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Electromagnet Challenge

Last updated over 1 year ago
8 questions
Note from the author:
Organize the Following Materials:

Sandpaper
Paper clips (20)
Alligator clip wires (4)
Iron Nails (5)
Bolts (5)
Metric ruler
Wire (150 cm)
Cardboard tube
bar magnet
D-cell batteries (3)
D-cell battery holders (3)
balance
hot mitts
Organize the Following Materials:

Sandpaper
Paper clips (20)
Alligator clip wires (4)
Iron Nails (5)
Bolts (5)
Metric ruler
Wire (150 cm)
Cardboard tube
bar magnet
D-cell batteries (3)
D-cell battery holders (3)
balance
hot mitts
1

Watch the whole video so that you understand how an electromagnet may work.

1. With sandpaper, rub off 2 cm of insulation from both ends of 150 cm of wire.
2. Make a coil by wrapping the copper wire 20 times around the nail. Leave a space at the tail of the nail, as you finish wrapping the wire.
3. Count how many paper clips the coil picks up and how it interacts with a permanent magnet. Record your observations in the data table.
4. Use alligator clip wires to connect the tails of the coil to a D-cell battery in a holder. Repeat step 3.

CAUTION!!!: Unhook the wire after a few seconds to avoid overheating

5. Measure and record the mass of the electromagnet assembly (not including the battery). Measure and record the mass of the paper clips you were able to pick up.
6. Make a coil by wrapping the copper wire 50 times around the iron nail. Leave a space at the tail of the nail, as you finish wrapping the wire. Use alligator clip wires to connect the tails of the coil to a D-cell battery in a holder. Repeat 4 and count how many the paper clips the coil picks up. Then measure and record the mass of the electromagnet assembly (not including the battery). Measure and record the mass of the paper clips you were able to pick up.
1
1

This is a space for you to put your data from the experiment for steps 3-5

7. With your group, discuss how you can make your electromagnet stronger while keeping its mass as low as possible. Your goal is to build an electromagnet that will pick up the greatest mass of paper clips. The greater the mass of of the paper clips (compared to the mass of the electromagnet), the more successful you are in your design.
8. When you have decided on your design, build and test it with your teacher's approval. Continue to improve your design until you are satisfied. Record your improvements
1
1

This is a space for you to draw your design!!

1

A) What factors increase the strength of the electromagnet?
B) Which factors were the most effective in increasing the strength of the electromagnet without greatly increasing its mass?

1

What was the ratio of the mass of paper clips you picked up to the mass of the electromagnet?

1

What are some benefits to using an electromagnet versus a permanent magnet?