Magnets are made by exposing ferromagnetic metals such as iron and nickel to a magnetic field. If these metals are heated to a certain temperature, they will become permanent magnets. You can also make this metal a temporary magnet using various methods that you can safely try at home. Learn how to make a magnet out of paper clips, an electromagnet, and a magnet that you can use as a compass.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making Magnets from Paper Clips
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients
A simple temporary magnet can be made with a small piece of metal, such as a paper clip, and a bar of fridge magnet. Gather these materials and prepare a small piece of metal, such as an earring or a small nail, to test the magnetic properties of the paper clip magnet you are going to make.
- Experiment with different sizes of paper clips, and wrapped paper clips versus unwrapped clips.
- Gather small metal objects of various sizes to see which objects will stick to the paper clips.
Step 2. Rub the magnet on the paper clip
Rub in the same direction of friction, do not rub back and forth. Use quick movements like when you light a match. Rub the magnet against the paper clip 50 times as quickly as possible.
Step 3. Touch the paper clip to the smaller metal object
Is the little metal stuck to the paper clip? If yes, then you have succeeded in making a magnet.
- If the metal doesn't stick to the paper clip, rub another 50 times and try again.
- Try attaching the magnet to other paper clips and larger objects to test the strength of the magnet you are making.
- Record the length of time the paper clip remains magnetized after a certain amount of rubbing. Experiment with different types of metal, such as safety pins or nails, to see which objects are the strongest, and last the most at being magnets.
Method 2 of 3: Making Electromagnets
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients
Electromagnets are made by running an electric current through a piece of metal to create a magnetic field. This method can be done on a small scale using the objects below:
- A large iron nail
- 90cm small copper wire
- A battery
- Small magnetic objects, such as paper clips or safety pins
- Pliers for stripping wires
- duct tape
Step 2. Peel the end of the cable
Peel both ends of the copper cable a few inches to expose the protective layer of the cable using cable stripper pliers. The two ends of the stripped cable will be attached to both ends of the battery.
Step 3. Wrap the wires around the nails
Starting about 20 cm from the end of the cable, wrap the cable around the nail tightly. Each winding should be done tightly, but not overlapping. Keep winding it until the nail is covered with wires from the head to the end of the nail.
The winding must be done in the same direction from the top to the bottom of the nail. To create a magnetic field, electricity must flow in the same direction
Step 4. Connect with battery
Glue one end of the cable on the positive side of the battery and the other end on the negative side of the battery. Use tape to attach the two ends of the cable so they don't come off the battery.
- Don't worry about which end to attach to the positive or negative side of the battery. Whichever tip you stick to makes the nail a magnet; the only difference is the change in the direction of the north and south poles of the magnet. One side of the magnet is the north pole, and the other side is the south pole. If the ends of the wires are affixed upside down, the direction of the poles of the magnet will also be reversed.
- Once attached to the battery, the cable will become hot due to the current passing through the cable, so be careful not to burn your hands.
Step 5. Use the magnet
Place the nail near a paper clip or other small metal. Because the nail has turned into a magnet, the metal object will stick to the nail. Experiment with different sizes and weights to test the strength of your magnets.
Method 3 of 3: Making a Compass Magnet
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients
A compass is used to show the direction of north by using a magnetic needle whose direction is in line with the earth's magnetic field. Any metal that can be used as a magnet can be turned into a compass. Straight sewing needles or safety pins are good choices. In addition to the needle, prepare the following materials to make a compass:
- Magnet maker. Find a magnet, a nail, or even a feather to turn the needle into a magnet.
- A piece of cork. Cut the cork of the bottle cap into the shape of a coin as a compass holder.
- One bowl of water. Placing the compass in the water will make the magnetic needle point in the same direction as the earth's magnetic pole.
Step 2. Turn the needle into a magnet
Rub the needle with a magnet, nail, or feather, to create a small electric current. Swipe the needle in the same direction at least 50 times to turn it into a magnet.
Step 3. Glue or stick a needle on the cork
Insert the needle horizontally, until the needle pierces the cork on the other side. Keep pushing until the tip and base of the needle are an equal distance from the outside of the cork.
- If the needle is too large and cannot penetrate the cork, simply place it over the cork.
- If you don't have a cork, use another light object that can float, a leaf for example.
Step 4. Float the magnet
Place the needle on the surface of the water in the bowl. Notice that the needle will move to align itself with the north and south poles. If the needle doesn't move, take it out of the cork, then rub it again 75 times with the magnet maker, and try again.
Tips
- If the paper clip is dropped, the magnetism may be lost and you will have to start over.
- Rub in the same direction, do not rub back and forth.
- The longer you rub the paper clip with the magnet, the longer the magnetism in the clip will last.
- Try to lift small objects with the magnet you made.
