The image shows students using the LabQuest to measure magnetic field through the aluminum
Activity

Magnetic Attractions

Science project done by a student with visual impairments to explore what materials affect the magnetic field.

This science project was done by Melanie, who is a student at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI).


Question

Which material nickel, aluminum, leather, or paper will affect the magnetic field the most?

Magnetic field will be measured in milliTeslas.

Definitions

The International System unit of field intensity for magnetic fields is Tesla (T). One tesla (1 T) is defined as the field intensity generating one newton (N) of force per ampere (A) of current per meter of conductor.  A magnetic field of one tesla is quite strong. That is why magnetic fields are usually expressed in microtesla (µT). Typical values of field intensity for some magnetic fields are:

Source:  http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_%28unit%29

Hypothesis

The nickel will affect the magnetic field as measured with the mT (milliteslas) the most.

The image is of the four materials used in the experiment.
Four materials used in the experiment

Materials

Procedure

  1. Gather all materials need for this project.
  2. Put the sheets of paper in between the two tables and places the magnet to the right of the paper about three in a half centimeters.
  3. Connect the lab quest.
  4. Using the ruler measure fifteen centimeters from the paper and use the lab quest to measure the teslas.
  5. Record your measurement in your data table.
  6. Move the wand from the lab quest five centimeter closer to the paper.
  7. Record the new measurement in your data table.
  8. Move the wand five more centimeter closer to the paper.
  9. Record the new measurement in your data table.
  10. Repeat this process using the nickel, aluminum sheet, and the leather instead of the paper.
  11. Clean lab area.
  12. Write your results and your conclusion, be sure to compare your results to your hypothesis.
Set-up of the LabQuest and the magnet with the material in between.
Set-up of the LabQuest and the magnet with the material in between

Data

From 5cm

From 10 cm

From 15 cm

Conclusion

When measured from 5cm, the nickel did affect the magnetic field the most.  My hypothesis was correct

Other materials could be used instead of the four chosen for this experiment. 

NGSS Standards:

By Laura Hospitál

Collage of magnetic attractions

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