Physics Lab: Measurement of an Electromagnetic Field An iron bar wrapped with conducting wire is called an iron core solenoid. When electric current flows through the wire, it creates a magnetic field (whose strength is a function of the number of turns of wire around the iron core) which can be observed using a compass. The compass’ needle is deflected when brought near the electromagnet. The degree of deflection diminishes as the compass is moved further away, reflecting the fact that the strength of the field likewise diminishes with increasing distance from the magnet.

Therefore, the degree of deflection is the net of the two magnetic forces. If deflection measurements are made in a magnetic field whose orientation is perpendicular to the earth’s field, the strength of the unknown field can be estimated by the following equation: B magnet = tan Ө B earth Where: Ө = angle of deflection from north, and B earth = 5x10 ‒ 5 Teslas. This principle is demonstrated as follows: Therefore, the degree of deflection is the net of the two magnetic forces. If deflection measurements are made in a magnetic field whose orientation is perpendicular to the earth’s field, the strength of the unknown field can be estimated by the following equation: B magnet = tan Ө B earth Where: Ө = angle of deflection from north, and B earth = 5x10 ‒ 5 Teslas. This principle is demonstrated as follows:

5.0 x 10 ‒ 5 T B magnet compass needle Ө Ө Tan Ө = B magnet x 10 ‒ 5 T B magnet = (5.0 x 10 ‒ 5 T)(tan Ө)

Power Supply Ruler Test Apparatus for Measurement of an electromagnetic Field Electromagnet / Iron Core Solenoid Electromagnet / Iron Core Solenoid

These are the settings for the power supply; do not adjust.

Measure compass needle deflection in degrees from North at a number of distances from the magnet. The readings here are: 80 0 at 4.0 cm. Measure compass needle deflection in degrees from North at a number of distances from the magnet. The readings here are: 80 0 at 4.0 cm.

Record your data in this portion of the worksheet and perform the calculations indicated.

Plot your data on the graph: Distance in meters on the x-axis and magnetic field in Teslas on the y-axis. Connect the points that you plot with as smooth a line as you can draw. Plot your data on the graph: Distance in meters on the x-axis and magnetic field in Teslas on the y-axis. Connect the points that you plot with as smooth a line as you can draw.

Use your TI calculator to create a STAT table: Enter the distance data in L1, and the magnetic field data in L2. Use your TI calculator to create a STAT table: Enter the distance data in L1, and the magnetic field data in L2.

Plot these data in the graph function. The data points should outline a curve that decreases exponentially.

Use the calculator to determine an exponential regression curve for the data points, and write this equation in the appropriate area of the worksheet. Also determine the correlation coefficient R for your plot. This value indicates how well your data points fit the calculated curve.