Introduction to Electromagnetism

In this lab experience, students explore electromagnets and examine how an electric field from a battery generates a magnetic current through wire. Students are working to prove that electric current can generate a magnetic field and that a magnetic field can be used to generate an electric current. To demonstrate the first statement groups will build their own electromagnet. They will then observe the difference in strength with and without the iron core. For the second statement, students create a magnetic field in one tube covered in magnet wire and see the resulting effect on a compass in another tube wrapped in magnet wire. They should draw the conclusion that the magnetic field created an electric field that carried down the wire to the other tube.