| Introduction: Printing the lines
of a magnetic field is important because it can help us to determine the
strength, concentration and direction of magnetic forces around a
magnet. By inspecting a magnetic field print you can determine if shape
variations or thickness of a magnet, affect the strength or the
concentration of magnetic forces in some areas of a magnet.
Do magnetic forces accumulate in
narrow areas? |
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You may also tray this experiment with
any regular magnet such as a magnet bar or a magnet disk.
Procedure:
- Place the electromagnet on a flat
surface away from metal objects.
- Place a cardboard on that and use puddings
so the cardboard stays horizontally. For example you may place small
pieces of wood, cardboard or plastic around the nail to hold the
card board horizontal.
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- Sprinkle some iron filings on the
cardboard. Do your best to distribute the iron filings evenly on the
center of the cardboard, above the nail.
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- Push the button to magnetize the
nail. Tap on the cardboard so the iron filings will move and
position themselves over the magnetic lines.
- Take a picture of the magnetic
lines.
- Use hair spray to secure the iron
filings in place.
- Release the button. The flow of
electricity in the coil wire will heat it up and overheat can cause
a risk of fire.
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Warning: The hair spray used in
this experiment is usually flammable. Read related warnings and
information on the bottle. Other types of spray glues are also available
in art and craft stores.
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