How to Make a Magnet

The word magnet is derived from the Greek word magnítis líthos, which means 'magnesian stone'. The magnesian stone is a naturally occurring permanent magnet that creates magnetic fields around itself and attracts a range of materials like iron, nickel, cobalt, and alloys of rare earth metals towards itself. The natural magnet also attracts other magnets, including naturally occurring ones like the lodestone.

According to their origin and manufacture, magnets are broadly classified into two categories, namely, permanent magnets that are made from 'hard' materials that have ferromagnetic properties. The second category is that of the magnet made from 'soft' materials. These are also strongly attracted to the natural magnets; however, they are not permanent magnets.

Methods to Make a Magnet

Many substances that are ferromagnetic (strongly attracted to magnets) in nature can be converted into temporary magnets. There are two methods to make a magnet. The first method is very simple and requires an object having ferromagnetic properties and the second method is by making an electromagnet.

Method 1: This is the simplest and also the most convenient method to make a small magnet that does not have a very big field of attraction. All you need is a ferromagnetic object and a permanent magnet. A refrigerator magnet is the best option. You can also avail the permanent magnet from any local store. To test if your new magnet is working or not, keep a dozen, light-weight pins handy.

Place a paper on a flat surface and place the ferromagnetic object on it. Then rub the permanent magnet over the surface of the object. Make sure that you do not rub the magnet on the object in a back and forth motion. It is also necessary to lift the magnet from the surface of the object, after every swipe or run. Then swipe it again, in the same motion as before and continue rubbing the magnet over the object at least 50 times.

Put the pins on another sheet of paper and then let your new magnet, hover over the pins for a moment. If the process of swiping the permanent magnet over the ferromagnetic object has been done correctly, then the pins will get attracted towards your magnet and will stick to it.

It should be noted that the magnetic properties of these kinds of magnets do not last for a very long time. If you want to increase the power and the longevity of your magnet, then repeat the process. The more times you rub the permanent magnet over your ferromagnetic object, the more powerful your temporary magnet will become.

Method 2: The second method is the process of making an electromagnet. To make an electromagnet, one requires a ferromagnetic substance (preferably use a large sized iron nail), a copper wire and a battery (for safety purposes use the D-cell).

First, tightly coil the copper wire around the iron nail. Note that you have to coil the wire at least 10 times around the nail. Preferably, cover as much portion as you can by coiling. Make it a point that you leave the ends of the copper wire free. Connect the lower end of the copper wire to the negative point of the battery and connect the upper end of the copper wire to the positive point of the battery. This magnet also works for sometime after it has been disconnected from the battery. Test the magnet by using the light-weight pins as in the earlier method.

The electromagnet is nowadays, used as an industrial magnet. The best example of an industrial electromagnet is of a crane that is used in salvage yards.

Making a magnet is a very easy and convenient kids' craft. The only thing that matters is to get the process right and enjoy the results.