After doing experiments that are mainly governed by the concept of electric field, we have now moved on into the concept of magnetic field. As a child, we all have been fascinated on how a magnet works, and little do we know back then that it can all be explained by physics. The reason why a magnet attracts metal objects is that it exerts a magnetic field around it. The stronger that magnetic field is, the stronger the force of attraction it exerts to a certain object. Similar to an electric field, there also exist an imaginary magnetic field lines where the magnetic field is concentrated and thus greater in magnitude.
In our experiment, we used LabQuest to identify the magnetic field lines of a magnet by measuring and plotting the magnitude of the magnetic field around its vicinity. The result was confirmed by placing a piece of bond paper above the magnet (that was used in the first experiment) and slowly putting iron dust in the paper. Since the magnetic field lines are the areas where the attraction is stronger, the iron dust will converge in these areas.
The next experiment conducted is to show if there exists an electric field along a circuit. A simple circuit composed of only a power supply, a resistor and a switch was made then a compass was placed in a wire segment of the circuit. After the switch was turned on, the needle of the compass moved slightly in clockwise direction. When the magnitude of the current was increased, it moved slightly again in the same direction. It could be deduced that a circuit induces a magnetic field around its vicinity due to the current that flows in it.
Lastly, the magnetic field along a solenoid was inspected. Two solenoids of different radius and a piece of metal were prepared. Using LabQuest, the magnetic field inside the two solenoids (with and without the metal inside it) was measured and compared.
Luckily, we got to start the experiment early this time. The only problem we encountered was the irregularities of values in the last part involving the solenoid. We think that the inconsistency of data it is probably due to the accuracy of the LabQuest. It was difficult for us to conclude about the effects of the radius of the solenoid to the magnetic field it, but theoretically the solenoid having the smaller radius has the stronger magnetic field.
Down to the last experiment this Monday! Too bad it has to be coupled by the Math55 and Chem17 exam >.< I just hope we could still focus with these plus all the other acad stuffs on our minds :))
Have a happy weekend and a happy week ahead! 😀
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