Elenco Upgrade Kit SC500 to SC750 - Manual (Page 72)

Use the circuit from project #660, with the iron
core rod in the electromagnet (M3). Press the
press switch (S2) and use the electromagnet to
pick up some paperclips, they will be attracted to
both ends of the iron core rod. See how many
paperclips you can lift at once.
Snap two 2-snaps around a paperclip and
lift them with the electromagnet, as shown
here on the left.
The magnetic field created by the electromagnet occurs in a loop, and is
strongest in the iron core rod in the middle. You can see this loop with
some paperclips:
You can also use the paperclip to lift the iron core rod up from the
electromagnet.
See what other small objects you can pick up. You can only pick up things
made of iron, not just any metal.
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Project #662
OBJECTIVE: To learn how electricity and magnetism are related.
Electromagnetism & Paperclips
Project #663
OBJECTIVE: To show how electricity can lift things using magnetism.
Electromagnet Suction
An electric current flowing in a coil of wire has a magnetic field, which
tries to suck iron objects into its center. You can see this using the circuit
from project #660.
Lay the electromagnet (M3) on its side with the iron core rod sticking out
about half way, and press the press switch (S2). The iron rod gets
sucked into the center.
A lighter iron object will show this better. Take a paperclip and straighten
it out, then bend it in half.
Place the bent paperclip next to the electromagnet and turn on the switch
to see it get sucked in. Gently pull it out to feel how much suction the
electromagnet has.
Try sucking up other thin iron objects, like nails.