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Magnetism and Magnetic fields

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Time allocation: 20 Min

There are two poles in a magnet: a north pole (N) and a south pole (S). Opposite poles attract thus when two magnets with opposite poles facing each other (e.g. one N and one S), magnetic forces appear between them. Iron filings are then aligned with the force field between the two magnets.

Same poles repel. So when two magnets with the same poles facing each other (e.g. both are N), each magnet’s force field moves away from the other. Because iron filings are aligned with the force field, they move away from the middle between the two magnets when you gently shake the Demonstrator plate or iron filings on a sheet of paper.

Experiment 1: Observing Magnetic Field Around a Magnet  

The transparency is placed on the demonstration plane once the bar magnet has caused the inner iron filings to orientate themselves in a specific pattern. A second pattern can be obtained with the bar magnet lying on its side.

Experiment 2: Determining the Direction of the Magnetic Field   

The magnet is placed on A4 paper and surrounded by the compasses. By changing the position of the compass and marking the direction of the needle on the paper, the direction of the field lines around the magnet can be determined.

Investigating Magnetism and Magnetic Fields

EXPERIMENT 1: OBSERVING MAGNETIC FIELD AROUND A MAGNET        

 AIM

To observe the magnetic field pattern around a bar magnet                                      

Time allocation: 20 Min

APPARATUS:

  • 2 x bar magnets
  • Demonstrator plate
  • Small compasses
  • Transparency – size A4
  • White paper – size A4
  • Pencil

METHOD:

  1. Place the magnet on top of the demonstrator plate.
  2. Cover the bar magnet, lying on a horizontal surface, with the transparency paper.
  3. Tap the pattern carefully with the pencil.
  4. Observe the pattern.
  5. Turn the magnet sideways and repeat step 1 – 4.

CONCLUSION:

Magnet attracts iron and the magnetism can act through many materials such as paper and plastic . When the magnet is placed on the demonstrator plate, you can see the outline of the magnetic field.

 

EXPERIMENT 2: DETERMINING THE DIRECTION OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD

Time allocation: 30 Min

 AIM 

To determine the direction of the magnetic field lines around a bar magnet.       

APPARATUS:

  • Two bar magnets
  • Small compasses
  • Demonstrator plate
  • Transparency – size A4
  • Pencil

METHOD:

  1. Place the bar magnet on top of the demonstrator plate.
  2. Place the transparency paper and draw the outline with a pencil.
  3. Place a small compass close to the one end of the magnet, tap the glass cover of the compass carefully and mark the position of the poles of the compass on the paper.
  4. Move the compass so that the needle is at the point marked previously.
  5. Continue until you reach the other end of the magnet.
  6. Draw a line through all the points.
  7. Draw multiple lines around the magnet.  

CONCLUSION:

There are two poles in a magnet: a north pole (N) and a south pole (S). By changing the position of the compass and marking the direction of the needle on the paper, the direction of the field lines around the magnet can be determined.