PHYS1002 Practical Proposal 2

Introduction
Electric generators use a fundamental principle of modern physics to convert mechanical
energy to electrical energy. They achieve this by using the law of electromagnetic induction.
This experiment uses a simple model of a generator, consisting of a rotating magnet and a
coil of wire, to determine the relationship between the magnetic field along the axis of the
magnet and the distance from the magnet.
Theory
The strength of the magnetic field produced by a spinning magnet in a generator has a
major effect on the amount of induced emf (or voltage) produced in the coil. In fact, there is
a linear relationship between these, as shown by equation (1) below:
(1)
Where V is voltage, is the angular frequency of the magnetic field rotation, N is the
number of loops on the coil, B is the magnetic field strength, and A is the area of the coil.
This experiment aims to validate the relationship in equation (2), using the property of
linearity from equation 1:

(2)
Where

is the magnetic permeability (

), is the magnetic dipole

moment, and z is the distance from the centre of the magnet along its axis.
By measuring V and , B can be determined as the gradient of equation (1). Using this value,
it is possible to find the relationship between B and z. To experimentally test this, a linear
expression is preferred to find a more accurate representation. From (2):

() () (

) () ()
Since this is in the form , the power of z in (2) can be determined as the gradient
of the natural log of the magnetic field and the natural log of the distance from the magnet.
Hypothesis
It is expected that there will be an inverse relationship between B and z to the power of 3.
Apparatus
Magnet on rotor in Perspex box
N loop wire coil
Computer
PASPORT Voltage Sensor

Assumptions/Approximations
No other sources of magnetic field

Method
place coil on top, measure area of coil, measure distance, attach voltmeter to
computer
Wind rotor
Record results, find V, omega
Move coil further away
linear regression etc, find B
find power of z