Our project consists of a simple electromagnet that, powered by a common cell can attract small objects such as needles, nails, pins, clips, razors, filings and many others.
The electromagnet is made by wrapping 50 to 300 turns of fine enamelled wire in a nail or a ferrous metal bolt, as shown in figure 1.
The enamelled wire can be obtained from transformers, bells, solenoids, motors and other similar components out of use. We should only make sure that the wire is not burnt, ie blackened, which means that its insulation no longer exists.
The wire with the enamel insulation in good condition is bright light brown.
To use the electro-magnet we must scrape the ends of the wire in order to remove the insulation, where we are going to make its connection to the battery. It is convenient to use medium or large batteries that can provide a larger current to the electro-magnet.
Do not leave it on for too long, as its consumption is high, it will cause the battery to run out quickly.
Material
1 medium or large battery
Thin enameled wire (any thickness)
1 nail or screw
Thread, pins, nails or other materials that can be attracted by a magnet.
Note: this assembly can be used as a transversal theme for the course of sciences or physics in which the central theme is electromagnetism (STEM).
