Electricity Magic: Magnets and Heat
What is the Magnetic Effect of Electricity?
When electric current flows through a wire, it creates an invisible magnetic field. If we wrap a wire around an iron nail and let electricity flow, the nail becomes a magnet for a little while! This is called an electromagnet.
Electromagnet picking up paper clips
Try this at home: Wrap a wire around a nail and connect it to a battery for a moment. See if the nail picks up paper clips!
Watch this video to see magnetic effect in action:
What is the Heating Effect of Electricity?
When electricity flows through some wires, the wires get hot because of resistance. This is why electric stoves and heaters get warm — electricity changes into heat energy!
Electric stove glowing red to produce heat
Watch this video to understand heating effect:
Easy Story
A very smart man named Oersted discovered that electric current can push a compass needle just like a magnet! This was a great surprise and helped us learn how electricity and magnetism are connected.