Secondary 2 – Physics: Students Create Their Own Electromagnets
Secondary 2 students recently carried out an exciting physics experiment in which they built their own electromagnets. The activity helped them understand how electricity can be used to create magnetism.
Using simple materials such as a cell battery, insulated wire, an iron nail, and small metal objects, students constructed an electromagnet. First, they wrapped the wire around the iron nail to form a solenoid. The ends of the wire were then connected to the battery, allowing an electric current to flow through the coil.
Once the current flowed through the wire, the iron nail became magnetized and was able to attract nearby metal objects. Students tested their electromagnets by attempting to lift small metal pieces and observing how effectively the nail acted as a magnet.
Through this hands-on experiment, students learned that electric current passing through a coil of wire can generate a magnetic field, turning the iron nail into a temporary magnet. They also discussed factors that might affect the strength of the electromagnet, such as the number of wire coils and the strength of the battery.
After completing the experiment, students compiled their procedures, observations, and conclusions into a detailed Science Report. This process helped them practice scientific documentation and deepen their understanding of electromagnetism.
The activity provided an exciting opportunity for students to connect theory with practice while discovering how electromagnets are used in many everyday technologies.
