How to Magnetize Metal
A magnet is a neat scientific anomaly. Magnetic attraction is caused by the positive and negative atom particles in an object to line up all together. When the negative and positive particles stay on their designated side, they are polarized. This causes an attraction because negative attracts positive. Magnets are not only fun to play with, they are also handy. In fact, many screwdrivers and tools are magnetized to help pick up screws and nails in hard to reach places.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Rub the metal you want to magnetize in one direction over the existing magnet. This is the quickest way to magnetize metal. It causes the non magnetized metal to polarize and turn into a magnet. The attraction and force, however, is not too strong and lessens over time.
-
2
Grab 2 pieces of copper wire for a stronger, more permanent magnet. A stronger, more permanent magnet is the electromagnet. As long as you have the electromagnet hooked up to a power source, the force will never diminish.
-
3
Wrap copper wire around the metal nail. The wire should wrap tightly around the nail starting from the tip and coiling around to the other end. You should have enough wire to have at least a couple of feet left after coiling around the nail.
-
4
Set up a 9 volt battery and wrap the free end of each wire around the battery terminals. Each wire should only wrap around one of the terminals. The terminals are the small round metal circles that stick out from the end of a 9 volt battery.
-
5
Use your nail to pick up metal. It is now an electromagnet. Once the wires are wrapped around the battery terminals, your electromagnet should work. You can now use it to pick up objects, or even rub it against other metals to magnetize them.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you are having problems with your electromagnet, try making the copper coil tighter around the nail or changing nails entirely. Sometimes an extra rusty nail hinders the electromagnet force.
Leave small magnets out of the reach of children. They can be harmful and even cause death if allowed to enter the digestive tract.
