Conductivity, altered by a magnetic field?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential effects of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic stirrer on the conductivity measurements of an electrolytic solution. Participants explore whether the magnetic field influences the current flowing between the electrodes of a conductivity meter, considering the experimental setup and equipment used.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if the magnetic field from the stirrer affects the conductivity readings, expressing a desire for a negative answer.
  • Another participant asserts that the rotating magnet likely creates an AC field, complicating the separation of effects from the stirrer and the conductivity meter.
  • A different participant suggests that the frequency of the stirrer's rotation may need to be synchronized with the conductivity tester for accurate readings, proposing an experiment to test the effect of varying stirrer speed on conductivity.
  • Another response indicates that while a precise conductivity meter might filter out noise, the equipment used in a high school lab is likely basic, which could affect the reliability of the readings.
  • A suggestion is made to compare the conductivity of deionized water with and without the stirrer to check for differences, emphasizing the importance of error analysis in experiments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the magnetic field affects conductivity measurements, with no consensus reached. Some propose that it does have an effect, while others suggest that the impact may be minimal depending on the equipment used.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the limitations of the equipment typically found in high school labs and the potential for external factors to influence conductivity readings. There is an acknowledgment of the need for careful error analysis in experimental setups.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for high school students conducting experiments related to conductivity, educators looking to understand common experimental challenges, and researchers interested in the effects of magnetic fields on electrical measurements in solutions.

Dingle
Conductivity, altered by a magnetic field?

Hi

Im a high school student studying physics.

I conducted an experiment that measured the conductivity of KCl electrolytic solution vs. a change in concentration.

Anyway, i had a magnetic stirrer stirring the solution in a beaker when the conductivity probe from a EDT Series 3 RE387Tx Conductivity meter was inserted to take a reading.

Now the question is,
Does the magnetic field created by the magnetic stirrer also affect the Current flowing between the conductivity meters electrodes and therefore the CONDUCTIVITY!?
(please say no ! )

PS: The conductity meter puts a small amount of AC through the solution.
 
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My bet would be yes. Sorry! :)


The rotating magnet also creates a AC field, it is not clear how the conductivity meter would separate contributions due to the field it generates vs that created by the rotating magnet.

I am currently working on a process which uses conductivity to control the concentration of a chemical (TMAH), we have found that when our heaters are on we have a higher conductivity reading. So you are not alone in being messed up by outside effects on conductivity.
 
Since the magnetic stirrer is rotating, it would create an ac potential in the solution, but I would think that the frequency of rotation of the stirrer would have to be synchronized with the conductivity tester in order to produce a steady reading.

Am I wrong here?

IF you could, see if changing the speed of rotation changes the reading. My inclination (without knowing specifics) is that the stirrer would not contribute much significant current unless you are operating with very precise equipment
 
Actually an expesive, precise, conductivity meter may do exactly what you are wanting. That is does noise rejection, however this is a high school lab, I would bet that they have pretty basic equipment.

A good check, would be to check the conductivity of some DI water, on and off the stirer, compare conductivities.

Remember in any High school/college physics lab a well thought out explanination of errors should be worth more then an error free experiment.
 

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