How to Make Your Own Magnet

Lena and Petya always loved doing science experiments in their workshop. Their favorite activity was studying nature and creating things with their hands. One day, Lena found an interesting idea in a science book about how to create a magnet using common household materials: a nail and copper wire.

— Petya, do you know we can make a magnet right here in our workshop? — Lena asked, showing him the book with instructions. — All we need is a nail, wire, and a little patience. This experiment will help us understand how magnetism works!

Petya was surprised but eagerly agreed:

— Wow! How is that possible? Can a regular nail really become a magnet?

Lena explained:

— Yes! If we wrap copper wire around the nail and pass electricity through it, the nail will become a magnet. This is called an electromagnet. We’ll use the principle of real magnets but with electricity!

To begin, they gathered all the necessary materials. They needed a nail, copper wire, a battery, and a few small metal objects they wanted to attract with their new magnet.

— Are you ready, Petya? — asked Lena, already starting to wind the wire around the nail.

— Yes, I’m ready! — replied Petya, eagerly watching every movement of his sister.

Lena carefully started wrapping the copper wire around the nail, trying to make it as tight as possible so that the wire would make good contact with the metal. During the process, Petya asked:

— Why do we need copper wire? Is it something special?

— Copper wire is good because it conducts electricity, — Lena explained. — And to make a magnet, it’s important that the current flows well through the conductor. That’s why copper is perfect for this experiment.

When Lena finished wrapping the wire, she connected it to the battery with two wires to pass current through the wire. Petya was curious to see what would happen next, and he watched the process attentively.

— Look, — said Lena, — now the nail will become a real electromagnet! As soon as we connect the battery, current will start flowing through the wire, and the nail will acquire magnetic properties.

As soon as Lena connected the battery, they immediately noticed that the nail began to attract small metal objects that Petya had placed nearby: nails, paper clips, and even small coins. This was a real success!

— Wow! It really attracts metal pieces! — Petya exclaimed, shaking the nail joyfully. — We really made a magnet with our hands!

Lena nodded and explained:

— Yes, we made an electromagnet! This works because when current flows through the wire, it creates a magnetic field, which attracts metal objects. If we disconnect the battery, the magnet will disappear, and the nail will become ordinary again.

Petya was intrigued and suggested trying a new experiment:

— What if we wrap more wire around the nail? Will the magnet become stronger?

Lena happily agreed, and they began wrapping more wire around the nail. When they connected the battery again, they noticed that the magnet became stronger and began attracting heavier metal objects like larger paper clips and even small iron parts.

— Wow! Our magnet is much stronger now! — Petya said in amazement. — But why is it stronger than before?

— It’s related to the number of coils of wire, — Lena explained. — The more coils of wire, the stronger the magnet becomes. This increases the magnetic field created around the nail and makes it more powerful.

Petya proudly looked at his self-made magnet and said:

— We’re real scientists, Lena! We made a magnet and learned how magnetism works!

— Yes, that was interesting and fun! Now we can use our magnet for different experiments. For example, we could try making a magnetic lever or see what other materials can become magnets, — suggested Lena.

In the end, they not only learned how to make magnets with their hands, but they also understood how magnetism works and how it can be used in everyday life. They decided to continue their experiments and explore other interesting physical phenomena that can be recreated at home.