Using a long insulated wire, wrap several turns (as many as 50 to 100) around a large steel nail. If the free ends of the wire are connected to a flashlight battery, you have an electromagnet. (To avoid depleting the battery, do not leave the wire connected to the battery very long.)
a. Compare the strength of your electromagnet to some of the permanent magnets you may have available. (At what distance can each pick up a paper clip?)
b. Note whether you see a spark when you break the connection between the electromagnet and the battery. Do you get the same effect with an uncoiled length of wire?