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 choice for making a simple electromagnet would be:

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

Using a metal rod as the core will enhance the magnetic field produced by the electromagnet because metal (especially ferromagnetic materials like iron) can be easily magnetized. The copper wire is necessary for conducting electricity, and the 9-volt battery provides the power source to create the electromagnetic field. The other options (glass, plastic, or wood) would not be effective as cores for an electromagnet since they are non-magnetic materials.