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Science Y6 – Electricity – lesson 3

ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

In 1820 a Danish scientist called Hans Ørsted discovered that there was a link
between electricity and magnetism. Many scientists since have also found links.

Try making a temporary magnet of your own.

a) Construct a circuit with a battery, switch and wires.

b) Use an iron nail and wind one length of the wire going to the battery round and round the nail
tightly, making about 10 twists.

Battery Switch

Nail
c) Test the nail for magnetism by putting paper clips near to it.

d) Try the same experiment but with a nail made of steel.

e) Draw the circuit using the correct symbols and write a brief account of why the nail has
become magnetic.

f) Try winding the wire around the nail about five more times then ten more times to see if the
magnet becomes stronger to pick up more paper clips. Does it?

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g) Try putting a bulb in the circuit. What happens?
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h) Try other materials in your circuit. What happens?
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