Electromagnets

A student made an electromagnet by wrapping copper wire around an iron nail. The student then connected each end of the electromagnet to the opposite terminals of a battery. The electromagnet will best function as a magnet as long as...?

• electric current flows through the nail.
• electrical energy is transformed into mechanical energy.
• electric current flows through the wire.
• electrical energy is transformed into potential energy.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-5

A student makes an electromagnet as shown above and finds that it is only strong enough to pick up one paper clip. What modification will she need to do in order to make it pick up three paper clips?

• wrap more coils around the nail
• use staples instead of paper clips
• replace the battery with a bar magnet
• use paper clips made of aluminum

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

How can the student increase the strength of the magnetic field around the electromagnet?

• Remove the nail from within the coil.   
• Move the battery closer to the nail.
• Increase the number of loops in the coil.
• Use a wire with a smaller diameter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-3

The electromagnet will be completed by adding...?

• insulated wires.
• a battery.
• a switch.
• metal clips.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1