Seamus made an electromagnet from an iron nail, a piece of copper wire with three coils spread out across the nail, and a AAA-sized battery. His magnet attracts only one paper clip, and he wants to boost the power of his magnet to attract at least four paper clips. What two things can Seamus do to accomplish his goal?

Question

Responses

Seamus can add batteries to decrease the voltage, and he can decrease the space between the wire coils.
Seamus can add batteries to decrease the voltage, and he can decrease the space between the wire coils.

Seamus can add batteries to increase the voltage, and he can decrease the space between the wire coils.
Seamus can add batteries to increase the voltage, and he can decrease the space between the wire coils.

Seamus can add batteries to increase the voltage, and he can increase the space between the wire coils.
Seamus can add batteries to increase the voltage, and he can increase the space between the wire coils.

Seamus can add batteries to decrease the voltage, and he can increase the space between the wire coils.

Answer 1

To boost the power of his electromagnet so it can attract at least four paper clips, Seamus can do the following:

1. Add batteries to increase the voltage: This will increase the current flowing through the copper wire, enhancing the magnetic field strength.

2. Decrease the space between the wire coils: This will increase the density of the magnetic field generated by the coils, making the electromagnet stronger.

So the correct response is:

Seamus can add batteries to increase the voltage, and he can decrease the space between the wire coils.