NIOS Class 10 Science Activity 17.3 Magnetic Effect of Electric Current

This activity helps us understand how electric current produces magnetism and creates an electromagnet.

Magnetic Effect of Electric Current Activity Solution

This activity is based on the NIOS Class 10 science and technology (212) Chapter 17- Magnetic Effect of Electric Current, Module 4- Energy

Activity of Making an Electromagnet

Aim

To study the magnetic effect of electric current and the making of an electromagnet

Materials Required

   1.  Thick paper or drawing sheet

   2. Insulated copper wire

   3. 9 V battery

   4. Switch

   5. Iron scale

   6. Iron nails

Procedure

We take a thick piece of paper and form a cylindrical tube approximately 15 cm long and 1 cm in diameter. Then we wind around 100 to 150 turns of insulated copper wire around this paper tube.

Now we connect the ends of the wire to a 9-volt battery through a switch.

We bring an iron scale close to the tube before switching on the current and notice what happens. Now we turn the switch on to flow current in the tube and notice what happens between the iron scale and the tube.

We fill the tube with small iron nails and observe what happens.

Observation

    1. When the electric current is off, there is no attraction between the tube and the iron scale.

   2. When the current is on, the tube attracts the iron scale just like a magnet.

   3. The magnetic effect increases when iron nails are placed in the tube.

   4. When the current is stopped in the tube, the magnetic effect disappears.

Explanation

When an electric current is passed through the coiled insulated wire around the paper tube, a magnetic field is produced around it. This magnetic field makes the tube like a bar magnet, which is called an electromagnet.

When an iron core is inserted in the tube, the magnetic strength increases.

When the electric current is stopped, the magnetic field also disappears.

Conclusion

We can conclude that electric current produces a magnetic effect. This activity also proves that electricity and magnetism are related to each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is an electromagnet?

Answer- An electromagnet is a magnet that is created by passing an electric current through a coil of insulated wire.

   2. What happens when the current is switched off?

Answer – The magnetic effect disappears when the current is switched off.

   3. Why does the iron core increase magnetic strength?

Answer – The atoms in the iron core align with the magnetic field, so the field becomes stronger.

   4. What type of current is used in making an electromagnet?

Answer – Direct current is used in making an electromagnet.