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Science Fair Project on How to Make an Electromagnetic Lifting Magnet

Make an amazing electromagnet for your next science fair project. Electromagnets are a result of the magnetic field that is created by electricity. Running electricity through metallic objects (such as nails) rearranges the electrons in such a way as to make the metallic object magnetic. This effect lasts only as long as electricity is passed through the object. Use your electromagnet to pick up paper, toy cars or other metallic objects. You can demonstrate how electromagnets work by assembling your own using everyday household items.

Things You'll Need

Wire stripper
Coated copper wire, three feet
1 3-inch iron nail
1 battery (D)
Electrical tape
Metallic toy car

Instructions

- 1
  Remove about a one-half inch of the plastic off of both ends of the wire with the wire stripper.
- 2
  Leave 10 inches of wire free a the top of the nail. Starting at the top, wind the wire around the nail. The wire wraps must be touching each other, but not overlap. Make the wraps tight and as close to each other as possible. The more times you wrap the wire around the nail, the stronger your electromagnet will be.
- 3
  Leave about 10 inches of wire loose at the bottom of the nail. Now both ends have ten inches of free wire. One end is at the top of the nail and the other end is at the bottom.
- 4
  Connect both ends of the wires to the battery terminals. Take the end of the wire at the top of the nail and tap it to the small nipple on the top of the battery. Tape the other end of the wire to the bottom of the battery.
- 5
  Hold the nail close to the toy car and watch as the nail attracts the metallic car. If you have a small car, you may even be able to lift it up.

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