Can you Make an Electro-magnet With Mercury?

Most recent answer: 12/09/2014

Q:
If a small sealed cylinder (r = 0.25”, h = 6.0”) containing liquid mercury is made into an electromagnet at room temperature by coiling copper wire around the tube of mercury, will the cylinder become a magnet without producing heat or excessive vapor pressure? What is the formula to compute the magnetic force of attraction?
- David Herrera (age 68)
Tucson, AZ USA
A:

Hello David,

The magnetic permeability of mercury is very very small and will not make an electromagnet similar to an equivalent piece of iron.   See for a more detailed explanation.

 

LeeH

 

 


(published on 12/09/2014)