Magnetic field of the bar magnet in Electromagnetism- Class 10 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Electromagnetism

Activity Name: Magnetic field of the bar magnet in Electromagnetism

Activity Description:

In this experiment, we will explore the magnetic field of a bar magnet using a magnetic compass and a sheet of white paper. The magnetic field of the bar magnet affects the compass needle without any physical contact, causing it to deflect and align in specific directions. Through this activity, we aim to understand the nature of the force acting on the compass needle and observe how it varies with the position of the magnet.

Required Items:

1. Bar magnet
2. Magnetic compass
3. Sheet of white paper
4. Pencil

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Place the white paper on a horizontal table.
2. Put the bar magnet in the middle of the sheet.
3. Position the magnetic compass near the magnet, and observe the direction in which the compass needle settles.
4. Use a pencil to mark dots on the paper on either side of the compass needle.
5. Remove the compass and draw a small line segment connecting the two dots.
6. Draw an arrow on the line segment, indicating the direction from the South Pole to the North Pole of the compass needle.
7. Repeat the process by placing the compass needle at various positions around the paper. Note the different directions in which the compass needle settles.

Experiment Observations:

The compass needle settles in different directions at different positions around the bar magnet, aligning with the magnetic field lines.

Precautions:

1. Ensure the bar magnet is not too close to other magnetic objects during the experiment to avoid interference.
2. Keep the compass away from metal objects and electromagnetic devices to obtain accurate readings.
3. Handle the bar magnet and compass with care to avoid damage.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

Through this experiment, we learn that the magnetic field of a bar magnet exerts a force on the compass needle from a distance. The magnetic field lines influence the alignment of the compass needle, causing it to point in specific directions relative to the magnet’s poles.