Guillermo Paz

Solenoid circles affecting the force

Variables Spider diagram:

Current and voltage

Distance between the electromagnet and the compass

Strength of a magnetic field generated with an alaectromagnet

Number of solenoid turns

Size of iron bar

Aim: We are going to see if the number of turns of a solenoid on an electromagnet around an electromagnet affects the deflection of a compass needle. Introduction: In this investigation we are trying to find out how the number of solenoid turns around an iron bar affect the force generated in the electromagnet. We will measure the force by recording the distance at which the compass needle starts to point at the magnetic fields of the electromagnet. We will move slowly the compass towards the electromagnet and watch for the change of direction.

Guillermo Paz Diagram:

Variables table: Type of Variable Independent Dependent

Variable No. Of turns Distance

Control

Size of Iron bar

Control Control

Amount of current Compass pointing coincidence with the north and the magnetic field lines

How to achieve it Recording how many circles of solenoid are around the iron bar Measure at which distance the compass needle changes direction, pointing the electromagnetic field line of the magnet. Maintain the same sized iron bar and measure each one before using them Maintain the current to 3 amps Put the compass so that the needle points in a direction where it wont point when its close to the electromagnet

Apparatus: Solenoid Power pack Wires Iron bar

Guillermo Paz Compass Ruler

Method: 1. Set the apparatus as shown in the diagram 2. Take the iron bar with 25 solenoid circles on it. 3. Turn on the power pack and put it at a constant 13 amps 4. Put the compass at the end of the ruler. Start moving the compass slowly toward the electromagnet and watch closely for the change of direction of the compass needle. When the needle changes direction and starts pointing at the electromagnetic fields of the electromagnet, record the distance from the compass to the electromagnet.Leave the compass alone till you have record the distance. 5. Record the distance from the electromagnet to the compass when the compass needle starts to point at the electromagnets field lines. 6. Add 25 circles of solenoid and repeat, do these with 50,75,100 and 125 solenoid circles and record the distances. Always keep the current at 13 volts. 7. Put all your results on a data table. And repeat procedure three times. Results: Number of solenoid turns Distance at which the needle starts to point at the magnetic field lines of the electromagnet/cm T1 25 50 75 100 125 12 15 18 21 24 T2 12 15 18 21 24 T3 12 15 18 21 24 12 15 18 21 24 Average

Graph:

Guillermo Paz

Distance atwhich the needle starts to point at the direction of the magnetic field lines of the

Distance at which the needle starts to point the direction of the magnetics fields lines of the electromagnet/cm
30 25 20 15 10 5 0 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

y = 0,12x + 9

Number of solenoid circles

Conclusion: The graph shows a positive straight correlation. With an equation of y=0.12x+9, were x stands for the number of solenoid turns and y stands for the distance between the compass and the electromagnet. It does not pass through 0,0 so therefore the distance is not proportional to the number of turns. We found out that as we increase the number of solenoid turns on the iron bar,the distance for the compass to change direction and point to the electromagnet increases as well. This is because the electromagnet gains more power so the electric field line become bigger and stronger. Evaluation: I think overall we did a good experiment but we could improve the experiment. We may have the paradox error. This is a very common error in experiment like this, that student dont pay much attention to. This error is when we see the result from an angle so we can easily confuse the real measurement. So as you can see in the picture we can look at the result at an angle and put the wrong result. We improve this by putting the compass closer together to the ruler and make sure we are looking straight at the ruler so no errors can be made.

Guillermo Paz

There is also the error of electricity. We changed the number of solenoid turns and as we increase that number, the current goes down. This happens because of resistance. We make sure this does not happen by managing the current and maintaining it to 3 amperes using the ammeter to check the current.