Three Characteristics of a Strong Electromagnet

Electricity as the Source

• Magnetism is a naturally occurring force of nature. However, electromagnetism is a force that comes about as a result of electrical production. This means that electricity, occurring around metals such as copper or iron, results in the creation of a magnetic field. Because of this, there are three central characteristics of an electromagnet.

Turns of Electrical Wires

• The number of times an electrical wire is wrapped around a metallic object will affect the power of the magnetic field. A good example of this is the use of copper wires wrapped around an iron bar or core. The more times the copper wire is wrapped around the iron bar or core, the more the electrical current spreads out over the metal. This helps increase the magnetism from the object.

Electrical Flow Rate

• The amount of electricity fed through the wiring will determine the power of the magnetic field. For example, many home experiments creating an electromagnet utilize batteries as a source of electricity. A car battery with a power rating of 600 amps per hour can give you a range of power options. You can allow the battery to be fully on, transferring 600 amps of electricity that will power through the copper wires for about one hour. You could also manipulate the car battery to only emit 100 amps per hour, charging the electrical wires for six hours. Transferring 600 amps in one hour will give the strongest magnetic field in the shortest time frame, while 100 amps in six hours will produce a weaker magnetic field in a longer time frame.

Clockwise and Counterclockwise Flows

• The direction the electricity flows in through the copper wire will produce a magnetic field that circulates in the opposite direction. For example, if the copper wire is wrapped in a clockwise direction, the magnetism will permeate from the magnet in a counterclockwise direction. The same goes for a counterclockwise wiring wrap, which will produce a clockwise-based magnetism. The best way to increase strength is to make sure the wiring is going in the same direction. Inconsistent wrapping will minimize the force of the magnetism.