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Make a face with an electro-magnetic wire

Electricity and Magnetism science projects

Suitable For

Grade 6

Difficulty

2

Time Required

 <24 Hours

Supervision

Advised

What’s it about?

In this science experiment we will be learning more about the relationship between electricity, electrical current, magnets and the laws of magnetism. The connection between electric current and magnetism is very important because as a result electric motors and electromagnets can be made:

Topics covered

Magnetism, Electromagnet

What will I need?

  • 9-VOLT BATTERY
  • COPPER WIRE
  • IRON FILINGS
  • CARDBOARD
  • STICKY TAPE

Procedure (Method)

In this science experiment we will be learning more about the relationship between electricity, electrical current, magnets and the laws of magnetism. The connection between electric current and magnetism is very important because as a result electric motors and electromagnets can be made:

Science project diagram
  1. Draw an outline of a human head on a piece of cardboard and follow the line with a piece of copper wire.
  2. Use sticky tape to tape the copper wire in place along outline of the face. Connect the two loose ends of each side of the copper wire face outline to a 9-volt battery.
  3. Place another piece of thin cardboard over the wire outline on the first cardboard and sprinkle some iron filings on it. You can get iron filings from your hardware store or hobby shop or you can also make your own iron filings yourself by filing on a piece of steel with a fine metal file and catch the filings in an envelope.
  4. With the battery connected, and therefore electrical current flowing in the copper wire, gently tap the cardboard with the iron filings on top and you will see the face outline appear!

How does it work?

The above experiment works because when electric current flows through an object like a copper wire, it creates a magnetic field around the object. The face appears because the iron filings are attracted to the magnetic field around the wire.

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