NAME: Jewelle Mae P.

Solijon Year and Section: IV-Diamond

Date Performed: January 3, 2012 Date Submitted: January 9, 2012

ACTIVITY NO.

MAGNETIC FIELD
Introduction: The force of magnetism causes material to point along the direction the magnetic force points. The force of magnetism forces small pieces of iron to line up in the direction the magnetic force points. A compass, in which a sliver of magnetic material can swing freely, is thus forced to point toward the positive pole. The force of magnetism coming from the magnet is called the "magnetic field", and is illustrated by lines. The magnetic field is strongest where the lines of force come together (and turn red), and is weakest when the lines of force are far apart (and turn blue). Magnetic fields are produced by electric currents, which can be macroscopic currents in wires, or microscopic currents associated with electrons in atomic orbits.

Objectives: This activity aimed to: a. determine the relationship between the current through the wire and the magnetic field; b. determine how the strength of the magnetic field varies with the distance from the wire; and c. identify the difference between the magnetic fields of a current-carrying wire and a solenoid.

Materials: Wires (Magnetic) Compass DC source alligator clips air-core solenoid pen & paper resistor/s

Procedures:

ACTIVITY 1:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Connect the other end of the wire to the alligator clip which is attached to the DC source. Hold the wire in an upright-position. Place the compass just beside the wire. Turn on the DC source and apply 4.5 V power. Connect the other end of the wire to the other alligator clip for 2 seconds. Observe the compass. Repeat the steps and do it for 6V and 9V power. Change the position of the compass, make it farther or nearer the wire. Repeat the steps.

ACTIVITY 2:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Make an air-core solenoid out of the wire given. The solenoid must be compressed. Place the compass near the solenoid. Connect the end of the solenoid to the alligator clip attached to the DC source. Turn on the DC source and apply 6V power. Connect the other end of the solenoid to the other alligator clip for 2 seconds. Observe what happens to the compass. Extend the solenoid. Repeat the steps.

Questions and Answers Activity 1:

1.

Sketch the magnetic field around the wire.

2.

How does the current through the magnetic wire affect its magnetic field? -A current flowing in a wire always gives rise to a magnetic field round it. The magnitude of magnetic field produced by a straight current-carrying wire is directly proportional to the current passing in the wire. How does the strength of the magnetic field vary with the distance from the wire? - The magnitude of magnetic field produced by a straight current-carrying wire is inversely proportional to the distance of that point from the wire.

3.

4.

If another current-carrying wire is placed side by side the wire, what possible reactions will happen? The strength of the magnetic field will change because of the addition of another current-carrying wire. The direction that the compass makes will be the most affected.

5.

If the wire is placed in a magnetic field, what observations can you possibly make? The greater the current in the wire, stronger will be the magnetic field produced. And greater the distance of a point from the current-carrying wire, weaker will be the magnetic field produced at that point.

Activity 2:
1.

Sketch the magnetic field of a solenoid.

2.

How does the length of the solenoid affect its magnetic field? The strength of magnetic field produced by a current carrying solenoid is directly proportional to its length. How does the diameter of the solenoid affect its magnetic field? The strength of magnetic field produced by a current carrying solenoid is directly proportional to its diameter.

3.

4.

What do you think will happen if an air-core solenoid is replaced by an iron-core solenoid? If the air-core solenoid is replaced by an iron-core solenoid, the strength of the magnetic field will change, since the strength of the magnetic field produced by a current carrying solenoid is dependent on the nature of "core material" used in making the solenoid. The use of soft iron rod as core in a solenoid produces the strongest magnetism.

Conclusion Through this activity, I learned that there are many things that affect the strength of the magnetic field, we must always bear in mind these relationships because it will be useful sometime.