PLOTTING MAGNETIC
LINES OF FORCE:
A CURRENT CARRYING WIRE (Coil)
EQUIPMENT
Blue Power Supply (Max = 12 volts)
Coil Model
Iron Filings
NARRATIVE
The magnetic field of a current carrying
wire may be plotted with iron filings.Using the Demonstration table overhead projector,
connect the coil model to the blue power supply using no more than 12 VDC. Sprinkle iron
filings on the model while tapping it. The filings will form circular paths around the
wire. Do not leave the power supply on longer than it takes to establish the lines of
force as the wire gets very hot very quickly.