Students Test Electromagnetism
by Heidi Rethmeier
September 01, 2009
In Designing with Technology class we have been studying electricity and some of its effects and applications. One effect is the corresponding magnetic field created by a coil of wire with a current. Using a fairly small electromagnet and a D-battery we ventured to the playground to see if the manufacturer’s claim of supporting 200 lbs would stand up to the test. It came close since it held 3 out of the 5 students in class. The students were surprised to see the strength of the magnetic field from a simple coil of wire. Other applications include stereo speakers and solenoids.
