How do I make an ElectroMagnet?

Answer 1

First you need to find some soft-iron rod. The size depends on how large you want to make the magnet. For a small experimental magnet a rod .5" diameter and 6" long will work. You can use almost any wire to wind around the rod, but "magnet wire" is best: it is a fine wire with enamel insulation. Wind the wire around the rod; it helps to have a "bobbin" that will contain the winding, as you will have a problem keeping the windings from falling off the edge of the rod. You can improvise your own bobbin by cutting pieces of cardboard. Otherwise, keep the winding at the center part of the iron rod. Wind several hundred turns, then try it out with a 1.5v battery to see if it works. Whatever you do, never connect the wires to the AC power line, or to an unfused DC power supply.

You can get more information here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnet

Answer 2

To make a small electromagnet you will need the following: 1 large iron nail, a 3 ft lengt of insulated 20 gauge wire, and a 9v battery. strip the ends of the wire. wrap the wire around the nail unit only about three inches is left on each end. Connect the ends of the wire to the two terminals of the 9V battery, and you now have an electromagnet. You should be able to pick up small metal objects such as paper clips with the pointed end of the nail

Answer 3

go to howstuffworks.com click Science Stuff tab and scroll down the big list of a bunch of topics scroll down through that till you find where it says How Electromagnets Work click that and it will have pictures and all other things you need to know