1.2.8 Electromagnets

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An electromagnet is an object that acts as a magnet when electricity passes through it.

Electromagnets generally produce stronger electric force than a standard magnet.

Electromagnets come in many sizes and shapes.

However, all electromagnets contain:

• power source

• copper wire

• iron core

Note that the wire wraps around the iron core. Coiling the wire causes the electromagnet to take on new properties.

​power
source

​copper
wire

​iron core

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In today's lesson, you will learn about electromagnets like the one used in the video that made the oxygen interact with a magnetic field.

Electromagnets combine the properties of both electricity and magnetism.

As you complete the lesson, think about the ways that electricity and magnetism are related.

The wire coiled around the iron core of an electromagnet is called a solenoid.

Solenoids cause electromagnets to produce stronger magnetic fields than electromagnets without solenoids.

The more coils, or turns, in a solenoid, the stronger the magnetic force it will produce.

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Solenoid

You will need:

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• magnetic pendulum

• wire with alligator clips

• clear tape

• battery box

• two AA batteries

• small Phillips screwdriver

• two bolts

• one hex nut

You may need to open the microscope boxy if you do not have a small Phillips screwdriver

We will build a simple electromagnet and observe how its magnetic field affects the magnetic pendulum.