CP PHYSICS
ELECTROMAGNETS LAB
Name:
____________________________
__ period
To complete this lab activity, you will need to go to the following
web address:
http://presentingscience.com/vac/emagnets/index.htm
Purpose:
To determine what factors affect the strength of an
electromagnet.
Procedures:
Click on Virtual Lab to begin. To place an item in the circuit,
double click on the item. To close the switch, click on the location
where it should close. Click on the washers to make them attach to
the electromagnet. When you need to change the circuit set-up, click
on Put Apparatus Away.
Data:
Core Material
# of Turns
# of
Batteries
iron
10
1
iron
20
1
iron
10
2
iron
20
2
wood
10
1
wood
20
1
wood
10
2
wood
20
2
# of Washers
picked up
Analysis:
1.
Which core material makes the electromagnet stronger?
Explain.
CP PHYSICS, ELECTROMAGNETS LAB, page 2
Analysis:
(cont’d)
2.
How does the number of turns in the coil affect the strength of
the electromagnet? Explain.
3.
How does the number of batteries used in the circuit affect the
strength of the electromagnet? Explain.
Conclusions:
(in complete sentences!!!!!)
1.
What is an electromagnet?
2.
What factors affect the strength of an electromagnet?
3.
Based on your lab results, which electromagnet was the strongest?
4.
A wooden core makes a stronger magnet than an iron one.
True or False
5.
Doubling the electric current doubles the strength of the
electromagnet.
True or False
6.
Doubling the number of turns in the coil halves the
strength of the electromagnet.
True or False