Magnetism in a Bottle
The direction of the magnetic field can be visualised by using iron particles suspended in an fluid and placing a strong magnet in its vicinity.
The magnetic field generated by the magnet creates a force field which the iron particles will align with.
Components:
- mineral oil
- iron powder
- flat bottle
- strong magnets of various shapes
Working Principle:
The magnetic field created by a magnet arises due to the magnetic moments in the electrons of its atoms.
Field lines are imaginary lines with tangents that coincide with the direction of the magnetic induction vector at each location in the field and are used to depict a magnetic field.
Field lines do not exist in a real field; this is only a handy graphic emulating some of the field’s features. The field lines of a magnetic field are closed and continuous because it is a vortex field. When you observe a magnetic field, you’ll see that the density of the field lines is higher where the field is stronger, and the magnetic induction vector is also higher.
Instructions:
- Fill a bottle halfway with mineral oil, then top it off with iron powder.
- Close the bottle and shake it vigorously to uniformly disperse the iron particles throughout the volume.
- Hold the container up to a magnet and observe how the particles form closed, curved lines.
- Using multiple magnets and their combinations, you may create a variety of forms and patterns.
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KneGau0Rlw
https://leftbraincraftbrain.com/steam-camp-how-to-make-a-magnetic-field-sensory-bottle/
https://www.apexmagnets.com/news-how-tos/diy-magnetic-field-bottle/