Physics

Magnetic Field Lab

Name(s):

Purpose: To investigate and determine the magnetic field around a bar magnet(s) and
horseshoe magnet.
Materials: 2 bar magnets, Horseshoe magnet, Iron fillings, sheet protector, pencil,
compass
Procedure:
Part A
1. Place a bar magnet under a sheet protector.
2. Sprinkle iron fillings over the sheet.
3. Draw the magnetic field lines surrounding the magnet below.
4. Use your knowledge of magnetic field direction and/or the compass to put arrows
on your lines.
5. Clean the sheet.

Part B
1. Place the N end of one magnet 2 cm from the S end of another.
2. Place the sheet protector over magnets.
3. Sprinkle iron fillings over the sheet.
4. Draw the magnetic field lines between the magnets below.
5. Use your knowledge of magnetic field direction and/or the compass to put arrows
on your lines.
6. Clean the sheet
N

Part C
1. Place the N end of one magnet 2 cm from the N end of another.
2. Place the sheet over magnets
3. Sprinkle iron fillings over the sheet.
4. Draw the magnetic field lines between the magnets below.
5. Use your knowledge of magnetic field direction and/or the compass to put arrows
on your lines.
6. Clean the sheet protector.
N

Part D

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Place the S end of one magnet 2 cm from the S end of another.

Place the sheet protector over magnets.
Sprinkle iron fillings over the sheet.
Draw the magnetic field lines surrounding the magnet below.
Use your knowledge of magnetic field direction and/or the compass to put arrows
on your lines.
6. Clean the sheet protector

Part E
1. Place the Horseshoe magnet under the sheet protector.
2. Sprinkle iron fillings over the sheet.
3. Draw the magnetic field lines surrounding the horseshoe magnet.
4. Use your knowledge of magnetic field direction and/or the compass to put arrows
on your lines.
5. Clean the sheet protector
Analysis:
1. What elements can be used to make magnets?
2. What happens when two like magnetic poles are brought close together?
3. What happens when two unlike magnetic poles are brought close together?
4. The region around a magnet where the force is felt is called
5. What causes the aurora that can be seen near the poles of the earth?
6. Scientists think that the earths core is made of
7. On the diagram of the Earth below, label the north geographical pole, north
magnetic pole, south geographical pole, south magnetic pole, and draw the
magnetic field.