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Basic Idea:

• Measure the magnetic field of a permanent magnet, and straight and coiled wire.

• 6

	What:	How Many:	Where:
The following are set up for each group; see the picture below for placement in the lab.
	Compass	2	non-Majors storeroom, shelf JJ4
	Bar magnet	2	Locked in cabinet
	Red or Yellow wire coil	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf P4
	Wire (48" or 36")	2 1 - red 1 - black	Majors storeroom
The equipment below is used to set up 3 individual experiments, shared by everyone. See the picture for setup location.
Large Solenoid
	Large solenoid (N = 4319 turns)	1	Majors storeroom, shelf L6
	40v DC Power supply (dual supply is better, if available)	1	Majors storeroom, shelf C3
	Wire (12")	5 3 - red 2 - black	104 Lab
	Digital Multimeter (1 ammeter, 1 voltmeter)	2	Majors storeroom, shelf A3
	Meter stick	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf AA2
	Gaussmeter (F.W. Bell Model 5070)	1	Majors storeroom, locked up in cabinet
Horseshoe magnet
	LabVolt AC/DC power supply photo (green)	1	Majors storeroom, shelf C3    or Lecture/demo room (Valentine 205A)
	Large horseshoe magnet	1	Lecture/demo room (Valentine 205A)
	Wire (Note: this is a special wire for this experiment; see photo on details page)	1	non-Majors storeroom
	Small piece of 4x4 or two – 2x4's	1	non-Majors storeroom, shelf J2
Square Coil
	Square coil	1	Lecture/demo room (Valentine 205A)
	LabVolt AC/DC power supply (green)	1	Majors storeroom, shelf C3    or Lecture/demo room (Valentine 205A)
	Wire (12")	2 1 - red 1 - black	104 Lab
	Alligator clips	2	Majors storeroom, shelf B2

Computers Needed?

• Only 1 - Jeff will plug in an old computer & monitor!

Notes:

• Experiments need to be spread around the room – but not near the computers – so that the magnetic fields don't interfere with each other. (See this page for photo details)

  

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• Preferred Solenoid setup:

  If available, use a regulated power supply (40+ VDC) to power the solenoid. Set the current to 0.3 – 0.4 A (higher if possible).

  

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• Alternate Solenoid setup:

  In this configuration, current for the solenoid is provided by the DC connectors in the lab bench. The DC supply for this lab bench will be set (and wired) by the instructor using the power supply in the stockroom. Set it to the maximum voltage (15 volts or higher); this will provide about 0.2 A of current (connect a multimeter to measure the voltage). The rest of the lab will be set to 6V DC for use with the smaller coils.

  

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• Square coil setup:

  

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• Shorted wire through a horseshoe magnet setup:

  

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• The lab bench power panels are set to 6 volts DC.

• Print three copies of "Strong Magnets in Use" signs (two for door, one for board; Jeff has the file).

• Other stuff to play with:
  • Short wire between poles of horseshoe magnet - make it jump.
  • Hold iron filings (in clear goo) over horseshoe magnet.
  • Play with magnets (attraction, repulsion).
  • Wave magnet in front of old computer monitor.

Return To Setup Instructions

©	St. Lawrence University	Department of Physics

Revised: 04 Jun 08

Canton, NY 13617