A magnet by definition is any object that is surrounded by a magnetic field. This object will have the property, either natural or induced, of attracting metals (iron or steel). An electromagnet is an object which is magnetized induced by electricity.
What you need for your free electromagnet? One iron bar (long screw, or nail will do), Copper insulated Wire and a battery (or other energy source).
Safety Note: This experiment is not suited for children without adult supervision. Remember, your safety is priority, and always work in a safe environment. For this experiment, make sure nothing is flammable. Keep in mind you will be using energy. Never use high energy sources, NEVER USE 220 volts, from your home.
*Step one: Roll the insulated copper wire around the entire surface of the nail or iron bar. The iron bar, or nail should be covered completely with insulated copper wire.
*Step two: Connect one of the ends of the copper wire to the positive end of the battery.
*Step three: Connect the other end to the negative end of the 9 v battery.
*Step four: Try your magnet out, it should work.
Note: The copper wire should be fully insulted through the system except for the parts which attach to the battery. If your electromagnet is not working, check for wrong connections. You can also see how the magnet attracts objects when it is turned on, and releases them when it is turned off (from the battery source).
*How it works
As the electricity flows through the copper wire, it charges the iron nail making it magnetic. If you disconnect the electricity, the magnetic field will cease to exist. However, there are ways to charge iron bars with copper and electricity for them “permanently” magnetic. By turning the copper wire into circles, one increases the magnetic energy available in the system. This experiment is so simple and inspiring and powerful that it makes one wonder about the uses of alternative energy and the direction of energy economies. Feel free to experiment, science is all about observation through experimentation. This experiment is ideal for experimenting with young minds who feel naturally inclined to science.
*Uses of Electromagnets
The Uses of electromagnets are diverse. Electromagnets are used in electric devices and used in motors and generators. They were also used in telephone exchanges, such as relays, as well as in Electric bells, Loudspeakers, Magnetic recording and data storage equipment like tape recorders, VCRs, hard disks, Particle accelerators, Magnetic locks, Magnetic separation of materials, Industrial lifting magnets. And Electromagnetic suspension used for Magnetic trains.
