In this activity, you will build an electromagnet and measure the electromagnet's strength. By varying the components that compose the electromagnet, you will identify the one that affects the electromagnet's strength the most. Once you have completed your testing and identified the component that most improve the electromagnet's performance, you will complete a worksheet as your portfolio assessment.
Materials needed:
- Iron nail or bolt
- Copper wire
- Battery
- Insulated wire
- Switch
- Paperclips or other small magnetic objects
- Ruler
- Small container to hold paperclips
Instructions:
1. Wrap the copper wire around the iron nail or bolt tightly, leaving a few inches of wire on either end.
2. Connect one end of the copper wire to one terminal of the battery and the other end to the switch. Connect a second wire from the other terminal of the battery to the switch to complete the circuit.
3. Close the switch to turn on the electromagnet and open the switch to turn it off.
4. Test the strength of the electromagnet by placing paperclips or other small magnetic objects near the nail while the electromagnet is turned on.
5. Use a ruler to measure the distance at which the paperclips are attracted to the electromagnet.
6. Repeat the testing process by varying the components of the electromagnet (e.g. number of wire coils, voltage of the battery) to see which component affects the electromagnet's strength the most.
7. Record your findings in a worksheet, including the component that most improves the electromagnet's performance and any conclusions or observations you made during the testing process.
Portfolio assessment worksheet:
1. Describe the components of your electromagnet (e.g. number of wire coils, voltage of the battery).
2. What was the strength of the electromagnet when all components were at their initial settings?
3. What component did you vary to test the electromagnet's strength?
4. How did varying this component affect the electromagnet's strength?
5. Which component had the greatest impact on the electromagnet's performance?
6. What conclusions can you draw from the testing process?
7. Any other observations or notes about the experiment?