Core Practical: Investigating Magnetic Fields (Edexcel IGCSE Physics (Modular)): Revision Note

Ashika

Written by: Ashika

Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll

Updated on

Core practical 12: investigating magnetic fields

Aim of the experiment

  • To investigate the magnetic field pattern for a permanent bar magnet and between two bar magnets

Equipment

Equipment List

Equipment

Purpose

Two bar magnets

Produce a magnetic field which is plotted

Plotting compasses

Show the direction of the magnetic field at a given point

Paper

Plot the magnetic field pattern on this

Pencil

Plot the magnetic field pattern with this

Method

Step 1:

  • Place the magnet on top of a piece of paper

  • Draw a dot at one end of the magnet (near its corner)

Direction of Magnetic field Step 1, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Step 2:

  • Place a plotting compass next to the dot, so that one end of the needle of the compass points away from the dot

  • Use a pencil to draw a new dot at the other side of the compass needle

Direction of Magnetic field Step 2, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Step 3:

  • Move the compass so that it points away from the new dot, and repeat the process above

Direction of Magnetic field Step 3, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Step 4:

  • Keep repeating the previous process until there is a chain of dots going from one end of the magnet to the other

  • Then remove the compass, and link the dots using a smooth curve – this will be the magnetic field line

Direction of Magnetic field Step 4, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Step 5:

  • Repeat the whole process several times to create several other magnetic field lines

Direction of Magnetic field Step 5, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Step 6:

  • Repeat the whole process for two bar magnets placed 5 cm apart first facing the same pole then facing opposite poles

Analysis of results

  • The magnetic field pattern for the single bar magnetic should look like this:

Direction of Magnetic field around a Bar magnet, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

The magnetic field of a bar magnet plotted

  • The magnetic field pattern for two bar magnets should look like this:

Magnetic Field around two Bar Magnets, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Magnetic field of two bar magnets interacting

Evaluating the experiment

  • Make sure the pencil you use is sharp to provide a clear and accurate drawing of the field lines

  • Read the marker on the compass from above and not at an angle

  • Allow the compasses to settle for a couple of seconds before taking the reading

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

Expertise: Physics Project Lead

Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.

Caroline Carroll

Author: Caroline Carroll

Expertise: Physics Subject Lead

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.