In an electromagnet, an electric current flows through a piece of metal and creates a magnetic field. To make a simple electromagnet, you will need a power source, a conductor and a metal. Wrap an insulated copper wire around a screw or iron nail before connecting the wire to the battery, then watch as your new electromagnet attracts small metal objects. Keep in mind that you will be creating an electric current so be careful when using an electromagnet so you don't get hurt.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Winding the Wire on the Iron
Step 1. Choose a nail or iron screw as the main magnetic rod
Take any metal objects available around the house, such as nails, screws, or bolts. Choose an object that is 7.5-12 centimeters long so that there is plenty of room to wind the wire.
Step 2. Pull the copper wire from the coil
Since you don't know exactly how long the wire will need to be until the entire metal object is wrapped around the wire, don't cut it straight from the coil. Place the wire so that it is perpendicular to the main iron rod so that you can easily wind it over and over again.
Step 3. Leave 5-7.5 centimeters of wire at the end
Before wrapping the wire, leave an additional 5-7.5 centimeters at the end of the wire that will be attached to the battery.
Place the wire so that it is perpendicular to the iron rod and ends
Step 4. Wind the insulated copper wire around the iron rod in one direction
Make a continuous spiral coil on the iron rod to conduct electricity. Wrap the wires in one strand connected in one direction to produce a strong electric current.
The wire must be wound in one direction so that the electric current flows in the same direction. If you wind the wire in different directions, electric current will flow in different directions so you can't create a magnetic field
Step 5. Press the wire to attach and compact it while wrapping it around the iron
Wrap the wire tightly around the iron and form as many spirals as possible to create the strongest electric current. While wrapping the wire, use your fingers to close each loop. Keep twisting and tightening the wire until you reach the end of the iron rod.
The more wire you use, the stronger the electric current will be, so be careful when you create these electromagnets
Step 6. Wrap all the nails with you wrapping the entire iron rod (in this case, the nails) using wire with a tight loop and sticking together
The job is done once you reach the tip of the nail.
Step 7. Cut the wire until the ends are about 5-7.5 centimeters long
After reaching both ends of the main iron rod, use a wire cutter or sharp scissors to cut the wire from the coil. Cut the second end to the same additional length as the first so that the two ends of the wire touch the battery equally.
Part 2 of 3: Making the Conductor End
Step 1. Remove 1-2 centimeters of insulation from both ends of the wire
Use a wire stripper, sandpaper, or razor to scrape the insulation off each end of the wire. By removing the insulation, the wire can transfer energy more easily.
When removing the insulation, the color of the wire will change from the copper color of the insulation to its original silver color
Step 2. Bend the two ends of the wire to make a small loop
Use your fingers to bend the two ends of the wire into a very small circle about 0.5 centimeters in diameter. These loops of wire will later touch the center of each end of the battery.
By bending the ends of the wire, the battery can maintain contact with the wire itself
Step 3. Attach each end of the wire to each side of the battery D
Look for a D battery or a 1.5-voltage battery, then thread each end of the wire on each side of the battery until they touch. Tape the ends of the wires to the battery using electrical tape or duct tape.
Attach one end of the wire to the negative end of the battery, and the other end to the positive end of the battery
Step 4. Test the magnet while holding the wire at both ends of the battery
After firmly attaching the wire to the end of the battery, you can test your magnet. Hold the battery and metal rods close to small metal objects, such as paper clips or clothes pins. If nails, screws, or bolts can attract metal objects, your magnet is working fine.
- If the battery feels hot, use a small towel to hold the end of the wire against the battery.
- When you're done using it, remove both ends of the wire from the battery.
Part 3 of 3: Increasing Magnetism
Step 1. Use a power pack instead of a single battery to get more power
Power packs last longer and produce a stronger electric current than batteries. These devices are usually available at hardware or battery stores, and can be used just like regular batteries.
- Check product information first before choosing a larger battery to ensure you choose a product that is safe and can function properly.
- The two ends of the wire are attached to the positive and negative terminals. You can use adhesive tape to attach the ends of the wire to both terminals.
Step 2. Find a rod or a larger metal object to create a stronger magnetic field
Instead of nails, try using a metal stick that is 30 centimeters long and 1 centimeter in diameter. Make sure you use a power pack to create a stronger magnet. It's possible you'll need more copper wire to cover the entire stick, so prepare a coil of wire from the start.
- Wrap the wire tightly around the metal so that the electric current can flow properly.
- If you are using a larger metal object, you should only cover the object with one layer of wire for safety reasons.
- Use electrical tape to connect the wires to each end of the battery.
Step 3. Wrap more wire to form a stronger magnet
The more turns that are made, the stronger the electric current produced. Take a large coil of wire and make as many loops as you can on a metal nail or screw to create a very strong magnet. Add a few "layers" of twists on top of each other if you want.
- Use a small metal object for this step, such as a nail, screw, or bolt.
- Wrap the wire around the selected metal object in one direction.
- Attach the ends of the wires to the battery using duct tape or electrical tape.
Warning
- Do not use a high-voltage power source with a large current as this poses a risk of electrocution.
- Do not plug the wire into the outlet. This can conduct a large electric current with a high voltage so that you risk being electrocuted.
