How to Build a Magnet

Manufacturers make permanent magnets by exposing certain special materials to a strong magnetic field. The field pulls on the molecules, causing their charges to align and produce a magnetic field of their own. Electromagnets, on the other hand, are built and not just magnetized. By wrapping a coil of wire around an iron nail or another ferromagnetic material, you can build a temporary magnet. It will turn on when electric current is run through the coil, and off again when the current stops.

Things You'll Need

• Iron nail Magnetic wire Wire cutters Knife Battery Tape Paper clips

Instructions

1. Cut a 2 foot long piece of wire and strip the enamel off the ends. Scrape each end with a craft knife until the color coating on the wire is gone and the wire is shiny. You should expose about 1 inch of wire at each end.

2. Tape the wire to the tip of nail, leaving about 4 inches hanging off. Wrap the wire around the nail until you reach the nail head. Use a piece of tape to attach that end of the wire to the nail as well.

3. Wrap the whole coil in tape. This will help to hold it in place.

4. Tape one end of the wire onto one terminal of a 9 volt battery.

5. Touch the other wire to the other terminal of the battery. Pick up a paperclip by touching one end of the magnet to it.

Tips & Warnings

• The tighter you wrap the coil, the stronger the magnet will be.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish