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Magnetic Fields
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Activity Sheet GTE-11
Objectives: To diagram magnetic lines of force in order to identify the magnetic field of a single
magnet. (Day 1)
To diagram magnetic fields in order to describe how magnets interact. (Day 2)
ENERGY Note: How can magnetic fields be seen?
Materials (per group)
bar magnets
horseshoe magnet
iron filings
projector
Activity 1: Drill
1. What do you think is meant by the term “magnetic field”?
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Activity 2: Diagramming Magnetic Fields
2. Construct a sketch of the teacher’s demonstration in the space.
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3. Explain why you think this pattern occurs.
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3. Read the passage, “Magnetic Fields.”
MAGNETIC FIELDS
Any magnet, no matter what its shape, has two ends called poles. A pole is the area of a magnet
where the magnetic effect is strongest. One pole of a magnet points towards magnetic north of
the earth and is labeled north. The other pole is labeled south.
Although magnetic forces are strongest at the poles of a magnet, they are not limited to the
poles alone. Magnetic forces are felt around the rest of the magnet as well. The region over
which the magnetic forces can act is called a magnetic field. A magnetic field can be drawn
using magnetic lines of force extending from one pole of a magnet to the other.
The following guidelines should be applied when making magnetic field diagrams of
magnets:
• Representative arrows must leave the north pole of the magnet.
• Representative arrows must enter the south pole of the magnet.
• Representative arrows are more concentrated at the poles of a magnet.
5. Redraw your diagram from the teacher demonstration using the guidelines for constructing
magnet field diagrams.
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You have diagrammed the magnetic fields for bar magnets. Now, let’s consider the magnetic fields
for other shaped magnets.
6. In your Log Book draw a horseshoe magnet. Draw magnetic lines of force to predict how the
magnetic field will look.
Day 2: Diagramming Interactions Between Pairs of Magnets.
7. Exploration Ditto
Homework: Lab Analysis