Core Practical: Investigating Magnetic Fields (Edexcel IGCSE Physics)

Aim of the Experiment

• To investigate the magnetic field pattern for a permanent bar magnet and between two bar magnets

Equipment List

Method

Step 1:

• • Place the magnet on top of a piece of paper
  • Draw a dot at one end of the magnet (near its corner)

Step 2:

• • Place a plotting compass next to the dot, so that one end of the needle of the compass points away from the dot
  • Use a pencil to draw a new dot at the other side of the compass needle

Step 3:

• • Move the compass so that it points away from the new dot, and repeat the process above

Step 4:

• • Keep repeating the previous process until there is a chain of dots going from one end of the magnet to the other
  • Then remove the compass, and link the dots using a smooth curve – this will be the magnetic field line

Step 5:

• • Repeat the whole process several times to create several other magnetic field lines

Step 6:

• • Repeat the whole process for two bar magnets placed 5 cm apart first facing the same pole then facing opposite poles

Analysis of Results

• The magnetic field pattern for the single bar magnetic should look like this:

• The magnetic field pattern for two bar magnets should look like this:

Evaluating the Experiment

• Make sure the pencil you use is sharp to provide a clear and accurate drawing of the field lines
• Read the marker on the compass from above and not at an angle
• Allow the compasses to settle for a couple of seconds before taking the reading