How to Make an Electromagnet at Home
- 1). Take the 8-inch piece of wire, and strip a half-inch or so of insulation from the ends if necessary. Wrap it several times around a nail. Make sure to leave enough wire to connect to the battery.
- 2). Place one end of the wire on the positive (+) terminal of the 9-volt battery. Use an alligator clip or electrical tape to prevent it from slipping. Attach the other end of the wire to the negative (-) terminal of the battery.
- 3). After a minute or so, place a needle near one end of the nail, and record the reaction. The nail will behave like a magnet. Substitute a paper clip, hair pin or bobby pin in place of the needle
- 4). Wrap the 18-inch piece of copper wire several times around the second nail, using overlapping loops. Use alligator clips or electrical tape to attach it to the battery terminals.
- 5). Hold the metal objects near the nail. Record your observations. Has the strength of the magnetic field increased or decreased?