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J5-01. Magnetic Field Of A Bar Magnet

Purpose

To visualize the magnetic field of a bar magnet.

Equipment

Bar magnet, plastic box and iron filings with overhead projector.

Images

J5-01

Description

A bar magnet is positioned beneath a plastic box on an overhead projector. Sprinkle iron filings into the box above the magnet and tap the box slightly so that the filings will align along the magnetic field lines.

References

Gary P. Johnson, Magnetic Field Visualization on the Overhead Projector, Physics Teacher 28, 244, (1990).