How Do You Magnetize Metal With Batteries?
Magnetizing metal with batteries is a fun and common science fair or classroom project, but it can easily be duplicated at home. Any type of ferrous metal–such as iron–can be magnetized with batteries. Such objects are said to be electromagnets since their magnetic properties are dependent upon an electrical current. Once the current is stopped, the metal object loses its magnetic properties. Wrap the bell wire tightly around the iron nail so that most of the nail is covered with one layer of wrapped wire. Remove the insulation from the ends of the wire, leaving at least half an inch of bare copper wire exposed on each end of the wire. Line up at least 2 D batteries, with the positive pole of one battery nesting in the negative end of the other battery. If more than two batteries are being used, align the batteries so that the positive pole is facing the same way on every battery. Make sure the batteries are all touching and wrap them with duct tape to hold them in a line. Do not cov
