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Bar magnets (2)Iron nails (2)Stand with string (1)
In the table, list all of the ways you can pair up your bar magnets and iron nails when you lay two items end-to-end. (N-N, N-p, N-h, S-S, S-p, S-h, N-S, p-p, p-h)Predict what you reaction you will see for each pair.Place each pair end-to-end and record your observations. Was your prediction correct?
Magnetize both nailsHold a nail at one end.Swipe one pole of a magnet all the way along a nail (from head to point).Repeat 10-15 times.Hand one nail from the stand.Tie both ends of the string to one nail.Hang the string on the stand.Make sure the nail is balanced horizontally.Carefully and slowly move a nail near the hanging nail. Try both ends of both nails.
Map a Magnetic Field
In this activity, you will explore the interaction between magnets and iron nails that you make magnetic. This assignment is to be completed on paper, not online.
Materials
Part 1 - Diagrams
Draw a simple diagram of a bar magnet. Label the names of its two poles and the magnetic charges.
Draw a simple diagram of your iron nail. Label each end of the nail as the “point” and the “head”.
Part 2 - Predictions
Record your predictions and observations
Orientation of two objects
(2 magnets, 2 nails)
Prediction of reaction
(attraction, repulsion, nothing)
Observed effect
North - North
North - South
North - point
There are no rows in this table
Part 3 - Magnetic Nails
Watch through the 7-minute mark.
NOTE: Make sure the hanging nail is perfectly still before you try this. The effect may be quite small and subtle.
What did you observe? Why do you think the hanging nail reacted that way?
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