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How to Make an Electromagnet With a Parallel Circuit

Electricity and magnetism are two closely related physical phenomena. When a transient electric field is induced across an inductor, it will create an alternating current signal through the circuit that the inductor is connected to. Similarly, when voltage is applied through a wire that is coiled around a piece of iron or nickel, an electromagnet is created. Many electromagnets are created using a simple series circuit. This circuit involves connecting the two ends of the coiled wire to a battery or other direct current power source. However, it is also possible to create an electromagnet by connecting it into a parallel circuit.

Things You'll Need

Electrical wire;18 gauge thickness
Electrical pliers
Magnet wire; 30 gauge thickness
Fine-grit sandpaper or emery board
Steel nail; 3 inches
Resistor; 1-kiloohm
Electronic solder
Soldering iron
Battery; 6-volt

Instructions

- 1
  Cut two pieces of electrical wire, with each piece being 6 inches long. Use the cutting edge of the pliers to strip 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of each wire segment.
- 2
  Cut a 16-inch piece of magnet wire. Use the emery board to file off 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the magnet wire.
- 3
  Wrap the magnet wire around the shaft of the nail. Leave 2 inches of slack at each end of the magnet wire; these loose wires will be used as electrical leads.
- 4
  Twist together one end of the magnet wire, one of the resistor leads and one end of the first piece of electrical wire. Solder this connection.
- 5
  Twist together the remaining magnet wire end, the remaining resistor lead and one end of the second piece of electrical wire. Solder this connection.
- 6
  Attach the loose end of the first wire to the positive battery terminal. Attach the loose end of the second wire to the negative battery terminal.

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