DIY: Electromagnet

An electromagnet is a temporary magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current. When the current is turned off, the magnetic field disappears.

Worksheet for Educators to be used in-class.

Materials Required:

No Material Qty Vendor
1 Screw 1 Local Hardware
2 Copper Coil (32 gauge) 100 grams Mumbai: Lohar Chawl
3 Battery (9V) 1 Local Stationery
4 Sand Paper 1
5 Tape 1 Local Stationery
6 Scissors 1 Local Stationery


Steps to make:

  1. Take a screw and wound the copper coil around it as tightly as possible.
  2. Use sandpaper to remove the insulation from both ends of the copper wire.
  3. Connect the two ends of the copper wire to the two ends of the battery.
  4. Test it out (WARNING: The battery can become very hot. Please take precaution.)

Concepts Explored:

  1. Electromagnetic Induction

Reasons why the Electromagnet may not work:

  1. The copper coil does not have enough turns.
  2. The insulation on the ends of the copper coil has not be properly removed.
  3. The battery might be drained out.

Further External Resources:

  1. Video – Roman UrsuHack – How to make an Electromagnet
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