How to Make an Electromagnet With a Nail and a Wire

There are two basic types of magnets: permanent magnets and temporary magnets sometimes referred to as electromagnets. As their name implies permanent magnets maintain their magnetism permanently while temporary or electromagnets are created by passing an electric current through a piece of iron in a circular pattern. The temporary magnet loses its magnetic qualities soon after the flow of electric current is cut off. You can make a simple electromagnet with nothing more than an iron nail, a length of wire, a pair of wire nippers and a battery. It is easy to do and can be a lot of fun. Read on to learn how to make an electromagnet with a nail and a wire.

Things You'll Need

• One iron nail
• Insulated copper wire
• One 6-volt battery
• One pair of wire nippers

Instructions

1. Nip the insulation 1 inch from each end of the copper wire with the wire nippers. Strip away the insulation from the ends leaving 1” inchof bare wire. Discard the old insulation.

2. Grasp the nail with one hand. Wrap the insulated copper wire around the nail without overlapping beginning 1/2 inch from one end of the nail and working your way to within 1/2 inch of the other end. Leave 6 to 12 inches of wire unwound at each end of the nail.

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 your magnet should start working.

4. Test your magnet buy placing another iron object such as a paper clip, pin or another nail in proximity to the wire wrapped nail. If your magnet is working properly the magnetized nail will attract the other piece of iron to itself.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wrap the wire all in one direction. The direction of the electric current determines the magnet field it creates. If the wire wrapping the iron nail moves in two different directions the magnetic fields created will cancel each other out and reduce the strength of your magnet.

• Disconnecting one end of the wire will eliminate the magnetic field and the nail will no longer be a magnet.

• Electricity passing through wire generates heat and could create a potential burn hazard.

• Never use household electrical outlets to create a magnet. The strength of the current is too high and may result in a serious shock.