
To do this, simply follow the steps below: The principle behind it is also based on the magnetic alignment of the contained iron components. Nails, screws, paperclips, and other objects can be turned into magnets themselves with the help of a horseshoe magnet (in the shape of a bridge). Horseshoe magnet: 2nd experiment: Magnetize objects Large horseshoe magnets, whose poles are color-coded, are particularly suitable for such an experiment. In this way, the course of the field lines can be made visible and the extent of the magnetic field can be measured. If you then place a horseshoe magnet in the center of the shavings, the iron particles align themselves along the magnetic field lines due to the polarity of their atoms.
Step 2: Bring the horseshoe magnet into contact with the filings. Spread the shavings on a smooth surface, e.g., a coated tabletop or a sheet of paper. In addition to the horseshoe magnet, for this experiment you will need fine iron filings, such as those produced when filing metal objects. Horseshoe magnet: 1st experiment: Making magnetic field lines visible With their help, the basic laws of magnetism can be illustrated in a playful way. Horseshoe magnets are predestined for physics. Do you need corresponding strong horseshoe magnets? You can find suitable specimens in our school magnets category! The horseshoe magnet: Experiments for school and at home This also applies to bridge-shaped magnets. Stronger areas of the magnetic field are indicated in the illustration by a higher density of field lines. On the other hand, from the outside of the North Pole, the field lines run in arcs around the horseshoe towards the outside of the South Pole. On the one hand, they move from the inside of the North Pole directly to the opposite South Pole and generate such a homogeneous magnetic field that no other shaped magnet has. What characterizes the magnetic field of a horseshoe magnet?Ĭompared to the magnetic field of a bar magnet, the field lines in the vicinity of a horseshoe magnet (due to its bridge shape) draw a much more complex picture. In the direction of their arrows, they symbolize where the north pole of an imaginary iron particle would move along the magnet. The direction in which the forces of a magnetic field (Lorentz force) run is illustrated by the field lines on schematic drawings that many people are familiar with from physics lessons. The effect is visible and noticeable in the form of magnetic attraction on these bodies. So, the north pole of each iron atom moves towards the south pole of the magnet and vice versa. When iron encounters a magnet, its elementary components align with the pole counterparts of the magnet. Each atom has its own north and south poles. Due to the spin, the movement of the electrons around the atomic nucleus, each iron particle acquires the properties of a tiny electromagnet. This phenomenon is due to the atomic structure of metals. The exact definition of the Lorentz force is: The Lorentz force is the force that acts on individual moving charge carriers in a magnetic field (Lorentz force). This force is also known as the Lorentz force.
Both its north and south poles exert strong gravitational pulls on bodies made of ferromagnetic materials such as iron, cobalt, and nickel.
Like every magnet in the world, a horseshoe magnet has two magnetic poles. Due to its material composition, it constantly generates a magnetic field within itself and in its immediate vicinity. In contrast to an electromagnet, a horseshoe magnet is what is known as a permanent magnet. Here you can find out why these specimens are particularly suitable for interesting experiments and where you can still use them in everyday life. Decorative horseshoe magnets seem rather harmless in this context. It is not without reason that experts recommend finding out about the possibilities and risks before handling magnets. When unpacking the heavy metal plates from separate packages, however, the amateur athlete underestimated the enormous forces of attraction: His hand was squeezed between the magnets striving towards each other like in a vise.įinally, the fire brigade had to move in, and they freed the man from the magnetic clamp using physical strength, a rubber mallet, and wooden wedges. Horseshoe magnet - The helper for school and at homeĪ young man from Düsseldorf found out painfully that magnets can do more than just attach shopping lists to the refrigerator door: In order to hang his bike from the ceiling over the winter, he had ordered two so-called super magnets on the Internet.