Elenco Electronics 202 - Manual (Page 107)

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Project #251
OBJECTIVE: To learn how electricity and magnetism are
related.
Electromagnetism
Put the iron core rod into the electromagnet (M3). Press the press
switch (S2) and hold some iron objects near the electromagnet (M3),
they will be attracted to it. By carrying the base grid around, you can
use the electromagnet to pick up iron objects such as nails.
Electricity and magnetism are closely related, and an electric current
flowing in a coil of wire has a magnetic field just like a normal magnet.
Placing an iron rod through the coil magnifies this magnetic field.
Notice that when the electromagnet is attracted to an iron object, its
attraction is strongest at the ends of the iron core rod. If you remove
the iron core rod from the electromagnet then its magnetic properties
are greatly reduced - try this.
You can use this circuit to see which things are made of iron. Other
metals like copper or aluminum will not be attracted to the
electromagnet.
Use the electromagnet to pick up some paper clips, they will be
attracted to both ends of the iron core rod. See how many paper clips
you can lift at once.
You can also use a paper clip to lift the iron core rod up from the
electromagnet.
See what other small objects you can pick up. You can only pick up
things made of iron, not just any metal.