My made solenoid doesnt induce magnetic field. What did I miss?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction and functionality of a solenoid for a school project, specifically addressing issues related to the induction of a magnetic field and the conductivity of the wire used in the solenoid. Participants explore troubleshooting steps and methods for ensuring proper electrical connections.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their solenoid construction using a thin brown wire and notes that it did not induce a magnetic field when connected to a 6V DC power source.
  • Another participant suggests that the solenoid may drain power quickly and recommends trying a different battery or power supply, as well as ensuring proper connections to the wire.
  • A further reply emphasizes the difficulty of making connections with enamelled wire and provides a detailed method for removing insulation from the wire ends to improve connectivity.
  • Alternative methods for removing insulation, such as using sandpaper, are also proposed.
  • A participant confirms that after scraping the insulation off the wire, the solenoid functioned correctly, indicating that the insulation was the issue.
  • Another participant humorously notes that if the wire were not insulated, it would lead to a short circuit due to the turns touching each other.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the insulation on the wire was the primary issue affecting the solenoid's functionality, and multiple methods for addressing this problem are discussed. However, there is no consensus on the best approach to ensure proper connections, as various techniques are suggested.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption that the wire is enamelled without explicit confirmation, and the discussion does not explore the implications of using different types of wire or power supplies in depth.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or hobbyists working on electrical projects involving solenoids, particularly those encountering issues with wire insulation and electrical connections.

akamine
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Hey, I have a school project and I need a solenoid to induce a magnetic field.
http://www.yourpicbox.com/images/orhBIhKZq6426.jpg
I made a solenoid by winding a wire (I'm not sure what to call this wire. It's thin and brown.) to a pen case. I made 3 layers, 100-200 turns each.
When I tested it, connecting it to 6V DC, nothing happened. No magnet.

So I experimented other thing :
I connect a LED and 1.5V DC with this wire. LED didnt glow.
Then I change this wire with ordinary insulated copper wire. The LED glow brightly.

It seems that this wire doesn't conduct any current. What did I miss here?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Engineering news on Phys.org
A solenoid like that can quickly drain power from the battery. Try another battery, or another power supply. Also, did you scrape the insulation on the wire when connecting to the battery?
 
Yes it sounds like you just haven't made proper connection to the ends of the wire. It often can be quite tricky to make a good electrical connection to enamelled wire. I recommend that you try the following procedure :

1. Burn off the insulation near the ends with a cigarette lighter.

2. Scrap away the burnt enamel with steel wool until you see shiny copper visible.

3. Solder short pieces of regular insulated copper wire (preferably "tinned" though it's not essential) to the ends where you're cleaned off the enamel. You'll find that this regular type wire is much easier to work with and make connection to your battery or other circuitry. Also, if you get the solder to stick well then you know the enamel is properly removed and the connections will be good.
 
As an alternative, it's also easy to scrape the insulation with sand paper.
 
thanks
I did not know the wire is insulated.
It works just fine after I scrap it :)
many thanks
 
akamine said:
thanks
I did not know the wire is insulated.

Think about it, if that wire wasn't insulated then all the turns would be touching each other and all you'd end up with is a big short circuit. :)
 

Similar threads

How Can I Build a Powerful Solenoid for a Debris Recovery System?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Number of wire turns to make a Magnet Generator
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
13K
High School Why does my LC circuit not oscillate its energy between Electric & Magnetic fields?
  • · Replies 152 ·
6
Replies
152
Views
8K
EMF induced in a coil encircling an ideal solenoid
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How Can I Improve My Magnetic Launcher Project?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
15K
Magnetic field inside a solenoid
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Where Can I Find a High-Turn Solenoid for Low Current and Strong Magnetic Field?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Describe the EMF induced by a magnetic field
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Forces acting on bar magnet inside a charged solenoid
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K
Magnetic field in a solenoid due to induced current in a coil
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
9K