How to Make a Simple Battery Magnet

How to Make a Simple Battery Magnet thumbnail
Electromagnets are used in many electronic devices.

A battery magnet is a simple type of electromagnet powered by a battery. When the wires are connected to the battery, the battery magnet can pick up paper clips and many other small metal objects. As soon as the battery is disconnected, however, the magnetic field breaks down, and all the objects fall off of the magnet. Battery magnets are popular in classroom demonstrations of electromagnetism.

Things You'll Need

  • Iron nail
  • Copper wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Wire strippers
  • Tape
  • 9-volt battery
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wrap insulated copper wire from one end of a 6- or 8-inch iron nail to the other. Leave about 6 inches of wire trailing off the end of the wire and wrap the wire as tightly as possible.

    • 2

      Wrap the coil in tape to keep it on the nail.

    • 3

      Strip 1/2 inch of coating off of each end of the wire.

    • 4

      Tape one wire to one terminal of a 9-volt battery so that the copper touches the metal of the terminal. Touch the other wire to second terminal to turn the battery on.

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References

  • Photo Credit festplatte 7 image by Andreas Blakkolb from Fotolia.com

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