How to Make a Magnet by an Electric Current

There are two basic types of magnets: Natural magnets, also called lodestones, and temporary magnets, sometimes referred to as electro-magnets. As their name implies, natural magnets occur naturally, while temporary or electromagnets are created by passing an electric current through a piece of iron in a circular pattern. The temporary magnet looses its magnetic qualities soon after the flow of electric current is cut off. Making a magnet by using an electric current is a moderately easy task, and can be a lot of fun.

Things You'll Need

• 1 piece of iron, 4 to 6-inches long
• 5 feet of insulated copper wire
• 1 6-volt lantern battery
• 1 pair of wire cutters

Instructions

1. Strip 1 inch of insulation from each end of the copper wire with the wire cutters. Discard the old insulation.

2. Hold the piece of iron horizontally in front of you. Wrap the wire neatly around the piece of iron in a clockwise motion, beginning approximately 1/2 inch from the left end and working your way toward the right end leaving approximately 1/2 inch of exposed iron at the right end. Leave 6 to 12 inches of wire unwound at each end of the piece of iron.

3. Attach one end of the wire to the positive terminal of the battery. Attach the other end of the wire to the negative terminal of the battery. As soon as both ends of the wire are attached to the battery, the magnet should start working.

4. Test the magnet by placing another iron object in proximity to the wire wrapped iron. If the magnet is working properly, the magnetized piece of iron will attract the other piece of iron to itself.