Multiple Choice Question

A mechanic dropped a bolt he needed to repair a car motor. He decided to make a simple electromagnet to try to attract the metal bolt. Which list of material would make the best electromagnet?
A.
metal rod for a core, copper wire, 9-volt battery

B.
glass rod for a core, copper wire, 9-volt battery

C.
plastic rod for a core, copper wire, 9-volt battery

D.
wooden rod for a core, copper wire, 9-volt battery

1 answer

The best materials for making an electromagnet from the options provided would be:

A. metal rod for a core, copper wire, 9-volt battery

A metal rod (especially if it's iron or another ferromagnetic material) as the core will enhance the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the copper wire. In contrast, the other options (glass, plastic, and wood) do not conduct magnetism effectively and thus would not create a strong electromagnet.