Making an Electromagnet: How to Make an Electromagnet

The word 'magnet' is derived from the Greek language. In Greek it is known as magnḗtis líthos, which is a type of lodestone that is found in the Greek province of Magnesia. The lodestone is actually a stone that is magnetic in nature. Similar magnetic properties are found in ferromagnetic substances. The astounding property of a permanent magnet that attracted the metallic substances around it, aroused the human interest in magnetism. After the discovery of the phenomenon of magnetic field produced by the magnet, innovators and scientists started searching for substances that had properties similar to the magnet. The invention of electronic gadgets and electricity generation methods resulted into the development of electromagnets.

How to Make an Electromagnet

As the name suggests, electromagnet is made with the help of electricity. The advantage of the electromagnet is that, the magnetic field of the magnet can be expanded and also can be made more powerful by using a comparatively light, less costly material and a small amount of electricity.

The following is a process of the making of a simple electromagnet. This kind of magnet can also be made by you at home and can also be taken up as a small science experiment by school going children. It must be noted that this magnet can only be used to attract metallic objects of a light weight.

Requirements
To make an electromagnet all you need is a 9 volt battery, a couple of 3 inch iron nails and a piece of insulated copper wire.

Procedure
The procedure of making the electromagnet is relatively simple. First, remove about half an inch of insulation form both ends of the copper wire. Then systematically coil and envelop the nail with the help of the copper wire. Remember to follow a systematic pattern while wrapping the copper wire. The coils or wraps should not overlap each other. Fix one end of the copper wire, on the positive terminal of the battery and the other end to the negative end. When the circuit of the copper wire is complete, the nail will get activated and will start attracting other metallic objects. One can test the magnet with the help of the other nail. You can also lift the nail up by using the electromagnet. If the copper wire is disconnected from the battery, the nail will immediately fall down. A larger battery and a larger piece of metal will make a more powerful magnet.

Uses of Electromagnet

The innovation of the electromagnet, proved to be of a very good benefit for the development of electronics. Many electronic gadgets, such as motors, generators, loud speakers, cranes and door bells work with the help of an electromagnet. The biggest use of electromagnet is that it is used to actually produce electricity and thus forms the base of electronics in a real sense.