Magnetic Field Act 2
Magnetic Field Act 2
Magnetic Field Act 2
Introduction
You will easily accept that if you push an object, if it is free to do so, it will move. You are able to see
how the object moves. However, forces (or pushes and pulls) exist that are not as easily seen. The most
pertinent example in our lives is gravity. We know it exists because we do not float away from the Earth, and
everything falls down. However, understanding how this force acts on us can be difficult since it is far less
visible or tactile than pushing on an object.
Magnets are much the same way. From observation, we know two magnets exert a force on each
other. However, we cannot see contact between the magnets when they start pulling on each other.
Therefore, we use field lines.
Field lines are a visual representation of force. They show the path an object would be pushed or
pulled when acted upon. For a vacuum cleaner, the field lines would be pointing into the bottom where the air
is pulled in (see Figure 1). For the Earth's gravity, all the field lines would be pointing towards the center of the
Earth. On a magnet, the field lines point from the north pole to the south pole. This is the direction another
magnet would be pulled if brought close to it.
For electromagnets, field lines are convenient. When iron shavings are poured around a magnet, they
line up with the force field lines around it. This gives us a great visual representation of the invisible force of
magnets. At the same time, when iron shavings are sprinkled around an electromagnet, it gives us a great
visualization showing the similarities and differences between magnets and electromagnets.
Objectives
● Describe current.
● Identify how magnetic field lines are generated in relation to a coil of wire that has a current.
Materials
● 1 sheet of paper
Procedure
13. Place either end of the wire on either contact of the battery, and then gently shake the paper (see Figure 2).
14. Sketch the pattern made by the shavings. Note that the magnetic field pattern, that you have just
demonstrated through your experiment, is important in designing and creating everyday engineering products
such as electric motors and electric generators.
15. Conclude with the post-activity assessment described in the Assessment section, and having students
complete the worksheet questions.
Documentation:
Procedures Picture
Procedure 1
Procedure 2
Procedure 3
Procedure 4
Procedure 5
Procedure 6
Procedure 7
Procedure 8
Procedure 9
Procedure 10
Procedure 11
Procedure 12
Procedure 13
Procedure 14
Procedure 15
2. Sketch the pattern made by the iron filings when the nail is placed in them. Remember to draw the nail, wires
and battery.
3. 3. Of the above two drawings, which was a magnet, and which was an electromagnet? #1 was
#2 was
Conclusions: