Question

Using an electromagnet, you can make a working model of a railway signal as shown in figure.

Answer 1

Working Model of a Railway Signal Using an Electromagnet

Components:

• Cardboard Signal: Indicates the railway signal.
• Electromagnet: Coil wrapped around an iron nail.
• Battery: Powers the electromagnet.
• Switch: Controls the electromagnet.
• Thread: Connects the electromagnet to the cardboard signal.

Steps:

1. Setup:

   • Mount the cardboard signal on a stand.
   • Attach a thread to the signal and pass it over a pulley to the electromagnet.

2. Electromagnet Creation:

   • Wrap a coil of wire around an iron nail.
   • Connect the coil to a battery via a switch.

3. Operation:

   • Turning on the switch powers the electromagnet.
   • The electromagnet pulls the iron nail, moving the thread and changing the signal's position.
   • Turning off the switch deactivates the electromagnet, allowing the signal to return.

Visual Representation:

The provided image illustrates the setup with labelled components, demonstrating how the electromagnet controls the railway signal.