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J5-16. Magnetic Filed Around Wire, Loop, Solenoid

Purpose

To visualize magnetic field lines for simple current configurations.

Equipment

Magnetic field apparatus on cart with overhead projector.

Images

J5-16

Description

A permanent cart holds a power supply, several magnetic field sources, and an overhead projector.◙Connect current leads to current configuration desired; single wire, single loop of wire, and multiple-turn coil are available. While current is on, sprinkle iron filings on plastic sheet passing through the sample and gently tap the plastic sheet to make the iron filings align along the magnetic field lines. Run only 15-20 seconds at a time to avoid overheating.

References

H. E. Ellithorn and D. J. Angelakos, A Series of Magnetic Experiments, AJP 13, 390-396 (1945).