In electromagnets, electric current flows through a piece of metal and creates a magnetic field. To create a simple electromagnet, you need an energy source, a conductive material, and a metal. Wrap insulated copper wire tightly around an iron screw or nail before connecting it to a battery and watch your new electromagnet pick up small metal objects. Remember that you are generating electricity, so be careful when working with an electromagnet, so you don't get hurt.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Wrap the Cable Around the Iron
Step 1. Choose a nail or iron screw as the core
Find a piece of iron that you have around the house, such as a screw, nail, or bolt. The metal must be at least 10-15cm long, so that there is enough space to create the copper coil.
Step 2. Pull a copper wire from the roll
Since you don't know how much yarn you will need to fully wrap the iron, don't cut it for now. Keep it perpendicular to the metal core, so it's easy to wrap it around it many times.
Step 3. Leave 5-8cm of wire free at the end
Before you start wrapping the wire, leave a free piece that you will use to connect it to the pile, about 5-8cm long.
Position the cable so that it is perpendicular to the iron core, aligned with one end of the screw
Step 4. Wrap the insulated copper wire around the iron, always in the same direction
Create a continuous spiral around the metal to conduct electricity. Wind the cable into a single coil, going in one direction only, so that the current is strong.
It is essential that the cable is always wound in the same direction, so that the electricity always flows in the same direction. If you create a coil with different directions, the electricity will follow different paths and will not create a magnetic field
Step 5. Pull the coils of the cable together as you wrap it
Tighten the wire tightly around the iron forming as many spirals as possible, in order to obtain an intense current. While wrapping it, push it with your fingers towards the previous spiral, so as to bring them closer. Keep twisting and pushing the cable until you get to the end of the iron core.
The more wire you use, the stronger the electric current will be, so be careful when making your own magnet
Step 6. Wrap the entire nail with the cord
There is no set number of laps to complete; just make sure you wrap all the iron with the wire and that the spirals are very close together. Once you reach the end of the nail, you are done.
Step 7. Cut the thread so that the end is about 5-8cm long
Once you reach the other end of the iron core, use a wire cutter or sharp pair of scissors to cut the wire from the rest of the roll. Cut the second end the same length as the first, so it's easy to get to the pile.
Part 2 of 3: Creating Leaders
Step 1. Remove 3-5 cm of insulation from the ends of the wire
Use a wire stripper, sandpaper, or razor to carefully remove the insulation from each end. This way the cables will conduct electricity better.
When you remove the insulation, the cable will lose the copper color of the insulation and take on its natural silvery color
Step 2. Curl the ends of the cable to create a small loop
Fold them with your fingers into tiny circles, about 5mm in diameter. These circles must make contact with the ends of the pile.
By curling the ends of the cables you improve the connection with the battery
Step 3. Touch the ends of the cables to the ends of a stack D
Find a D or 1.5 volt battery and contact the ends of the wires with its poles. Secure them with electrical tape.
Put one end of the cable on the negative pole of the battery and the other on the positive pole
Step 4. Test the magnet by holding the ends of the cable in contact with the battery
Once the wires touch the stack well, try it! Hold the magnet near a small metal object, such as a paper clip or pin. If the nail pulls it towards you, the magnet is working.
- If the battery gets hot, hold the cables with a small towel.
- When you're done using the magnet, disconnect the cables from the battery.
Part 3 of 3: Increase the Power of the Magnet
Step 1. Use a series of stacks instead of a single one for more power
Batteries with multiple cells (or battery packs) last longer and create a more powerful electric current than individual cells. You can find them in hardware stores and specialty stores and you can use them as normal batteries.
- Do some research before purchasing a powerful battery pack, so you can be sure that the model you choose is safe and works.
- You need to connect the ends of the cable to the positive and negative terminals. You can do this with electrical tape.
Step 2. Find a larger piece of metal to create a stronger magnetic field
Instead of using a nail, try using a metal rod about 30 cm long and 1 wide. Make sure you charge it with a strong battery to make the magnet even more effective. It will take a lot more copper wire to cover all the metal, so start with a full roll.
- Wrap the wire tightly around the metal so that the electric current flows well.
- If you are using a larger piece of metal just wrap it with a layer of wire, for safety reasons.
- Use electrical tape to connect the ends of the wire to the battery terminals.
Step 3. Add more copper coils to create a stronger magnet
The more turns you create, the stronger the electric current will be. Get a very long roll of wire and create a lot of coils around the iron nail to create a very strong magnet. If you wish, you can overlap multiple layers of cable.
- Use a small piece of iron for this method, such as a nail, screw, or bolt.
- Always wrap the wire in the same direction around the piece of iron.
- Secure the ends of the wire to the battery terminals with electrical tape.
Warnings
- Never use high voltage electricity with very strong currents, as you run the risk of being electrocuted.
- Do not try to plug the cord into an electrical outlet. That way the cable would conduct electricity, increasing the voltage and generating a very strong current, which can electrocute you.
