Elenco Snap Circuits® Home Learning - Manual (Page 27)

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Materials List
2 2-Snap Wires
1 3-Snap Wire
1 Battery Holder (B1)
1 Electromagnet (M3)
1 Iron Core Rod
1 Press Switch (S2)
1 Paperclip (uncoated)
Build the circuit as shown, and place the iron core rod in the electromagnet (M3). Push the switch (S2) and touch the paper clip
to the iron core rod in the electromagnet. Let go off the paper clip so only the magnet holds the paper clip in place. Release the
switch (S2) to stop the flow of current.
What happens to the paper clip when the current is turned off? __________________________________________________
How is an electromagnet like a permanent magnet? ___________________________________________________________
How is an electromagnet different than a permanent magnet? ____________________________________________________
How are electromagnets used in real life? ___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Current flowing in a wire creates a magnetic field around the wire. The field is increased when the wire is made into a coil. If a
piece of iron, such as a nail or rod, is inserted into the coil it makes the magnetic field stronger.
Activity 18
The Electromagnet