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THE EARTH'S MAGNETIC FIELD

"The Magnetosphere"

PURPOSE: The purpose of this simple lab activity is to have you become more aware of the powerful magnetic forces that surround our planet.

MATERIALS: Each group will need:

• A magnet
• Pencil
• Test tube with iron fillings.
• magnifying glass
• Safety glasses (These are mandatory. Safety glasses must be worn at all times during the lab!)

DIRECTIONS:

First, take the magnet and put it under your lab sheet, and place the magnet so that it lies at an angle to the right of the geographic north pole. Make sure that you have the north pole matched with the northpole on you magnet, and the south pole matched with the south pole.( Mr. Andrews will go through an example in class).

Second, take the test tube with the iron filings in it and carefully sprinkle the filings onto the paper where the magnet is placed. Make sure that you use all of the filings but avoid dumping them all in one place.

Third, repeat the second step three or four times. Each time using fewer and fewer filings. Note what you observe. Remember that you should write down every little detail so that you have evidence to back up your conclusions.

Fourth, clean up your lab area, and make sure that all of the filings are placed back into the proper test tube. This can be easily done by folding a piece of paper to make a partial funnel. If you have problems with this Mr. Andrews will gladly brief you on the age old art of folding paper.

Lastly, record your observations on the lab data sheet, and answer the conclusion questions. Click on each in this sentence to download your copy. The conclusion questions can also be downloaded from the lab data sheet.