Hal makes an electromagnet with a 9-volt battery, wire, and a steel rod. What is the function of electric current in his electromagnet? (1 point)

O Electric current attracts or repels charged objects.

O Electric current powers the electromagnet.

O Electric current creates a magnetic field that charges the rod.

O Electric current determines the strength of the magnet.

Electric current creates a magnetic field that charges the rod.

Electric current produces a magnetic field that charges the rod

Apologies for the incorrect answer. The correct answer is:

Electric current creates a magnetic field that magnetizes the steel rod and turns it into an electromagnet.

The correct answer is:

O Electric current creates a magnetic field that charges the rod.

To understand this, we need to know the basic principle of how an electromagnet works. An electromagnet is created when electric current flows through a wire, creating a magnetic field. This magnetic field then magnetizes the steel rod, turning it into a temporary magnet. The strength of the magnet depends on the amount of current flowing through the wire; the stronger the current, the stronger the magnetic field, and thus the stronger the electromagnet. Therefore, the function of electric current in Hal's electromagnet is to create the magnetic field that charges the steel rod.