How Can Current Influence Magnetic Field Strength in a Solenoid?

[UnderageThink]

Hey guys, I'm really having problems with this. Normally I get pretty good grades but this just has me completely stuck. It's hard because I have to design something, yet it doesn't seem like there's a lot of easily understanable information out there to draw from. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Homework Statement

Plan a procedure to investigate the relation between the current in a solenoid and the magnetic field produced.

Your documentation should show:

-Evidence that you have considered possible ways of detecting the magnetic field
-Evidence that you have considered a range of methods for measuring the magnitude of the magnetic interaction.
-A clean, labelled diagram of your choses apperatus
-A description and eplination of the measurments to be taken and the variables to be kept constant.
-A description of the experimental procedure to be followed.
-A suggested method of determining the relationship between the current in the solenoid and the magnetic field strength produced.

Homework Equations

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The Attempt at a Solution

Ways I have considered to detect the magnetic field:

Bar magnet. You can use a bar magnet suspended on a string, move it around until it free to move and align to the magnetic field.

Iron Filings.

If iron filings are placed on a piece of paper above the solenoid then they will align themselves to the shape of the magnetic field lines around the current carrying solenoid. The closer the filings are together the stronger the magnetic field.

Compass.

You can detect the magnetic field with a compass around a solenoid, the compass needle will point to the Earth's magnetic field if there is no magnetic field present otherwise if there is a magnetic field present the compass needle to point towards the magnetic field of the solenoid.

Force of bar magnet on scales.

The three types of scales available for use are Newtons force spring, triple beam balance and electronic scales. I have chosen electronic scales because that is easiest.

The weight of the bar magnet will increase on the scales as the current is increased, therefore the magnetic field of the solenoid increases, therefore the force on the bar magnet is increased. This means it is a good way of measuring the magnetic field because there is an actual variable to be measures – the weight. We can see increases and decreases in this related to the force due to the current.


Strength of compass orientation.

Distance between metal filings. The closer the filings are together the stronger the magnetic force. Unfortunately this cannot be easily measured in a tangible way.

Current – Independant variable
Force on bar magnet – dependant variable
Everything else is a constant.
W=mg
M=W/g
F=m


1. Attack a solenoid to a string, set up a retort stand with a clamp and connect the solenoid so it is suspended with its north pole facing down.
2. Place a bar magnet on a set of electric scales with it’s north pole facing upwards. Place the scales and magnet under the suspended solenoid.
3. Take note of the weight of the bar magnet or set the scales to zero.
4. Connect the solenoid to the power and turn on the voltage. Measure the weight of the bar magnet when the force has been applied.




As you can see I have some ideas but I am having trouble expanding it.


Thanks :D

 

[jbsteele]

To expand on the experiment, you could measure the magnetic field strength at different distances from the solenoid. You could also measure how long it takes for the bar magnet to reach its maximum weight when exposed to the solenoid's magnetic field. Additionally, you could measure how the magnetic field changes when the current is varied. To do this, you could set up a circuit with a variable resistor to adjust the current and measure the bar magnet's weight at each level of current.

 

[baba89]

Hello,

I understand that you are having trouble designing a procedure to investigate the relation between the current in a solenoid and the magnetic field produced. This can be a challenging task, but as a scientist, it is important to approach it systematically and with careful consideration.

First, let's start by defining the problem and the objective. The problem is to determine the relationship between the current in a solenoid and the magnetic field produced. The objective is to design a procedure to investigate this relationship.

Next, let's consider the ways to detect the magnetic field and measure its magnitude. You have mentioned some good options, such as using a bar magnet, iron filings, compass, and force on a bar magnet on scales. These are all valid methods that can be used to detect and measure the magnetic field. Other methods could include using a Hall probe or a magnetometer. It is important to consider the advantages and limitations of each method and choose the one that is most suitable for your experiment.

Once you have chosen a method, it is important to design your apparatus. This should include a clean and labeled diagram of your chosen apparatus, along with a detailed description and explanation of the measurements to be taken and the variables to be kept constant. This will help ensure the accuracy and reliability of your results.

In your chosen method, the independent variable is the current in the solenoid, and the dependent variable is the force on the bar magnet. It is also important to keep all other variables constant, such as the distance between the solenoid and the bar magnet, the strength of the bar magnet, and the type of scales used.

For the experimental procedure, you have mentioned some steps such as setting up a solenoid, connecting it to a power source, and measuring the weight of the bar magnet when the force is applied. These are all good steps, but it is important to also include the specific values of the variables, the number of trials to be conducted, and any safety precautions that need to be taken.

As for determining the relationship between the current in the solenoid and the magnetic field strength produced, you can plot a graph of your results with the current on the x-axis and the force on the y-axis. This will allow you to visually see the relationship between the two variables and determine if it is linear or not.

In summary, designing a procedure for an experiment can be challenging, but it is important to approach it systematically and carefully consider all aspects, such