
-
6
Attach the loose end of the first wire to the positive battery terminal. Attach the loose end of the second wire to the negative battery terminal.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The electromagnet is in parallel with the 1-kiloohm resistor.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
