Make a simple electromagnet and use it to demonstrate magnetic attraction and repulsion.
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3 Make a simple electromagnet and show magnetic attraction and repulsionNot complete
Build a simple electromagnet
Use a battery, insulated wire, and an iron core such as a nail to make an electromagnet, then test what it attracts and how changing direction changes the magnetic poles.
Materials
One battery such as a D-cell or AA battery pack.
Insulated copper wire with the ends stripped.
An iron nail or other iron core.
A few small metal objects such as paper clips.
Optional: a compass or a second magnet to help show pole direction.
Safety
Do not leave the wire connected to the battery for long periods because the wire and battery can get hot.
Ask an adult for help if you are stripping wire or using any tools.
Disconnect the battery when you are finished testing.
How to build it
Wrap the insulated wire around the nail many times in the same direction, leaving enough wire free at both ends to connect to the battery.
Make sure the wraps are neat and close together, but do not let the bare wire ends touch each other directly.
Touch one wire end to one battery terminal and the other wire end to the other terminal.
While the circuit is connected, bring the nail close to paper clips or other small steel objects to show attraction.
How to show attraction and repulsion
Use the electromagnet to attract paper clips, staples, or other small magnetic metal objects.
Use a compass to show that the electromagnet has poles just like a permanent magnet.
Reverse the battery connections and notice that the poles switch directions.
If you have a second magnet or another electromagnet, compare matching and opposite poles to talk through repulsion and attraction.
What to observe
Wrapping more coils can strengthen the magnet.
Electric current creates the magnetic field.
Using an iron core such as a nail makes the electromagnet stronger than wire alone.
Reversing the current changes which end acts like the north or south pole.