Questions: A student builds an electromagnet to pick up paper clips. State how you could change each of the following to pick up more paper clips. a) The coil of wire - Remove the core from inside the coil - Decrease the number of coils - Increase the number of coils b) The cells - Remove the cell - Decrease the number of cells - Increase the number of cells

Solution Steps

An electromagnet consists of a coil of wire, often wrapped around a core, and is powered by an electric current. The strength of the electromagnet can be increased by:

1. Increasing the number of coils, which enhances the magnetic field.
2. Increasing the current flowing through the wire, which can be achieved by adding more cells (batteries).

• Remove the core from inside the coil: This would decrease the strength of the electromagnet because the core (usually made of iron) enhances the magnetic field.
• Decrease the number of coils: This would also decrease the strength of the electromagnet, as fewer coils mean a weaker magnetic field.
• Increase the number of coils: This would increase the strength of the electromagnet, allowing it to pick up more paper clips.

• Remove the cell: This would decrease the current, weakening the electromagnet and reducing its ability to pick up paper clips.
• Decrease the number of cells: This would also decrease the current, weakening the electromagnet.
• Increase the number of cells: This would increase the current, strengthening the electromagnet and allowing it to pick up more paper clips.

Final Answer