Observation of Magnetic Field Lines
Pontiga, D., Bernardo, M., Mate, C., Corpuz, M., Custodia, M., & Bantilan, J.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Rizal High School – Senior High School, Caniogan. Pasig City
1
bomimylove00@gmail.com
Abstract. This experiment aims to compare and
sketch the magnetic fields of different magnets. On
the first set-up, the magnets were placed
centimeters away on top of iron fillings. Six
compasses were used for the second set-up
surrounding the magnets. Smooth curves and filed
directions were indicated on the sketches. The set-
ups where the magnets were placed with identical
ends showed an attraction of magnetic field while
the set-ups with opposite ends facing each other
showed a repulsion of their magnetic fields.
Keywords: Magnets, Magnetic fields, Repulsion,
Attraction
Introduction
A magnet is any object or material that can produce a
magnetic field, which can be permanent magnets
(ferromagnetic) or electromagnets, (“What is a Magnet?,”
n.d.) having a north and south pole where the magnetic
field lines move towards and from.
The magnetic fields are created by moving charges and its
strength can be determined from the proximity from the
poles of a magnet; closer having a much denser magnetic
lines and effect and farther having less (“What is a
Magnetic Field?,” 2015). The magnetic field lines can be
traced with the use of iron fillings, determining the
ferromagnetic attraction, or with a compass, particularly
in the direction of the external magnetic field lines (Nave,
R., 1998).
Methodology
The students gathered the following materials for this
experiment such as 2 bar magnets, 2 horseshoe magnets,
compass, iron fillings and a sheet of cardboard. Then the
students placed the magnets on top of the iron fillings
following the arrangements given at the diagram. The bar
magnets were placed several centimeters away. The
students experimented on the distance of the magnets to
get a good pattern of the iron fillings. To easily obtain the
data, the students took pictures of the patterns made by
the iron fillings. After the experiment, each diagram was
drawn. And for the second part of the experiment, the
students placed 6 compasses around the magnets
following the diagram provided. This set-up was placed
on top of a clean piece of cardboard. The students found
Experiment 5: Coefficient of Restitution
out that some compasses have different labels of north and
south, they adjusted by writing the opposite sign. After
everything was arranged, the students took pictures of the
set-up. Then they drew the outline of the magnets for each
arrangement on their papers. They labeled the north and
south and trace the magnetic field lines as smooth curves
based on the set-up of the compasses. The field direction
was also indicated on the lines.
Result and Discussion
Conclusion
The researchers attempted to observe how the magnetic
field lines of a bar magnet and a horseshoe magnet in
different set-ups behave using iron filings and compasses.
The bar magnet and the horseshoe magnet were placed
consecutively in a rectangular container filled with iron
filings suspended in a fluid. The researchers also tried
different set-ups where two identical ends and two
opposite ends of the magnets are facing each other. The
experiment showed the concentration of the iron filings
on the polar opposites of the magnets as well as on their
magnetic field lines. On the other hand, the magnetic field
lines of the magnets in different set-ups were also
observed by surrounding the magnets with compasses.
The north end of the compass magnet aligns with the
magnetic field lines of the magnets being observed
thereby giving the direction of the flow of the magnetic
field lines and its location. The set-ups where the magnets
were placed with identical ends showed an attraction of
magnetic field while the set-ups with opposite ends facing
each other showed a repulsion of their magnetic fields.
Recommendation
The researchers encountered problems regarding the
equipment since; it’s difficult to use the bar and horseshoe
magnets since the magnetic effect it has on iron fillings is
very low; the iron fillings used in the experiment is very
difficult to visualize. The researchers would like to
recommend the future researchers to use proper and
effective lab equipment for the experiment since it is of
crucial importance in understanding the concept related to
the experiment. Student should also be flexible in using
the lab equipment as it is not always available to have
proper and effective lab equipment
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Acknowledgement
The researchers would like to express their deepest
gratitude to Mr. Rañeses for providing knowledge as basis
of this experiment and for a lot of guidance and assistance.
Also, to Rizal High School for providing the laboratory
equipment and apparatus needed. Above all, the almighty
God for the spirit of strength and motivation that pushed
the researchers to strive in performing this activity.

References

What is a Magnetic Field? (2015, July). Retrieved from

http://www.dowlingmagnets.com/blog/2015/what-is-a-
magnetic-
field/?fbclid=IwAR3py4keiH2Z31xNyezI4a7GihcL4kub
T-v3w0lqsx47LGyOid7CwN6Y0Lc

Nave, R. (1998). HyperPhysics: Electricity and

Magnetism. Retrieved from http://hyperphysics.phy-
astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/elemag.html?fbclid=IwAR1
4FrsPGj8UeplvIifxzDx-
eKFpvjEfrK0guzycQBPw6xsfNHB0rL3lfJM

What is a Magnet? (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.first4magnets.com/what-is-a-magnet-
i76?fbclid=IwAR1_PlJlaSGhTQx3TJTZBhnWyGwZbL
4H6Ttn-Bmvw7-h_SZEJR3wN65grEg

Experiment 5: Coefficient of Restitution