OBSERVING MAGNETIC FORCE / NEEDLE MAGNET WORKING MODEL

OBSERVING MAGNETIC FORCE / NEEDLE MAGNET

Observing magnetic force with a needle and a magnet is a classic experiment that demonstrates the magnetic field around a magnet. Here’s how you can do it:

Materials needed:
1. A small bar magnet
2. A sewing needle
3. A piece of cork or Styrofoam
4. A shallow dish of water

Instructions:
1. Place the piece of cork or Styrofoam in the dish of water. This will serve as a floating platform.
2. Magnetize the sewing needle by rubbing it against the bar magnet. Stroke the needle in one direction along the length of the magnet several times.
3. Carefully place the magnetized needle on the cork or Styrofoam so that it floats on the water.
4. Bring the bar magnet close to the floating needle without touching it. Observe any movement or deflection of the needle.

Explanation:
As you bring the bar magnet close to the needle, the magnetic field of the bar magnet exerts a force on the magnetized needle. Since the needle is itself magnetized, it responds to the magnetic field of the bar magnet. Depending on the orientation of the needle’s magnetic field relative to the bar magnet’s magnetic field, the needle will either attract or repel the bar magnet.

You can further experiment by observing how the needle aligns itself with the magnetic field lines around the bar magnet. This demonstrates the presence of an invisible magnetic field surrounding the magnet, and the needle acts as a visual indicator of the direction and strength of this field.

This experiment provides a tangible way to observe the effects of magnetic force and helps in understanding the behavior of magnets and their fields.

Observing magnetic force with a needle and magnet is a simple yet effective way to demonstrate the principles of magnetism and magnetic interaction. By suspending a magnetized needle in water and bringing a magnet close to it, you can observe the needle’s deflection in response to the magnetic field. This experiment provides insight into the behavior of magnetic materials and the forces acting between magnets and magnetic substances.