How to Make a Strong Electro Magnet
An electromagnet is a device in which an electric current flows through a conductor or a wire and produces a small magnetic field around the wire. You can generate a stronger magnetic field by using a coiled wire wrapped around an iron core. Its magnetic field can be increased further by increasing the current or the number of wire windings. Using this simple procedure, you can make a strong electromagnet with some basic household items. (Reference 1)
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 5-inch iron nail
- 5 feet of 22-gauge, insulated copper wire
- Wire strippers
- D-size battery (1.5V)
- Tape
- Paper clips or small screws
Instructions
-
-
1
Clear a work surface or table and place some clips or small screws.
-
2
Use the strippers to strip off about two inches of the insulation from each end of the copper wires. (Reference 2)
-
-
3
Wind the wire around the nail in one direction in tight and even coils, beginning one-half inch from the nail tip. Wrapping the wire in one direction is important because the direction of the magnetic field is dependent on the direction of the electric current. (See Reference 2) Leave approximately four inches of loose wire at the tip end.
-
4
Continue wrapping the wire until you reach the nail head. Leave four inches of wire on this end. There may be between 40 to 60 windings of overlapping wire around the nail when you finish. The more coils wound around the nail, the stronger the electromagnet. (Reference 3)
-
5
Place one end of the stripped, loose wires on the positive terminal of the battery and the other wire end to the negative terminal. Attach each wire to the battery with the tape to establish a connection.
-
6
Test the strength of the electromagnet by using it to pick up the clips or screws that are on the table. Make an even stronger magnet by increasing the number of wire coils or increasing the current. (See Resource 1 and Resource 2)
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Once you finish using the electromagnet, disconnect the wires from the battery to avoid draining it. (Reference 3)
Use the electromagnet for only a few minutes, because the wire and battery can heat up.
It can be dangerous to increase current too much because it can generate a lot of heat. (See Reference 2)
References
Resources
- Photo Credit D Cell Battery image by ike from Fotolia.com
