Electricity and Magnetism

ELECTROMAGNET

Here's an example of how electricity and magnetism are closely related.

1 three foot long wire
1 nail
2 batteries in holders
1 breadboard
paper clips
push pins

1. Wrap the wire tightly around the whole length of the nail. Wrap all of the wire but about 6 inches at each end.

2. Try to pick up the paper clips by touching them with the nail. What happens?

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3. Hook up the batteries so that electricity is running through the wire.

4. Try again to pick up the paper clips. What happens? Why?

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5. Now disconnect the battery and try the paper clips again. Does the same thing happen as in step 2? What has happened to the nail?

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