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Magnetism: Invisible Forces
Introduction:
There's something almost magical about a magnet. A magnet creates a
magnetic field that pushes and pulls through thin air. Though magnetic
fields are invisible, you can see their effect on iron filings, compass
needles, and other magnets.
If you have any questions or problems, ask an orange-jacketed Explainer for help.
 Can't
find an exhibit or have a question? Ask an Explainer. |
| Black Sand |
- Put this sheet of paper on top of the magnet and sprinkle some black
sand on it. Move the paper to different parts of the magnet. Describe
the pattern you see.
- Put your hand on the magnet and sprinkle
sand on your hand. Does the magnetic field pass through your hand?
Yes___ No___
| Visible Magnetic Domains |
Look at the disk through the microscope and notice the maze of tiny lines. These lines are tiny magnetized areas called domains. The dark lines have their north poles facing up, and the bright lines have their north poles facing down.
Bring the bar magnet near the disk. The south pole of the magnet pulls up on the north end of the domains, making the disk turn dark.
What does the other pole of the magnet do to the
disk?
| Magnetic Spinner |
Hold the spinner with the magnets under the table and spin the spinner.
- How do the metal filings move—the same direction as your spin
or the opposite direction?
- How do they move? Do they slide
around? Jump? Tumble end over end?
| Magnetic Clouds |
- After you drag some black sand up from the bottom, let it go and
then quickly bring the magnet down the tube to catch sand particles
as they fall past.
Draw what it looks like as the magnet catches the particles.
- Now try this with both magnets.
Draw what it looks like as both magnets catch the particles.
- How can you get one of the magnets to stick to the upper part of
the tube without slipping down?
| Magnetic Tightrope |
- Which object is the easiest to move between the magnets?
- Is there any way to get the aluminum rod (the one in the middle)
to stay stuck to one of the magnets? If you can do this, describe
or draw how you did it.
| Floating in Copper |
- Can you get the object between the copper bars to float? How?
- What's unusual about how the magnet between the copper pieces moves?