Mapping a Magnetic Field

Obj: Establish field lines around magnets

Materials: bar and U magnets, compasses

Methods

I. Bar Magnet

1. Place magnet in position under paper. Label N/S poles.

2. Draw 1 line of force by placing compass at 1 corner of N pole.

3. Mark N of compass; move 1cm; align S w/ N, mark, etc.

4. Repeat for 8 lines, 4 on each side of magnet's axis.

II. 2 Bar Magnets

1. Align N & S poles of magnets _____cm apart. Repeat mapping method.

2. Align N/N or S/S. Repeat mapping method.

III. Horseshoe Magnet

1. Sketch iron filing demo. Label poles.

Analysis

1. Where are field lines closest? What does this imply?

2. Discuss all lab evidence for attraction/repulsion of magnetic poles.

3. Do field lines cross? Are they vectors? Discuss their analogies with electrical and gravitational fields.

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