Skip Navigation
Search

J5-11. Magnetic Field - Eme Set - Straight Wire

Purpose

To visualize the magnetic field around a straight wire.

Suggestions

This is a portable version; a better choice in Physics classrooms is J5-16: MAGNETIC FIELD AROUND◙WIRE, LOOP, SOLENOID.◙

Images

J5-11

Description

The magnetic field around a straight wire can be visualized by sprinkling iron filings in the area around where the wire passes through a plastic sheet which is positioned on an overhead projector. Alternatively, small compasses can be◙arranged around the wire.◙

References

E.M.E. Electromagnetism Series, Teacher's Guide, Unit 2: Magnetic Effect of Electric Current. ◙Instruction Sheet, Cat. No. 560-60, 61, 62, 63, Model of a Magnet, Leybold-Heraeus. ◙E. W. Dearden, Demonstration of Amperian currents, AJP 63, 821-822 (1995). ◙George Ruppeiner, Michael Grossman, and Ali Tafti, Test of the Biot-Savart law to distances of 15 m, AJP 64, 698-705◙(1996).