Electricity and magnetism are linked by the principle of induction. Passing an electric current through a coil of wire creates a magnetic field inside the coil due to the motion of the electrons along the wire. Similarly, passing a magnet inside a coil of wire will produce an electric current. The electromagnetic force exerted by the magnet will push the electrons along the circuit. You can create a simple electromagnet to demonstrate the principle of induction.
- Iron nail
- Copper wire
- Wire stripper
- 9-volt battery
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Instructions
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1
Strip one inch of insulation from each end of the wire.
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2
Wrap the wire in a tight coil around the nail, leaving the head and tip bare. Ensure all the turns of the coil are moving in the same direction.
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3
Wrap each end of the wire around one of the battery's terminals.
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4
Touch the end of the nail to metal objects to pick them up. To turn off the magnet, disconnect one wire from the battery.