Making the Most Powerful Home Electromagnet

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the construction of a powerful home electromagnet, exploring the underlying science, materials, and safety considerations involved in the process. Participants raise questions about the principles of electromagnetism, the choice of materials, and the electrical parameters that affect magnet strength.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the process creates an electromagnet first and then a weaker permanent magnet, suggesting that some magnetic domains may remain aligned after the current stops.
  • There is a query about whether rebar is the best cheap option for the core material, with a request for alternatives and a comparison of the magnetic potential of iron, nickel, and cobalt.
  • A participant seeks clarification on whether voltage or current contributes more to magnetism, expressing a desire for a mathematical explanation.
  • Concerns are raised about the wire gauge, with a participant asking why smaller wire is preferable and what gauge might be too small to avoid fire hazards.
  • There is an inquiry about the feasibility of plugging the electromagnet into a wall outlet, including questions about creating a safe circuit and whether AC or DC would produce a better magnet.
  • Some participants express a desire for more direct help with the science and formulas related to electromagnetism, indicating a need for clarification on concepts like induction and Faraday's law.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the interest in understanding the science behind electromagnets, but there are multiple competing views regarding the best materials and methods, and the discussion remains unresolved on several technical points.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully established the assumptions behind their questions, and there are unresolved mathematical and technical details regarding the construction and operation of the electromagnet.

juanshotfirst
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Hello!

I have been wanting to make a big ol' electromagnet for a while now. I thought instead of just going out to buy random stuff perhaps I should explore the science first.

My plan was to get some rebar, a car battery, and some insulated wire to wrap around the rebar to creat en electromagnet and, well, a permanent magnet. Then I decided to stop and think.

I have a number of questions.
1. I've done something like this before. Why does this process create an electromagnet and THEN a permanent magnet that's just less powerful than the electromagnet. Do just some of the domains stay aligned when the current stops?
2. Is rebar my best cheap option? It's unrefined steel right? So there should be plenty of iron in it. What would be my best option for a rod for cheap (I live near lowes and walmart) -- A side questions, which has the most magnetic potential period, iron, nickle, or cobalt? Why?
3. Is it the voltage or the current that provides the increase in magnetism? I would LOVE to understand this with math.
4. From what I understand smaller wire is better. Why is it better? What wire would be too small (I'd rather not start a fire)?
5. Could I somehow plug it into the wall? How would I make a safe circuit with nothing being powered? Would AC or DC make a better magnet? Why?
Thanks!

P.S. If I figure all of this out I will absolutely post pics and prolly a vid.
 
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juanshotfirst said:
I thought instead of just going out to buy random stuff perhaps I should explore the science first.
bold by me
Okay. Here's a place to start with interactive poke points. Look it over, do some clicking and come back with any questions.

The magnetic field.
 
I know all of the basics. I mean the exact science of this particular process and the formulas behind it. I was hoping for some more direct help.
 
juanshotfirst said:
I know all of the basics. I mean the exact science of this particular process and the formulas behind it. I was hoping for some more direct help.

Well, put up the basic formula and ask some questions about whichever terms you're unsure about how to optimize.

You haven't indicated that you understand induction and Faraday's law.
 

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