The intention of this experiment is to demonstrate how electricity and magnetism are related.
Things Required:
Wire-wrapped nail from Electromagnet experiment
6-volt battery
Masking tape
Cardboard, 6 inches (15 cm) square
Iron filings
Scissors
Directions:
Ask an adult to punch a hole through the centre of the cardboard, using a nail. Insert the wire-wrapped nail through the hole in the cardboard. Make the cardboard sit flat by placing it on the roll of tape. Attach one end of the wire to either battery pole. Sprinkle a thin layer of iron filings on the cardboard around the coiled wire. Attach the free wire to the open battery terminal. Observe the pattern made by the iron filings. Disconnect the wire.
Caution: The nail and wires will get hot if left connected to the battery. Be sure to interrupt the circuit by disconnecting one wire from one pole.
This Is What Happens:
The iron filings form a starburst pattern around the coil of wire.
Science Behind It:
There is a magnetic field around all wires carrying an electric current. The magnetic effect around the wire can be increased by coiling more wire into a smaller space, increasing the electrical flow through the wire, and placing the iron nail in the coil of wire. The iron filings are pulled toward the magnetized nail and form a starburst pattern around the coil of wire.
