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?

Question

a
plastic rod for a core, copper wire, 9-volt battery
b
wooden rod for a core, copper wire, 9-volt battery
c
glass rod for a core, copper wire, 9-volt battery
d
metal rod for a core, copper wire, 9-volt battery

Answer 1

The best choice for making a simple electromagnet from the provided options would be:

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

Using a metal rod as the core will enhance the magnetic field created by the current flowing through the copper wire, making the electromagnet much stronger compared to using plastic, wood, or glass. The 9-volt battery provides sufficient voltage to drive current through the wire, thereby generating a magnetic field.