Purpose
Students will observe the curved field lines around a permanent magnet, and explore how field strength varies with distance.
Discussion
Explore magnetic field configurations and field strengths for permanent magnets in this inquiry exercise. Observe the curved field lines around a permanent magnet, and explore how field strength varies with distance. Students will also observe the magnetic field created by a current-carrying wire, as well as the current created in a wire when a magnet moves past it.
Explore magnetic field configurations and field strengths for permanent magnets in this inquiry exercise. Observe the curved field lines around a permanent magnet, and explore how field strength varies with distance. Students will also observe the magnetic field created by a current-carrying wire, as well as the current created in a wire when a magnet moves past it.
Required Equipment
Acknowledgements: Thank you to Dr. J.R. Harkay author of Phenomenal Physics for providing this student inquiry activity. Adapted from "Tesla's Domain: Magnetic Fields," an Inquiry Exercise by J. R. Harkay. See www.PhenomenalPhysics.com for more information on the complete Guided Inquiry Curriculum.
