How to Use Electromagnetism
Electricity and magnetism are closely related, and the physics of these two similar properties is known as electromagnetism. An electromagnet is a device using an electrical current to generate a magnetic field. You can make a simple electromagnet by wrapping insulated wire around an iron nail and connecting the wire to a battery. One of the most well-known practical applications for electromagnets is to move heavy metal objects such as crushed cars. However, there are also many other common uses for electromagnets.
Instructions
-
-
1
Pick up large pieces of iron with very large and strong electromagnets. Heavy industry routinely uses electromagnets for this purpose, and they can even lift cars once they have been crushed to make them more solid.
-
2
Use electromagnetism in a loudspeaker. A loudspeaker contains an electromagnet and a speaker cone. Vary the current in the electromagnet to match the frequencies of sound waves and the speaker cone will vibrate in response to produce sound.
-
-
3
Make a tape recorder with electromagnetism. Cover a Mylar tape with fine iron dust and pass it near a magnetic field that varies in response to an electrical signal. The tape is now a recording of that electrical signal. You can then pass the tape through another electromagnet to duplicate the original signal.
-
4
Build an electric motor with electromagnetism. Attach some electromagnets on a wheel and put permanent magnets around the wheel. Run current through the electromagnets so that they successively repel and attract the surrounding permanent magnets, thus turning the wheel.
-
5
Lock car doors with electromagnetism. Place an electromagnet near a magnetic plate so that the door remains locked while the electromagnet is in contact with the plate. When the current is cut off, the electromagnet falls away from the plate, which opens the door.
-
1
