Making a Magnet

(i) Single touch method

(ii) Double touch method is a better method


Place magnetic material in a solenoid (cylindrical coil of wire) which is connected to 6-12 V d.c. supply. Switch on current for a second and then off. Remove material from solenoid - material will be a magnet.

Polarity of magnet produced depends on direction of the current -
Right Hand Grip Rule
= if the right hand grips the solenoid - place
fingers on one by one in the direction of the
current - (positive to negative) the thumb
points to the north pole.


History of magnetism, What is a magnet
What do magnets do, Test for a magnet
Magnetic fields
The Earth's magnetic field
Theory of magnetism
Induced magnetism
Magnetic properties of iron and steel
Storing magnets
Primary science applications
Fleming's Left Hand Rule
Self assessment
Comments, reflections and study action plan