Magnetic Fields

There is an area round the magnet in which magnetic materials are attracted by the magnet.

This is called the Magnetic Field.

How can you show these lines of force?

Place a bar magnet under a piece of paper. Sprinkle coarse iron filings over the paper and gently tap until they form a pattern.

This shows the lines of force of the magnetic field.

Place two bar magnets under a piece of paper. Place the North-seeking poles opposite each other.Sprinkle coarse iron filings over the paper and gently tap until they form a pattern.

This shows the lines of force of the magnetic field.

The X marks a neutral zone where there is no magnetic field.

Place two bar magnets under a piece of paper. Place a North seeking poles near to a South-seeking pole. Sprinkle coarse iron filings over the paper and gently tap until they form a pattern.

This shows the lines of force of the magnetic field.