Physics Demonstrations at Cal Poly Pomona
Demo Index:
Pira Index:
Title:
Description:
Demonstrates that a magnetic field exerts force on current carrying wire.
Equipment:
1. Large permanent magnet
2. Two telescopes clamps
3. Two 3-finger clamps
4. Two lab poles
5. Long A-A lead
6. Edison cell battery
Compass or magnaprobe can be given to indicate the magnets polarity (N pole of compass is attracted to S pole of magnet)
B field N to S
Current + to -
Right-hand rule tells you which direction the wire will jump.
Procedure:
1. Connect one end of the wire to the negative battery terminal and the other end to the positive terminal. Watch the direction of the wire motion.
2. Reverse the connections and try again.
Warning -- Do not keep the wire on the battery for more than a second or two. The wire could catch fire or the battery could be damaged.
