Seeing a 3D Magnetic Field

June 12, 2010

Marty Sagendorfby: Martin Sagendorf

This 3D Magnetic Field demonstration is actually quite easy to do.  It clearly illustrates that magnetic fields are not flat (as too frequently demonstrated in the classroom).

Demonstrating a 3D Magnetic Field

This easy-to-make construction requires only four components:

  1. A clear plastic bottle (about 1-3/4” in one dimension) – the one illustrated below is a 12.6 fl oz ultra concentrated Joy ® dishwashing soap bottle – Note that any bottle originally containing soap or detergent will require repeated rinses to completely remove all of its original contents.

    Seeing a 3D Magnetic Field | Educational Innovations

  2. Six 17 mm x 3 mm Neodymium ring magnets Read the rest of this entry »

Leave a Comment » | Elementary level, experiments, magnetism, Middle School level, Physics | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Tami O'Connor

The Revolution Top Floats – Why?

March 25, 2010

Marty Sagendorfby:  Martin Sagendorf

We often think we see forces.  However, in reality, we only see the results of forces.  To understand forces we must believe in Newton’s Third Law.  It states that all forces can only exist in opposite pairs and be equal in magnitude.  And… what is very interesting is that Newton’s Third Law does not stipulate that the forces be of the same kind.

Also, by Newton’s Second Law: If the (net) forces are equal, there will be no accelerations (Fnet = ma = 0)… in other words… equal and opposite (net) forces create a state of equilibrium.  An interesting example of equal and opposite (and unlike-type) forces is that exhibited by a combination of opposed magnetic fields within a gravitational (force) field.  These two different (types) of fields interact purely as ‘force fields’ – only their forces matter… not their types.

The Cosmic Magnetic Puzzle exemplifies a combination of such forces: a barbell containing two ‘donut’ magnets supported in mid-air above stationary pairs of magnets – with an additional pair of donut magnets maintaining the horizontal location of the barbell.

Read the rest of this entry »

Leave a Comment » | College level, experiments, High School level, magnetism, Middle School level, Physics | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Tami O'Connor