Step-by-Step Plan: How to Build an Electromagnet

In more applications than most people realize, from headphones, to scrapyards, to the motor in an electric car, electromagnets are used every day, multiple times a day, without many people ever realizing it. They are key components in the machinery and technology that we use on a regular basis. However, while electromagnets can be used in some very complex machines, it is relatively simple to make your own electromagnet using some common items that can be found around the house, in the garage, or at the nearest hardware store.

Things You'll Need

• 1 3-inch steel or iron nail (not galvanized)
• 24 inches of insulated copper wire such as speaker wire
• Small knife or wire stripper
• Electrical tape
• D battery

Instructions

1. 

   Strip the ends of the wire, about an inch on each side.

2. Wrap the wire around the nail, evenly covering the nail without overlapping any wire. Leave about 2 inches of wire at each end unwrapped.

3. 

   Attach one end of the wire to the positive end of the battery.

4. Attach the other end of the wire to the negative end of the battery.

5. 

   Tape the wires to the battery to ensure constant contact with the battery terminals.

6. Hold your new electromagnet near any ferrous piece of metal such as steel or iron to test the magnetic force of the electromagnet.

Tips & Warnings

• The more times the wire is wrapped around the nail, the stronger the magnetic force will be.

References

• Sciencenetlinks.com: Build an Electromagnet
• The Naked Scientists Kitchen Science 2007: Make Your Own Electromagnet
• Sciencebob.com: Make an Electromagnet