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Gravity vs. Magnetism

We’re going to explore the forces of gravity and magnetism by having them battle for control of certain items.

Each group has the following setup:

A jar with a ruler taped on it

Several pieces of string

Several metallic items

Tape

A little straw

Several iron magnets

Several neodymium magnets

Each group will test how strong the magnetic force is on each of the objects. They will test the various objects, and they will test the strength of the various combinations of magnets.

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Step One - Set Up

Set up the cantilever.

Tape the straw to the table.

Tape each metallic object to the end of a piece of string.

Step Two - Experiment

Place an iron magnet on top of the ruler.

Hang a metallic object underneath the ruler.

Feed the string through the straw.

Pull gently on the string to create a gap between the ruler and the metallic object.

Experiment with different objects and different amounts of magnets.

Step Three - Collect Data

Hang the paper clip underneath the ruler.

Stand a 2nd ruler vertically behind the paper clip and string. Align the metric side of the ruler directly behind the paper clip.

Gently pull the string while watching the gap between the ruler and the paper clip.

Record the distance at which the paper clip falls out of the magnetic field.

Step Four - Inferences

What did you observe in the data?

What inferences (or conclusions) would you draw from this experiment?

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