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Did you know that electricity and magnetism

are best friends? ... Even if it sounds like a

weird combination initially, once you know

how it works, it makes a lot of sense!

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We can actually use electricity to transform a metal into a magnet. This is called an electromagnet. Electromagnets are essentially magnets that can be turned on and off with the help of electricity. They work by using an electric current to generate a magnetic field, which in turn creates a magnetic force.

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We could understand this way better with this analogy:

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                                                                      Think of an electromagnet as a                                                                                                      superhero that only comes to life when                                                                                          he puts on his cape (the electric current).                                                                                      When the superhero is wearing his cape, he                                                                                  has superpowers (the magnetic force). But                                                                                  when he takes off his cape (turn off the                                                                                        electricity), he's just a regular person again.

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Similarly, an electromagnet is just a piece of metal that becomes magnetic when an electric current runs through it. When the current is turned off, the metal goes back to being non-magnetic.

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Electricity can produce magnetism, and 

vice-versa, we can use magnets to produce 

electricity (actually this is how we create

most of the electricity in Colombia, the

hydroelectric power plant creates electricity

by making rotate magnets in a motor with the

the help of water).

 

 

 

 

1) After watching the BRAINPOP video answer this:

 

a) Write 3 characteristics of electromagnets  

b) Mention 2 applications of electromagnets

 

2) Go to the MOCOMI or the DUCKSTERS website, then draw and explain the right hand rule, how does it work?

 

3) Watch this VIDEO to see one of the applications of electro magnets and visit the APEXMAGNETS  website and IOP the website and answer:

 

a) How are electromagnets used in a scrapyard? 

b) Why does it have to be an electromagnet

and not a regular magnet? Mention 2 advantages

 IOP website

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4) Watch the video about

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"How to create an electromagnet"

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Draw the electromagnet on your

notebook and explain how is it made.

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5) Some applications of magnets are incredible and futuristic. This is the case of the Maglev trains. Visit this TimeForKids site and read everything about these trains, then write a "letter" in your notebook telling a friend that you are going to travel on one of these trains, make sure you include:

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• Where is it located?

• What's its speed?

• How do they work?

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