Q&A for How to Create a Magnet With a Wire and a Nail

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Why is it that the nail becomes hot when I connect to the charge?

Shawn Berlinghoff

Community Answer

The nail becomes hot because the wire is becoming hot. The wire becomes hot whenever it is too small for the amount of electricity you're trying to push through it. To stop this problem simply increase the gauge of wire.

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Does the battery still need to have a charge?

Community Answer

Yes. A battery that does not have a charge will probably not work, or at least not as well as one that has a full charge. Try to do the experiment with a new battery for best results.

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Question

When do electromagnets acquire magnetism?

Harigovind R

Community Answer

Electromagnets acquire magnetism when electrons flow through them. That's why electromagnets work only when there is a potential difference at its ends. For making that potential difference, we connect a battery to it.

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Can I use this for a science fair project?

Community Answer

Yes, for sure. You can explain the magnetic effect of electric current using this experiment.

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Question

How long does it take to complete this experiment?

Community Answer

Making a basic electro-magnet takes less than 10 minutes. However, you can modify your magnet after you finish the first design and keep testing new designs for hours if you want to.

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Question

How do the electrons flow in this? Negative to positive or positive to negative?

Community Answer

Electrons are negatively charged. They flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal.

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Question

Can I modify this so that I can remove a battery that is stuck at the bottom of a tube?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

If a battery is stuck at the bottom of a tube, chances are that the the chemicals in the battery have leaked out. They form a crust that needs to be dislodged before the battery can be removed. A slim screwdriver may work, but it may take several attempts before it can loosen the battery.

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Question

What is the purpose of this experiment?

Community Answer

You can do this experiment just for fun, or use it to see how well different metals conduct electricity. For example, by switching out a steel nail for a zinc one, you may notice that one has more magnetic power than the other one.

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Question

Which gauge of wire should be used?

Shawn Berlinghoff

Community Answer

14-16 gauge wire would work for most smaller magnets, but if you're looking to add more voltage, be sure to increase the gauge of the wire or else it will get very hot and could cause a fire or burns.

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Question

What is the difference between wrapping a wire tightly and wrapping it loosely and not too close together?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

Experiment with the number of wire wraps around the nail. The closer the winding, the stronger the magnetic field. The lines of magnet force overlap when the wires are closer, and results in a wider magnetic field. Wrap different nails with different winding. See how close a paper clip has to be before the magnet grabs it. Testing each version gives you insight to how to construct what you need.

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Question

Does the nail get instantly magnetized or does it take a while?

Community Answer

The nail would be magnetized as soon as the electric current is going through it. So it would be near instant.

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