Electricity & Magnetism: Magnetic Fields
Determine the relationship between the magnetic field strength of a coil and the current within the coil.
This concept is not easy for many students, but creating and graphically visualizing the data help them grasp and articulate the relationship between current and induced magnetic field.
Lab Summary
Students will use a Magnetic Field Sensor and a Voltage/Current Sensor, to observe and investigate Biot-Savart's Law for a coil. By controlling the current of the coil, students will discover the linear relationship between current and the induced magnetic field.
Theory
Current flowing in a wire generates a magnetic field. When the wire is bent into a loop or coil, Biot's Law describes the strength of the magnetic field created. Measurements of current and magnetic field strength will verify this as factors influencing the strength of the field are varied.
Downloads
- Download Free Lab (PDF, 584 KB) (583 KB, .pdf)
(student version)
Method
Use a Voltage-Current Sensor and a Magnetic Field Sensor to measure the current in a coil of wire and the magnetic field in the coil of wire. Compare the strength of the field to the current.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Probeware
PASPORT Voltage-Current Sensor (PS-2115) - $99
Allows students to safely measure voltage and current simultaneously without overloading the sensor. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
PASPORT Magnetic Field Sensor (PS-2112) - $60
Provides magnetic field measurement in a very compact package. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
Other Products
Buret Clamp (SE-9446) - $12
The V-shaped, plastic-coated jaws will gently hold a buret and lock at any angle.
Power Supply (18 VDC, 5 A) (SE-9720A) - $319
Has a remote control connector and switch on the rear panel so units can be connected in series or parallel.
Banana Plug Cord-Red (5 Pack) (SE-9750) - $20
Heavy insulation patch cords are convenient, durable and inexpensive. Set of 5 red assembled cords.
Large Rod Base (ME-8735) - $89
A sturdy, general-purpose base can support one or two rods, and is ideal for experiment setups that require extra stability.
Other Materials
- Wire, magnet 22 AWG
- Tape - 1 in
Lab Manual
This activity is included in Explorations in Physics (PS-2810), complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data for a total of 25 probeware-based labs. For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware necessary for the activities in the manual. For more information on these resources and bundles, click here.
