Electric Charge and Current Scientific Investigation
Before you begin the scientific investigation below, make sure to download the Electric Charge and Current Scientific Investigation Report. As you complete this scientific investigation, fill in any needed information on the report template. If you need more information about each section of the report, please visit the Developmental Module.
This scientific investigation is available below or in a printable version.
Introduction
Do you remember playing with magnets as a child? Did you ever play with a really strong magnet that was difficult to separate from an object or from another magnet? Electricity and magnetism are closely related. This relationship allows us to make large magnets and to cause them to release their objects. Using a simple electromagnet, investigate the relationship between electricity and magnetism with respect to magnetic field, electric current, and nearby objects located within an electromagnetic field.
Objectives
In this scientific investigation, you will:
Hypothesis
Using the Procedure and Data Collection section below, read through the procedural information for this scientific investigation. Based on your understanding of the procedure, develop your own hypotheses which describe your expected results. You should consider the following question: How can you strengthen the electromagnet? Record your hypotheses in the Hypothesis section of your Electric Charge and Current Scientific Investigation Report.
Equipment and Materials
Procedure and Data Collection
WARNING: The electromagnet you build in this scientific investigation will become hot during use. Be prepared to drop the electromagnet if it becomes uncomfortably hot. Never work near or with flammable materials. As always, use caution when handling devices which generate an electric charge. Do not use a battery any larger than 1.5V.
Data
Use the data table in the Data section of your Electric Charge and Current Scientific Investigation Report to record your data from this scientific investigation. What will happen when you bring your magnet in contact with several nearby steel objects? Make a prediction and then record your observations in the data table. The data table is also shown below:
Object | Prediction | Observation |
Data Analysis
In the Data Analysis section of your Electric Charge and Current Scientific Investigation Report, provide responses to the following questions. Make sure to completely answer each question and to show all of your work.
Conclusion
Using the Conclusion section of your Electric Charge and Current Scientific Investigation Report, compose three to four sentences describing an overall conclusion based on your data. Were your hypotheses true or false, and how do you know? Analyze the magnetism of the nail with respect to presence and absence of electric current. Use the data and notes that you collected from your experience to form your conclusion. Make sure that you include information that you gained from data analysis to support your conclusion.
Once you have completed the Electric Charge and Current Scientific Investigation Report, please submit your work to the dropbox.