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Batteries + wire + switch + wireOne bolt gets 20 tight turns.One bolt gets 40 tight turns.One bolt gets 60 tight turns.
Hold the bolt over the plate of nails.Turn on the switch.After the bolt “catches” some nails, hover the bolt over a piece of paper.Turn off the switch.Count and record the number of nails for each bolt.
Build an Electromagnet
In this activity, you will build an electromagnet with three strengths. You will test and record their strength by picking up small nails with your electromagnet.
3-4 students per group
Materials
Iron bolts (3)
Enameled copper wire (thin) (5m)
Batteries (1.5V x 2)
Switch (paperclip or formal)
Shoe nails (large handful on a plate)
There are no rows in this table
Preparation
1. Lay out materials.
2. Build a circuit
3. Prepare three bolts with three lengths of copper wire.
Make sure the copper wire extends off the bolt from both ends.
4. Sand off the ends of the copper wire.
There are no rows in this table
Procedure
Your challenge is to hover the bolt/wire over the plate of nails and see how many you pick up. Repeat this with all three bolts. Record your results.
CAUTION: Do not leave the switch on! Bolt will get very hot!
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