Elenco Snap Circuits Electromagnetism &reg - Manual

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WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD -
Never connect Snap Circuits ®
to the electrical outlets in your
home in any way!
WARNING: Always check your wiring before
turning on a circuit. Never leave a circuit
unattended while the batteries are installed.
Never connect additional batteries or any other
power sources to your circuits.
Electromagnetism
Model SCP-08
753153
Project #1 Magnets & Electronic Magnets
Build the circuit shown. Place the iron core rod inside the
electromagnet (M3), and install three (3) “AA” alkaline
batteries (not included) into the battery holder (B3).
Hold the electromagnet near something made of iron and
push the switch (S2). While pressed, the electromagnet will
attract small iron parts like nails or will stick to a hammer or
refrigerator. Release the switch and the attraction disappears.
Pressing the switch turns on an electric current
which transforms the electromagnet from an
ordinary coil of copper wire into a magnet.
Notice that the magnet will attract
small iron parts and stick to things
like the electromagnet did.
An electric current
flowing in a wire has a
tiny magnetic field. By
looping a long wire into a
coil the tiny magnetic
field is concentrated into
a large one.
The strength of the
magnetic field depends
on how much current is
flowing in the wire and
how many loops of wire.
An electronic magnet is
better than an ordinary
magnet because you
can turn it on or off with
a switch.
Large electromagnets
are used to move
things
around at
factories and junkyards.
All materials have tiny particles with magnetic charges, which are usually so
well balanced that you do not notice them unless a magnetic field disturbs them.
Magnets are materials that concentrate their magnetic charges at opposite
ends. One side attracts while the other repels, but the overall material is neutral.
The earth we live on is a giant magnet, due to its iron core. A compass needle
always points north because it is attracted to the earth’s magnetic field.