Content

Certificate of Completion 3
Acknowledgement 4
Abstract 5
Objective 6
Theory 7
Details of Experiment 11
Procedure 12
Observations 15
Precautions 17
Sources of Error 18
Conclusion 19
Applications 20
References 21
Bibliography 22

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Certificate of Completion

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 Acknowledgement

I would like to thank my school, Phoenix Greens School of Learning for this interesting
learning opportunity. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude towards my teacher, Mrs.
Reeta Vij, for her insightful guidance on this project.
Further, I would like to thank my peers who gave me valuable suggestions throughout the
way. Finally, I would like to thank my parents without whose support this project wouldn’t be
possible.

Vihaan Prabhu

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 Abstract

Matter is often studied by researchers and scientists under extreme conditions – high
pressures, temperatures, densities, magnetic fields, or even radiation. Temperature conditions
are well investigated as they can be achieved in any part of the world.
Magnets are frequently used in daily life. For example, magnets are used in manufacturing,
entertainment, security, and they play a crucial role in the functioning of modern appliances
like computers and even satellites. In fact, even the earth itself is a huge magnet.
In this experiment / project, we try to establish a relation between the temperature of a
magnet and its magnetic strength. We do this project in the limits of our household (i.e., using
common temperature-changing appliances found in most homes).

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 Objective

The major objective of this project is to determine if and how the variation of temperature
affects a magnet’s strength.
On the way, we will also cover:
• What are magnets?
• Magnetic Force, Field, Domain
• Ferromagnetic Materials
• Diamagnetic / Paramagnetic Materials
• Permanent Magnets
• Definition of Temperature
We will be putting the magnet through the following conditions to test the effect of
temperature:
• Freezer test
• Ice water bath test
• Room temperature test
• Boiling water test

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 Theory

What are Magnets?

A magnet can be defined as, “An object which is capable of producing magnetic field, attracting
unlike poles and repelling like poles.”
Magnets have some basic characteristic properties:
• Attraction is maximum at the ends of the magnets, called
“poles”.
• Magnetic poles always exist in pairs (North-South)
• When a magnet is suspended freely, it always points to
the North-South direction.
• The pole pointing towards geographical north is the
North Pole, and vice versa.
• Like poles repel each other; Unlike poles attract.
• The forces of attraction or repulsion are greater when the
magnets are closer together.
There are basically 3 types of magnets:
• Temporary magnet
• Permanent magnet
• Electromagnet
In this project, we make use of a permanent magnet.

Permanent Magnet
In simple terms, a permanent magnet is one that does not lose its properties of magnetism over
a sizable interval of time.
A very common example of a permanent magnet are refrigerator magnets.

Ferromagnetic Materials
Certain materials like iron, cobalt, nickel, their alloys,
etc. exhibit some special behaviour that allows the
materials to attain permanent magnetism or simply,
attractive powers. Ferromagnetic materials are a group of
substances that tend to manifest or display strong
magnetism in the direction of the field due to the
application of a magnetic field.

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Ferromagnetism is basically caused by the orientation of magnetic domains inside the material
when external magnetic field is applied.

Paramagnetic & Diamagnetic Materials

Paramagnetic materials are those which are attracted to magnetic materials quite weakly.
Examples include Molybdenum, Lithium, Magnesium.
Diamagnetic materials, on the other hand, are those which are not attracted to magnetic
materials at all. Examples include Gold, Mercury, Bismuth.
The domains of these three types of materials can be visualised as follows:

Magnetic Force, Field, and Domain

Magnetic Force
Magnetic force is a consequence of the electromagnetic force, one of the four fundamental
forces in nature, and is caused by the motion of charges. The magnitude of the magnetic force
between any two objects depends on how much charge is in how much motion in each of these
objects, in addition to how far they are. The direction of the force, evidently, depends on the
relative directions of motion of the charge in each case. The magnetic force can be given by
the equation,

The direction of this force can be found by the famous “Right Hand Rule”. By this rule, the
fingers of the right-hand point in the direction of the magnetic field, the thumb points in the

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direction that positive charge is moving. In accordance to the formula, the force is mutually
perpendicular to both the charge and the magnetic field, which can be represented as normal to
the surface of the palm.

Magnetic Field
Magnetic field is the region around a magnetic material or a mobile electric charge within
which the force of magnetism acts. It is produced by moving electric charges combined with
intrinsic magnetic moments of elementary particles (atoms) associated with their spin.

Magnetic field and force are closely interrelated.

The magnetic field can be illustrated / represented by the visual tool of magnetic field lines.
They describe the direction of the magnetic force on a north monopole at any given position /
point. It can be observed that magnetic field is the strongest near the poles, while it is weak as
we move away from the poles.
Some important properties of Magnetic Field Lines:
• Two field lines never cross each other
• Magnetic field lines always make closed loops
• Field lines always emerge from the North pole and terminate at the South pole
• Density of field lines indicate the strength of the field

Magnetic Domain
In ferromagnetic materials, long-range alignment of magnetic moments of atoms are said to be
magnetic domains. However, if all the magnetic moments in a material were aligned, it would
generate a very large external magnetic field. Thus the system tends to minimise its internal
energy by creating different sub-domains within itself to redirect the magnetic field. This effect
can be seen when the ferromagnetic material (or magnet) is cooled down below a certain
temperature called the “Curie Temperature”.
This theory of magnetic domains for ferromagnetic materials was first proposed by Pierre
Ernest Weiss in the year 1906.

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What is Temperature?
Temperature is the degree of hotness or coldness of a substance. It is a measure of the average
kinetic energy of the particles in an object. Thus, when the temperature increases the motion of
the particles also increases. In simpler terms, the temperature determines the internal energy
within a given system.
Heat is often confused with Temperature; hence it is important to understand the difference
between the two. Heat describes the transfer of thermal energy between molecules of a system
and is measured in Joules (J). By this definition, an object can gain or lose heat, but it cannot
“possess” heat, which makes it a measure of change and not an inherent property of the system.
On the other hand, temperature is an inherent property of the system at a given time instant and
is measured in Kelvin (K). Thus, we can say that heat is a transfer of thermal energy caused by
a difference in temperature between molecules.
The SI unit of temperature is Kelvin (K). However, other units like degree Celsius and degree
Fahrenheit are also used. The conversion is as follows:
1. Fahrenheit to Celsius

2. Celsius to Kelvin

A combination of the above equations can be used to convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin.

The minimum temperature, i.e., the coldest temperature is called the “Absolute Zero”, which
is at 0 K and -273.15 degree Celsius.

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 Details of Experiment

Materials Required
• A magnet
• Digital scale (to weigh paperclips)
• Metal paperclips
• Thermometer
• Tongs (to hold the magnet)
• Heat resistant gloves
• Flat surface like plate (to place the magnet in)
• Small container (to collect and measure weight of paperclips)
• Freezer
• Ice Cubes
• Water
• Stovetop
• Pot (to heat water)

Pre-requisite Knowledge
• Permanent Magnets
• Magnetic Force
• Magnetic Domain
• Temperature

Test Conditions
We will be testing the magnet at four different temperatures:
1. -20 C (Freezer)
2. 0 C (Ice water bath)
3. 25 C (Room temperature)
4. 100 C (Boiling Water)
We will use the amount of paper clips that the magnet can pick up as a measure of its strength.
We will measure them in grams rather than their numerical quantity for ease of expression.

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 Procedure

Measuring the Magnet Strength (in general)

1. Create a pile of paper clips (you will need a lot of them) on a flat surface like a plate.
This plate should be wider than the magnet.
2. Flatten the top of the pile of paper clips.
3. With insulated gloves, hold the magnet right above the pile.
4. Lower the magnet slowly until it rests in the middle of the pile of clips.
5. Wait for a couple seconds. The magnet will attract a lot of paper clips.
6. Slowly remove the magnet from the pile. Ideally, one must not remove / add any paper
clips stuck to the magnet by this movement.
7. Zero out the scale so that it indicates 0g when the container used for measurement is
placed on top.
8. Isolate all the paper clips stuck to the magnet and place them in the container to measure
their weight.
9. Record the total mass of the paper clips.

Measurements at Various Temperatures

Freezer Test
1. Place your magnet in the freezer for 30 – 45 minutes.
2. Place your thermometer in the freezer (for recording the exact temperature of the
magnet) along with the magnet.
3. Prepare the pile of paper clips as said in the above section.
4. Using gloves, carefully take the magnet out.
5. Measure the strength of the magnet as described in the above section.
6. Repeat steps 3 – 5 a few more times in quick succession. The magnet should not regain
room temperature in the process.
7. Record the temperature recorded by the thermometer.

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Ice / Water Bath Test
1. In a large bowl, prepare a bath of water along with ice cubes. Make sure the bowl is
deep enough to fit the magnet completely.
2. Place the magnet (at room temperature) in the bowl. Make sure it gets submerged
completely.
3. Leave the magnet in the ice water bath for a
minimum of 20 – 25 minutes. Evaluate at
regular intervals if the water bath needs
extra ice.
4. Prepare a pile of paper clips as said in the
above section.
5. Using gloves, carefully take the magnet out.
6. Measure the strength of the magnet as
described in the above section.
7. Repeat steps 4 – 6 a few times in quick
succession. You may have to leave the magnet in the water bath again if it loses
temperature.
8. Meanwhile, keep an eye on the ice present in the water bath and replenish as needed.
9. Take a reading of the temperature of the water bath using a thermometer.

Room Temperature Test

1. Let the magnet and the thermometer sit outside for
atleast half an hour.
2. Prepare a pile of paper clips as said in the above
section.
3. Measure the strength of the magnet as described in
the above section.
4. Repeat steps 2 – 3 a few times in quick succession.
5. Record the temperature as shown by the
thermometer.

Boiling Water Test

1. Take a pot with plenty of water. Place it on a stove top.
2. Bring the water to a soft boil. Using gloves and tongs, place the magnet in the water
gently.
Make sure you are careful about not
splashing hot water onto yourself as it
may cause severe burns.
3. Let the magnet rest in the boiling water
for atleast 20 – 25 minutes to equilibrate
and come up to the 100 C temperature.
4. Prepare a pile of paper clips as said in the
above section.

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5. Using gloves, carefully take the magnet out.
6. Measure the strength of the magnet as described in the above section.
7. Repeat steps 5 – 7 a few times in quick succession.
8. Record the temperature of the boiling water.
9. Let the water cool down and then, safely dispose it.

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 Observations

Freezer
Temperature Weight of Pins Pins Attracted
-21 C 275g 183
-20.5 C 275g 184
-19.5 C 270g 180
Average 273g 182

Of all test scenarios, we observe the highest amount (and weight) of pins attracted in this case.

Ice Water Bath

Temperature Weight of Pins Pins Attracted
0C 250g 167
1C 245g 162
1.5 C 245g 163
Average 246g 164

Room Temperature
Temperature Weight of Pins Pins Attracted
25 C 216g 144
25 C 213g 142
25 C 217g 145
Average 215g 143

Boiling Water
Temperature Weight of Pins Pins Attracted
100 C 162g 108
99 C 165g 110
98 C 171g 114
Average 166g 111

Of all the scenarios, we observe the least amount (and weight) of pins attracted by the magnet
in this case.

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The general graph for the number of pins attracted v/s temperature can be seen below (for the
values we have obtained).

Pins attracted vs Temperature

200
180
160
140
120
Pins

100
80
60
40
20
0
-21 -20.5 -19.5 0 1 1.5 25 98 99 100
Temperature

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 Precautions

• Some pins may end up getting removed from the magnet upon picking it up.
• The magnet may not reach the optimum temperature required (freezer / boiling
scenarios).
• When performing room temperature tests, the temperature may vary depending on the
weather conditions.
• The paper clips may get wet after performing the water bath test.
• The container may be too shallow to submerge the whole magnet.
• The water bath and boiling water temperatures may approach room temperature by the
time the reading is taken.
• The appropriate number of pins may not be attracted if the magnet is dropped briskly.

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 Sources of Error

• The thermometer may be low on battery.

• The pile of paperclips may not be even across scenarios.
• The magnet may not be handled with gloves each time, causing inconsistency.
• The magnet may not have equilibrated to the test temperature.
• The magnet may not be placed in the same way each time (i.e. flat, sideways).
• The magnet may get chipped off.
• The temperature of the magnet itself can / could not be measured.

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 Conclusions

Magnetic materials try to maintain a balance between temperature and their own magnetic
domains. When exposed to extreme temperatures, however, the balance is destabilized.
Heat can result in loss of magnetic properties; In other words too much heat can completely
ruin a magnet. High amounts of heat force the atoms to move very rapidly which in turn disturbs
the magnetic domains. As the atoms are sped up, the number of domains spinning in the same
direction decreases. Thus decreasing the magnetic force.
On the other hand, lower temperatures help a magnet to achieve its maximum possible strength
as seen in the case of superconducting magnets. At low temperatures, the atoms do not move
rapidly. In fact, they hardly move at all which stabilizes the magnetic domains. As the atoms
slow down, the number of domains spinning in the same direction increases, thus increasing
the magnetic force.
We can safely conclude based on observations that the colder temperatures did, in fact, increase
the magnetic strength. While the hotter temperatures may not have given as low readings as
expected, this sort of error can be attributed to the inaccuracy in our procedure. The hotter
scenarios involved more of a time factor than temperature and the magnet was not in an isolated
environment while taking multiple readings.
In a nutshell, we can say that magnetic strength of a given magnet is inversely proportional to
its temperature, i.e. as temperature increases, the magnet tends to attract less.

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 Superconducting Magnets

A very common and highly important application of the relation (between temperature and
magnetic strength) that we just derived is that of Superconducting Magnets.
Superconducting magnets are a type of electromagnet that use superconducting materials to
generate extremely strong magnetic fields. These magnets have a variety of applications
including medical imaging and particle accelerators.
These magnets are special because they can generate much stronger fields than traditional
electromagnets, due to their zero electrical resistance. This implies that they can conduct
electricity without any energy loss which allows for creating very strong magnetic fields.
The superconducting material used is usually a metal alloy cooled down to very low
temperatures, close to -200 Degree Celsius. This cooling process enables the material to enter
a superconducting state, where it has zero electrical resistance.
One of the vital applications of these magnets is in the
field of Medical Sciences, more specifically medical
imaging. MRI machines (MRI – Magnetic Resonance
Imaging) use these superconducting magnets to
produce extremely intricate and detailed images of the
body’s internal structures. Since these magnets are very
powerful, they can produce higher resolution images in
lesser time.

Superconducting magnets have also found their

use in particle accelerators, where they are used
to steer and focus beams of particles. The strong
and powerful magnetic field is used to bend the
path of particles and even change their speed.
This is critical for experiments in particle
physics.

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 References

www.education.com
www.byjus.com
NCERT Grade 12 Physics Textbook (Part One)
Concepts of Physics (HC Verma)

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 Bibliography

www.sciencebuddies.org
www.slideshare.net
www.csfjournal.com
Bing Images

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